Weather in Seattle, Washington
Shoots and Sprouts Rise in Ranks. Day 58 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Heavy Drizzle37%54°44°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—61°40°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—66°47°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle—62°49°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—67°45°
- ThursdayMay 21Mostly Clear—76°46°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—73°52°
- PM 2.5
- 3.2 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 3.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 78.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 2.1 Low
Flowers blooming in late autumn, a sure sign of a bad winter coming.
- Moonrise
- 11:50 AM
- Moonset
- 3:04 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Shoots and Sprouts Rise in Ranks
Seattle at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 10°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: June 1 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 16, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August marks Seattle's warmest month (~67°F mean), while December brings the coldest temperatures (~42°F). Rain follows its own schedule, with November delivering peak amounts (5.8 inches) and July providing the driest conditions (0.8 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42° | 5.1″ | 12 |
| February | 43° | 3.5″ | 9 |
| March | 47° | 3.9″ | 11 |
| April | 51° | 3.0″ | 9 |
| May | 57° | 2.2″ | 6 |
| June | 61° | 1.6″ | 5 |
| July | 67° | 0.8″ | 2 |
| August | 67° | 1.0″ | 3 |
| September | 62° | 1.7″ | 5 |
| October | 54° | 3.6″ | 9 |
| November | 46° | 5.8″ | 12 |
| December | 42° | 5.5″ | 12 |
Regional context
Seattle belongs to the warm-summer Mediterranean climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Spokane, WA, Kennewick, WA, Bremerton, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA.
Naturalist notes
Pacific madrone trees begin their distinctive bark-shedding process in late May, revealing smooth reddish underskin as temperatures warm.
American robins start their second nesting cycle around mid-May, taking advantage of longer daylight hours and abundant earthworms in Seattle's moist soils.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Seattle?
- Seattle's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-May, while the first fall frost returns around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Seattle?
- November brings the wettest conditions with about 5.8 inches of rain on average; Seattle receives roughly 38 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Seattle?
- August typically delivers the warmest temperatures, averaging about 67°F.
- What is the coldest month in Seattle?
- December typically brings the coldest weather, averaging about 42°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Seattle?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-May); warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Seattle get?
- Seattle experiences about 95 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Seattle?
- Seattle's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool provides current zone designation when you enter the city ZIP code.
Climate
Seattle, Washington experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 42°F, while July brings averages of 67°F — creating a 24°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation in Seattle totals about 38 inches, falling across roughly 95 rainy days throughout the year.
Location at 47.6°N latitude, along with proximity to large water bodies and local elevation, determines the rhythm of seasons here. These factors influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather patterns.