Seattle in winter is often misunderstood. While many travellers picture constant rain and grey skies, winter is actually one of the most rewarding times to explore the Seattle region. From snow-covered mountains and cosy island escapes to world‑class museums and iconic city sights, there’s no shortage of things to do — even in the colder months.
Based on our time slow travelling and house sitting in the region, here are the top things to do in Seattle in winter, along with practical tips on getting around, weather, and other must‑see attractions.
1. Explore the Sights of Seattle City
Winter is an excellent time to explore Seattle’s most famous landmarks, especially if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Must-see city sights include:
- Space Needle – Seattle’s most iconic landmark, with panoramic views over the city, Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains. Explore the Seattle Center and Artists at Work Playground too while in the area.
- Pike Place Market – One of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the USA, full of fresh produce, local food, and street performers.
- Original Starbucks – Located near Pike Place Market, a popular stop for first-time visitors, just be prepared to wait in line.
- Gas Works Park – A unique park with skyline views over Lake Union, particularly beautiful on clear winter days, plus a playground for the kids.
- Pier 62 – Right next to Pike Place Market, giving you great views of the Seattle waterfront.
2. Ski or Snowboard at Stevens Pass
One of the biggest surprises of winter in Seattle is just how close the snow is. Stevens Pass Ski Resort is located around 90 minutes from downtown Seattle, making it an easy day trip or overnight escape.
Stevens Pass offers a great mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, modern chairlifts, and reliable winter snowfall. Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, the drive itself through the Cascade Mountains is worth the trip in winter.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Reliable snow conditions
- Easy access from Seattle
- Scenic mountain drive
3. Explore Whidbey Island
Winter is an underrated time to visit Whidbey Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Washington State. Located just north of Seattle, Whidbey Island feels a world away, with forest walks, rugged coastline, and quiet beaches.
In winter, crowds are minimal, accommodation is often cheaper, and the moody coastal scenery is at its best. Popular stops include Deception Pass State Park, small waterfront towns, and forest trails that are perfect for cool-weather walking.
Our stops were:
- Lagoon Point County Park
- Price Sculpture Forest
- Chris’ Bakery, Oak Harbour
- Canoe Pass Bridge
4. Boeing Museum of Flight and Factory Tour
Seattle’s aviation history is a major part of the city’s identity, and the Museum of Flight is one of the best museums in the region. It’s an ideal winter activity, offering hours of indoor exploration.
You can explore historic aircraft, space exploration exhibits, and learn about Boeing’s role in aviation history. For those with extra time, the Boeing Factory Tour adds another layer to the experience.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Mostly indoors
- One of Seattle’s top-rated museums
- Suitable for all ages
5. Ballard Locks, Salmon Ladder & Seattle’s Botanic Gardens
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, often called the Ballard Locks, are one of Seattle’s most unique attractions and are well worth visiting in winter. Here you can watch boats pass between Puget Sound and Lake Union, and depending on the season, see salmon navigating the famous salmon ladder.
Located next to the locks are beautifully maintained botanic gardens, which are surprisingly enjoyable even in the cooler months. Winter brings fewer visitors, mossy greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for a slow walk.
Other great garden-style spaces to explore in winter include the Washington Park Arboretum and the Seattle Japanese Garden, both offering scenic walking paths and seasonal colour throughout the colder months.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Free and easy to visit
- Less crowded than summer
- A relaxing outdoor activity between city sights
Other Top Things to Do in Seattle in Winter
Even if you only have a few days, Seattle offers plenty more winter-friendly attractions:
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – Stunning glass installations, especially atmospheric in winter light.
- Seattle Art Museum (SAM) – A great option on rainy or cold days.
- Ferries on Puget Sound – Affordable scenic trips with incredible winter views.
- Olympic National Park – Snow‑capped mountains, rainforests, and rugged coastline within driving distance.
- Mount Rainier National Park – Iconic winter scenery and snowshoeing opportunities.
- Olympic Sculpture Park — Free outdoor art along the waterfront with views of Elliott Bay.
- Seattle Great Wheel — Great for all ages with views over the harbour.
- Kerry Park – a small local park with views of the city skyline.
Seattle With Kids — Family Fun All Year Round
Seattle isn’t just great for adults — it’s packed with kid-friendly attractions and activities that work well even in winter. Whether your kids are into science, animals, quirky art, or hands-on play, the Seattle region delivers. In addition to the above mentioned attractions, there are many more child focused sites.
Best Family Attractions
- Pacific Science Center – Interactive science exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on learning for all ages (perfect for rainy or cold days).
- Seattle Children’s Museum – Designed for younger kids with play-based exhibits and creative zones.
- Seattle Great Wheel – A large Ferris wheel on the waterfront with climate-controlled gondolas and great views over Elliott Bay.
- Seattle Aquarium – Marine life from Puget Sound and beyond, including otters, octopus, and interactive tide pool displays.
- Woodland Park Zoo – A classic family favourite with animals from around the world (look out for seasonal zoo lights in winter).
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – Pop culture, music, sci-fi and interactive exhibits that older kids and teens love.
- Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) – Pacific Northwest stories and interactive discovery packs for kids.
Fun Explorations Beyond Museums
- Fremont Troll – A giant public art sculpture under the Aurora Bridge — fun for kids to find and climb on.
- Giant Shoe Museum – A quirky little museum hidden in Pike Place Market that’s a fun stop for curious kids.
- Center for Wooden Boats – Museum preserving & exhibiting historic wooden boats, which can be rented & taken out on Lake Union.
- Olympic Sculpture Park – Outdoor art and waterfront walking trails — great for family photos and fresh air.
- Seattle Pinball Museum — Unlimited play on vintage and modern pinball machines — fun break from typical sightseeing
Seattle’s diversity of attractions means you can mix indoor fun and outdoor exploration — ideal when winter weather shifts from rainy to clear.
Getting to and Around Seattle
Seattle is easy to navigate, even in winter, and this is where smart transport choices can save both time and money.
- Flights: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is well connected domestically and internationally.
👉Flight search tool - Public Transport: Buses and light rail cover most major areas, including the airport and downtown. Ideal if you’re staying centrally.
- Driving: Hiring a car gives the most flexibility, especially for trips to Stevens Pass, Whidbey Island, or nearby national parks. Winter tyres or chains may be required for mountain travel.
👉Car rental comparison and booking - Parking: Street parking in Seattle is free on Sundays, making winter city exploration much easier.
- Ferries: Ferries are a key part of transport in the region and run year-round, offering some of the most scenic (and affordable) views in winter.
Weather in Seattle in Winter
Winter in Seattle typically runs from November to March.
- Temperatures usually range between 3–10°C (37–50°F)
- Rain is common, but often light rather than heavy
- Snow in the city is occasional, while surrounding mountains receive regular snowfall
Layering clothing along with a waterproof jacket and shoes are key when visiting Seattle in winter.
House Sitting & Slow Travel in Seattle
Seattle is an excellent city for house sitting and slow travel, particularly in winter when demand is high and competition is lower than peak summer months.
House sitting allows travellers to stay in residential neighbourhoods, experience daily life with locals, and significantly reduce accommodation costs. During our time in Seattle, this meant quiet suburban walks, access to green spaces, and an entirely different perspective from staying downtown.
Seattle’s walkable neighbourhoods, reliable public transport, and proximity to nature make it ideal for longer stays. We book all of our sits through a worldwide online platform, you can read more about housesitting in our blog here.
Watch Our Seattle Winter Travel Videos
We documented our time slow travelling and house sitting in the Seattle region across two videos, covering both the quieter suburban side of Seattle and the must-see city and regional highlights.
Episode 1:
Episode 2:
These videos show what winter travel in Seattle is really like — from slow mornings and mountain trips to local walks, iconic sights, and island escapes.
Suggested Seattle Itinerary
Three to five days is ideal for seeing Seattle’s main attractions, with extra time recommended if you plan to ski, snowboard, or explore nearby islands and national parks.
Day 1: Iconic Seattle City Sights (Easy Arrival Day)
Best for: First-timers, jet-lag friendly exploring
Morning: Pike Place & Waterfront
Start your trip at Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions.
- Watch the flying fish
- Visit the original Starbucks
- Explore artisan stalls and local food vendors
From here, walk to Pier 62 and down to the Seattle Waterfront for views over Elliott Bay.
Afternoon: Space Needle & Museum of Choice
Head to Seattle Center, home to:
- Space Needle (best views on clear winter days)
- Chihuly Garden and Glass (perfect indoor/outdoor combo)
- Artists at Work Playground (burn off that energy for the kids)
- Museum of Pop Culture (one of Seattle’s highest rated museums.
- Seattle Children’s Museum (something for big and little kids)
- Pacific Science Centre (another top rated museum)
These attractions are close together, making this a very efficient afternoon. Tip: Parking is free on Sundays throughout the city.
Evening: Kerry Park (Weather Permitting)
End the day at Kerry Park for a view of the Seattle skyline — especially atmospheric in winter light. It is just a small local park close to the Seattle Center but worth the stop for the views.
Day 2: Seattle Museums & Indoor Attractions (Perfect Winter Day)
Morning: Pacific Science Centre or Seattle Aquarium
Choose based on your travel style:
- Pacific Science Center → interactive, hands-on, ideal for kids (or another museum of choice if you did this yesterday)
- Seattle Aquarium → marine life from Puget Sound and beyond
Both are excellent winter options.
Afternoon: Ballard Locks, Salmon Ladder & Botanical Gardens
Start the day at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), one of Seattle’s most fascinating and completely free attractions.
- Watch boats pass between freshwater and saltwater
- Observe salmon using the salmon ladder (seasonal viewing) and learn all about this fascinating creature
- Explore the surrounding botanical gardens, which are surprisingly peaceful
- Great spot for photography and an easy, flat walk
This area is ideal for a slower winter wander and works well for families, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to see a different side of Seattle beyond the downtown sights.
Evening: Gas Works Park (Weather Permitting)
End the day at Gas Works Park for a panoramic view of the Seattle skyline — especially atmospheric in winter light. There is also a playground here for the kids and keep your eye out for seaplanes landing in the bay.
Day 3: Boeing, Aviation & Local History
Morning: Boeing Future of Flight Museum & Factory Tour
One of the most unique things to do near Seattle.
- Learn how commercial aircraft are built
- See massive hangars and production lines
- Combine museum + factory tour for best value
Afternoon: Museum of Flight (Optional but Excellent)
If aviation really interests you, add the Museum of Flight near Boeing Field:
- Historic aircraft
- Space exploration exhibits
- Interactive displays
Day 4: Snow Day at Stevens Pass (Winter Highlight)
Full Day Trip: Stevens Pass
Just under 2 hours from Seattle, drive your hire car to Stevens Pass. It offers:
- Skiing & snowboarding
- Scenic alpine views
- A true Pacific Northwest winter experience
Even if you don’t ski, simply being in the snow is a highlight for many visitors and the drive is beautiful. ⚠️ Tip: Always check weather and road conditions before heading into the mountains.
Day 5: Whidbey Island Day Trip (Slow Travel Favourite)
Whole Day Trip (5 hours): Ferry to Whidbey Island
In your hire car, take a ferry across Puget Sound — an experience in itself.
Explore Whidbey Island
Highlights include:
- Coastal towns
- Scenic viewpoints
- Quiet beaches
- Local cafes and bakeries
- Forest walks
- Canyon Views
Winter is a great time to visit — fewer crowds and a more local feel.
| Day | Focus | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | City Sights | Pike Place, Space Needle, Seattle Center, Kerry Park |
| 2 | Aquatic Focus | Miram M Chittenden Locks, Salmon Ladder, Aquarium, Gas Works Park |
| 3 | Aviation | Boeing Tour, Museum of Flight |
| 4 | Snow | Stevens Pass skiing/snowboarding |
| 5 | Island Day Trip | Whidbey Island ferry & walks |
Of course there is plenty more to do if you have time, energy or different interests. I have saved all of this on the blow interactive Google Map to help you out. Save this for future!
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