When it Rains, Seattle Shines

Visiting Seattle during the wet season has its own unique charm and can even offer a wonderfully memorable experience. Here’s a few reasons to consider it:

• The Cozy Atmosphere: The rainy season adds a cozy, intimate feel to the city. It’s perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café, exploring indoor attractions, and experiencing the city’s charm.
• Fewer Crowds: With fewer tourists, you’ll have more space to explore popular attractions and enjoy a more relaxed experience at places like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
• Lush Landscapes: The rain keeps Seattle’s parks and gardens lush and green. It’s a great time to explore outdoor spaces like the Washington Park Arboretum or Volunteer Park Conservatory.
• Local Deals: Travel costs are typically lower in the off-peak season and attractions often offer lower rates and special deals, making it a more affordable time to visit.

Plus, while Seattle is known for its rainy reputation, it typically doesn’t rain all day, every day. The rain in Seattle is often more of a light drizzle or intermittent showers rather than heavy, continuous downpours. You’ll find that it’s common to have overcast skies with occasional periods of rain, and there are often breaks where the clouds part and you can enjoy some dry weather—and sometimes even a bit of sunshine!

Rainy Day Finds: Local Favorites in Seattle

Rainy days are also the perfect excuse to explore some of the city’s hidden gems. Here are five unique activities to enjoy in Seattle when the weather is less than sunny:

• Sip Coffee at a Cozy Café: You can’t talk about Seattle without mentioning coffee! Rainy days are made for curling up in a cozy café with a good book or people-watching from the window. Head to Storyville Coffee in Pike Place Market for its inviting atmosphere, or try Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square for some of the best brews in town.
• Catch a Film at SIFF Cinema: For movie buffs, there’s no better rainy-day retreat than SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly known as Cinerama). This retro theater offers an unforgettable cinematic experience, with plush seats, a massive screen, perfectly balanced sound and their famous chocolate popcorn. Whether it’s a new blockbuster or a cult classic, this is an ultimate rainy-day escape.
• Take the Seattle Underground Tour: If you’re up for a bit of adventure, diseattle ve into Seattle’s quirky past with the Seattle Underground Tour. Beneath Pioneer Square lies a network of tunnels that once formed the city’s old streets. You’ll hear hilarious and bizarre tales of Seattle’s history while wandering through these forgotten passageways.
• Visit the Seattle Pinball Museum: Stop into the Seattle Pinball Museum, where you can play over 50 classic and modern pinball machines. The museum is both interactive and nostalgic, offering a fun, hands-on way to spend a rainy afternoon.
• Explore the Museum of Flight: For aviation enthusiasts or anyone fascinated by the skies, the Museum of Flight is a must-visit. With over 175 aircraft on display, including the space shuttle trainer and vintage planes, you’ll stay dry while soaring through the history of flight.