Seattle is a must-visit destination in the northwestern United States. Known for its waterfront, evergreen forests, and mountains, Seattle will lure you in with its beauty. But be prepared for its somewhat moody weather.
As one of the rainiest cities in the US, Seattle can get a bad reputation for its weather, but honestly, its not bad. Generally the rain here is a light drizzle and lasts only a few hours or less. You can get a full rainy day, but most commonly in the winter through early spring.
A trusty raincoat and waterproof shoes will be the best additions to your Seattle packing list. They’ll allow you to continue exploring rain or shine. This urban gem is waiting to be explored, and a little drizzle shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the best of Seattle, especially its outdoor spaces. So, here is the ultimate packing list for Seattle!
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4 Essentials for Every Seattle Packing List
1. Trusty Rain Jacket
Skip the umbrella and explore Seattle like a local with a trusty rain jacket. Not only do Seattleites rarely use umbrellas, but a rain jacket is also much easier to pack and more practical for all the best Seattle activities.
Make sure your rain jacket or raincoat is totally waterproof and not just water-resistant. I suggest going for a slightly larger fit so you can wear multiple layers underneath, depending on the temperature. Plus, a larger rain jacket will allow you to wear it over a small backpack if needed.
I recommend investing in a fleece-lined raincoat if you’re visiting in the winter months. This will be much warmer than a simple rain jacket, and you’ll likely still want to wear warm layers underneath.
Shop my recommended rain jacket for women and rain jacket for men.
2. Rain Boots or Waterproof Shoes
You don’t need to worry about packing a massive pair of rain boots, these would take up your entire suitcase and not be very practical when walking around the city. But if you’re wondering what shoes to wear in Seattle, a pair of ankle rain boots, duck boots, or waterproof shoes will be best when visiting Seattle any time of the year.
Pack a pair of tennis shoes that you have sprayed with waterproof spray and that have a decently thick rubber sole (or similar water-resistant material). If you’re visiting in the colder months, a pair of duck boots or ankle rain boots paired with wool socks is perfect for the colder days.
Click to shop the best waterproofing spray, women’s ankle rain boots, and men’s duck boots.
3. Day Backpack
I never travel without packing a small backpack to use as a day bag. When you’re visiting a city for a limited time, you’ll want to see and do as much as possible, so constantly returning to your hotel to grab stuff is likely not practical.
A small backpack or day bag will allow you to bring the necessary items with you to stay out and explore comfortably all day. Throw in a water bottle, snacks, a rain jacket, camera, charger, etc. and you’ll be ready to explore Seattle to the max.
Shop my favorite day backpack for any city adventure.
4. Clothing Layers
When it comes to how to dress in Seattle, wearing layers will be the best way to go no matter what time of the year you’re in town. Wearing layers allows you to adjust your body temperature as the day heats up and the nights get cold, etc.
Start with an undershirt or t-shirt, add a jacket or long-sleeve shirt, and top with a rain jacket. For colder days, add a sweater or a sweatshirt, and for warmer days, pack a long-sleeved shirt or your jacket in your backpack to have in case you get too cold.
When it’s very cold out during the winter months, pack a coat as well to layer. I recommend investing in a fleece-lined raincoat if you’re visiting in the winter months.
What to Wear in Seattle in March, April, and May
March and April in Seattle can still be pretty chilly, and when you add a drizzle on top, you can get cold easily. Pack warmer layers that you can comfortably wear under a rain jacket, or pack a warm, lined raincoat. May is slightly warmer with an average high of 63°F, but I still recommend wearing layers.
- Long pants x 3
- Long-sleeve shirt x 2
- Short-sleeve shirt or tank top x 2
- Sweatshirt x 1
- Jacket x 1
- Raincoat x1
- Duck boots or rain boots
- Long socks x 5
- Undergarments
- Tennis shoes
- Day backpack
Seattle Summer Packing List: June, July, and August
Summer in Seattle is beautiful, but do not expect hot weather even during this time of year. Averaging between 54°F and 72°F, summer temperatures in Seattle still warrant a few warm layers. With your day bag, you can wear a jacket out in the morning and store it in your bag when it warms up in the afternoon.
- Long pants x 2
- Shorts, dress, or skirt x 1
- Short-sleeve shirts or tank tops x 4
- Sweatshirt or warm cardigan x 1
- Jacket x 1
- Raincoat x 1
- Tennis shoes with thick waterproof soles
- Duck boots (suggested, not required)
- Socks and undergarments
- Day backpack
Seattle Fall Packing List: September, October, and November
Generally, September and October are not too rainy, but it’s still a good idea to bring a trusty rain jacket. These two months are also quite cold. If you’re visiting Seattle at the end of fall, expect it to be decently rainy and cold.
- Long pants x 3
- Long-sleeve shirt x 2
- Short-sleeve shirt or tank top x 2
- Sweatshirt x 1
- Jacket x 1
- Raincoat x1
- Duck boots or rain boots
- Long socks x 5
- Undergarments
- Tennis shoes
- Day backpack
What to Wear in Seattle in December, January, and February
The winter months in Seattle, December, January, and February, are the coldest and rainiest. With an average low temperature of 39°F and a high of 46°F, you will definitely want to pack warm clothes for a winter trip to Seattle. This time of year also brings an average of 13 days of rain per month.
- Long pants x 3
- Long-sleeve shirt x 3
- Short-sleeve shirt or tank top to layer x 2
- Sweatshirt or sweater x 2
- Thick Jacket or Coat x 1
- Lined Raincoat x1
- Duck boots or rain boots
- Long socks x 5
- Undergarments
- Day backpack
Seattle Outfits
As you get your packing list for Seattle together, below are some Seattle outfits to inspire your wardrobe. Stay comfortable and dry while exploring the best that Seattle has to offer. Seattle is a very casual city, so pack comfortable clothes for all day exploring.
Shop My Spring-Summer Outfit
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Shop My Fall-Winter Outfit
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Other Packing Essentials
Here are the packing essentials beyond clothes that I found important to have for my trip to Seattle. Some of these items are for the plane journey to and from the city, and others are for making your days in Seattle more enjoyable.
- Reusable Water Bottle – most hotels have water refill stations
- Portable Charger – Using your phone for directions and as a camera can drain the battery
- Digital Camera – I always travel with my Sony digital camera
- Headphones – for the airplane, and even the bus rides in Seattle
- A Good Book – a flying essential, my Kindle is always packed (click here to browse Kindles)
- Toiletries – do not forget to pack these!
In Conclusion: What to Wear in Seattle
It’s always a good idea to plan a trip to Seattle! While late spring through summer and early fall are the driest and warmest months to visit, winter is still beautiful, just pack a thicker raincoat and extra layers and you’ll be set.
Early April is the perfect time to visit if you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms blooming. As this is before the busy summer season, you should also be able to find good deals on flights and hotels in early spring. September and October are great months to visit, too, as the crowds have thinned, but the temperatures haven’t dropped that much.
No matter what time of year you plan on visiting the Emerald City, this ultimate Seattle packing list will help you prepare for an incredible trip to the Pacific Northwest. No more wondering what to wear in Seattle, save this guide to reference for your own Seattle trip, or send it to a friend who would enjoy this lush, waterfront city.
