8 Things to Do in Seattle on a Rainy Day
Here’s the thing about Seattle rain: it’s mostly a light, steady drizzle, not a downpour. Locals rarely bother with umbrellas. And from October to April, you’ll probably get some, so it’s worth having a plan.
In this guide
- 1. Explore Pike Place Market
- 2. See Chihuly Garden and Glass
- 3. Spend a few hours at MoPOP
- 4. Take the Underground Tour
- 5. Visit the Seattle Central Library
- 6. Go to the Museum of Flight
- 7. Do a coffee crawl on Capitol Hill
- 8. Browse Elliott Bay Book Company
- A rainy day plan that works
- How to dress for Seattle rain
- When does it rain most?
- Common questions
The good news is that Seattle is great when it’s gray. The coffee tastes better, the museums are excellent and the city feels cozy. Here are eight things that are perfect for a rainy day.
1. Explore Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market has been running since 1907, and most of it is covered, which makes it a perfect rainy-day stop. Watch the fishmongers throw salmon, browse the flower stalls and wander the lower levels full of odd little shops.
Go in the morning, before the crowds. Grab a pastry, a cup of chowder and some fresh fruit as you go. The original Starbucks is across the street, but the line is long and, honestly, it’s just a Starbucks. The gum wall in Post Alley is gross and weirdly fascinating.
2. See Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass, at the foot of the Space Needle, shows the work of Dale Chihuly, a glass artist from nearby Tacoma. The rooms are full of huge, colorful blown-glass sculptures that seem to glow.
The centerpiece is a tall glasshouse with a giant red and orange sculpture hanging from the ceiling. On a cloudy day, the soft light makes the colors look even richer. Plan about an hour and a half, and buy a combo ticket if you’re also going up the Space Needle.
3. Spend a few hours at MoPOP
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is right next door. The building itself, designed by Frank Gehry, looks like a smashed guitar. Inside, there are exhibits on music, science fiction, horror films and video games.
Seattle music fans will love the sections on Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, both from the city. There’s also a room where you can play instruments and record your own song. It’s easy to spend three hours here.
4. Take the Underground Tour
After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city rebuilt its streets one to two stories higher. The old sidewalks and storefronts are still down there, hidden under Pioneer Square.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes you through these tunnels with a guide who tells the story with plenty of humor. It’s about 75 minutes, mostly undercover, and a fun way to learn about the city’s wild early history. Afterward, explore Pioneer Square’s brick buildings and galleries.
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5. Visit the Seattle Central Library
The Seattle Central Library is one of the most striking buildings in the city. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and opened in 2004, it’s a jagged glass-and-steel box with a bright, open interior.
It’s free to visit. Take the escalator up to the tenth floor reading room for great views over downtown, then walk down the “Books Spiral,” a continuous ramp of shelves. It’s warm, quiet and a great place to sit out a shower.
6. Go to the Museum of Flight
Seattle is Boeing’s hometown, and the Museum of Flight, south of downtown, is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. The Great Gallery has dozens of planes hanging from the ceiling.
Outside, you can walk through a Concorde, an early Air Force One and the first Boeing 747. There’s also a space gallery with a full-size shuttle trainer. Give it at least half a day. It’s a great choice for families, too.
7. Do a coffee crawl on Capitol Hill
Seattle takes coffee seriously, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse for a café crawl. Capitol Hill has some of the best independent coffee shops in the city, all within walking distance of each other.
Try Victrola, Espresso Vivace or the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Pike Street, which is a huge, theatrical coffee experience. Order a pour-over, sit by the window and watch the rain.
8. Browse Elliott Bay Book Company
Elliott Bay Book Company is one of the best independent bookstores in the country. It’s housed in an old building on Capitol Hill, with wooden floors, high ceilings and a café inside.
It’s an easy place to spend an hour or two. They host author events most weeks, often free, so check the schedule. Pick up a book by a local author and read it over a coffee.
A rainy day plan that works
Start at Pike Place Market around 9am, when the stalls are opening. Take the monorail from Westlake Center to Seattle Center, and spend late morning at Chihuly and early afternoon at MoPOP. Head back downtown for the Underground Tour, then warm up with a coffee and a book on Capitol Hill.
If the rain stops for an hour, and it often does, walk down to the waterfront or take the short ferry to Bainbridge Island and back. The views of the skyline from the water are great, even under clouds.
How to dress for Seattle rain
Bring a waterproof jacket with a hood and shoes that can handle puddles. Layers are key, because it’s usually cool but rarely freezing. Skip the umbrella. It’s not that locals hate them, it’s just that the wind turns them inside out.
When does it rain most?
Seattle’s rainy season runs roughly from October to April, with November and December the wettest months. Summers are usually dry and sunny. Surprisingly, Seattle gets less total rain each year than New York or Miami. It just rains more often in smaller amounts.
Common questions
Does it really rain all the time in Seattle?
No. It’s often cloudy and drizzly from fall to spring, but heavy rain is less common than people think.
Is Seattle worth visiting in the rainy season?
Yes. Prices are lower, crowds are smaller and many top attractions are indoors.
Do I need a car?
No. The light rail, buses and monorail cover most of these stops. The Museum of Flight is easiest by car or rideshare.
Is the Seattle CityPASS worth it?
If you plan to visit the Space Needle, Chihuly and MoPOP, it usually saves money.
What should I pack?
A hooded rain jacket, waterproof shoes and warm layers. No umbrella needed.
