Question 1

How much total rainfall did Seattle get in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Seattle received a total of 1,322 mm (52.0 inches) of rainfall in 2024, confirming its reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest's wettest major cities.

The precipitation in Seattle followed a distinct seasonal pattern in 2024. December was the wettest month with 232.2 mm (9.1 inches), while July was the driest with just 5.7 mm (0.2 inches). This dramatic contrast highlights Seattle's characteristic Mediterranean-influenced climate, where dry summers give way to wet winters.

The rainy season from October through February accounted for 904.5 mm (35.6 inches) of precipitation, representing approximately 68% of the annual total. During this period, Seattle experienced persistent rainfall with November contributing 199.8 mm (7.9 inches) and January adding 212.3 mm (8.4 inches).

In contrast, the dry season from June through September saw only 148.0 mm (5.8 inches) of rain. Summer 2024 (June through August) was particularly dry with just 118.1 mm (4.6 inches) total, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

For visitors planning a trip to Seattle, the 2024 data shows that timing matters significantly. The autumn months (September through November) brought 355.0 mm (14.0 inches), while spring (March through May) was more moderate at 269.5 mm (10.6 inches). These patterns make late spring and summer the best windows for dry weather in Seattle.

Question 2

When is the best weather in Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Seattle enjoys its best weather from June through September, with July standing out as the peak month for sunny, dry conditions. Based on 2024 weather data, July delivered an exceptional 384.1 hours of sunshine and only 5.7mm (0.22 inches) of precipitation, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

During the summer months of June through August 2024, Seattle averaged 17.1°C (62.7°F) with temperatures in July reaching highs of 32.0°C (89.6°F). The entire summer season accumulated 924.2 hours of sunshine while receiving just 118.1mm (4.6 inches) of rain combined.

The contrast with Seattle's wet season is striking. From November through February, the city experiences an average of 194.8mm (7.7 inches) of precipitation per month, compared to only 37.0mm (1.5 inches) during the dry months from June to September.

For visitors planning a trip to Seattle, the period from mid-June to mid-September offers the most reliable weather with warm temperatures, minimal rain, and long daylight hours. July remains the optimal choice for those seeking maximum sunshine and the driest conditions, while September provides a pleasant transition with fewer crowds and still-comfortable temperatures averaging 15.3°C (59.5°F).

Question 3

How cold does Seattle get in January?

Accepted Answer

Seattle experiences cold but generally mild January temperatures, with an average of 4.1°C (39.3°F) recorded in January 2024. However, the city can see significant cold snaps that bring unusually frigid conditions.

During January 2024, Seattle's daily temperatures typically ranged from average lows of 1.4°C (34.5°F) to average highs of 7.0°C (44.6°F). The coldest temperature recorded was -11.5°C (11.3°F) on January 13, 2024, during an exceptional cold spell that gripped the Pacific Northwest. This Arctic outbreak from January 11-16 brought six consecutive days with sub-zero temperatures, averaging -4.3°C (24.2°F) during that period.

In contrast, Seattle also experienced remarkably mild days in late January 2024, with temperatures reaching as high as 16.0°C (60.8°F) on January 29—a temperature swing of over 27°C (49°F) within the same month. January 2024 saw six days where nighttime lows dropped below freezing.

The month was also notably wet, with 212.5mm (8.4 inches) of precipitation falling across 26 days. For visitors planning a January trip to Seattle, warm layers are essential, especially during potential cold snaps when temperatures can plunge well below freezing.

Question 4

What is the sunniest month in Seattle?

Accepted Answer

July is the sunniest month in Seattle, recording an impressive 384.1 hours of sunshine in 2024. This translates to an average of 12.4 hours of sunlight per day, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.

During July 2024, Seattle enjoyed not only abundant sunshine but also warm temperatures. The average temperature reached 19.1°C (66.4°F), with highs climbing to 32.0°C (89.6°F). The month was also exceptionally dry, with only 5.7mm (0.2 inches) of precipitation.

August followed as the second sunniest month with 281.2 hours of sunshine, while June ranked third with 258.9 hours. Together, the summer months from June through August delivered a total of 924.2 hours of sunshine. In contrast, January was Seattle's least sunny month with just 79.3 hours, meaning July received nearly 5 times more sunshine than the darkest winter month.

For the entire year of 2024, Seattle accumulated 2,237.9 hours of total sunshine. Those planning outdoor events, hiking, or simply seeking dry, sunny weather in Seattle should target July for the best conditions.

Question 5

What is the weather like in Seattle in autumn?

Accepted Answer

Seattle experiences mild but increasingly wet weather during autumn (September through November), with average temperatures of 11.3°C (52.3°F) in 2024. The season transitions dramatically from pleasant late-summer conditions in September to the characteristically rainy Pacific Northwest climate by November.

September in Seattle remains relatively warm and dry, with average temperatures of 15.4°C (59.7°F) and highs reaching up to 27.9°C (82.2°F). This makes early autumn an excellent time to visit, with 200.5 hours of sunshine and only 29.9mm of rainfall. October brings a noticeable shift as temperatures drop to an average of 11.1°C (52.0°F) and precipitation increases significantly to 122.7mm.

By November, Seattle's famous rainy season is in full effect. Average temperatures cool to 7.3°C (45.1°F), with lows dipping to 2.1°C (35.8°F). November 2024 saw 202.4mm of precipitation and just 98 hours of sunshine. The autumn season brought a total of 355mm (14.0 inches) of rain and maintained humidity levels averaging 83.1%.

For visitors planning an autumn trip to Seattle, September offers the best balance of comfortable temperatures and dry weather. Pack layers and rain gear for October and November, when overcast skies and frequent showers become the norm.

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FAQ

How much total rainfall did Seattle get in 2024?

When is the best weather in Seattle?

How cold does Seattle get in January?

What is the sunniest month in Seattle?

What is the weather like in Seattle in autumn?