Seattle is a popular tourist destination, even in the winter. People often ask “Does it snow in Seattle?” This article will answer that question and give you the lowdown on how much snow falls each year.
Seattle exudes the image of a rainy metropolis. With continuous rainfall in the fall, winter, and occasionally during spring, you may be wondering whether it ever snows in Seattle. Does it snow in Seattle?
Yes, Seattle does snow; however, it’s not really as it does in other cities in the US that it snows a lot. Snow may fall on Beacon Hill and Queen Anne Hill on a regular basis during the winter, but not always. Heavy snowfalls are possible at times.
History of Snow in Seattle
The most significant snowfall in Seattle history occurred in 1880, when 64 inches of snow fell. In 1916, 21 inches of exquisite snowcap was noted, followed by another 21 inches in 1950. 1996 and 1997 saw melting snow too rapidly, resulting in landslides.
Seattle Weather
Most of the time, the weather in Seattle is determined by how the Pacific Ocean behaves. When chilly air from the ocean’s heart drifts toward the Puget Sound region (which Seattle is part of) and lingers, snow and cold spells occur, especially frequently
The climate of Seattle is typically moist, mild, and temperate, with rain showers on average during the year. Winters are harsh in Seattle, with temperatures remaining at or below freezing for days at a time. In 2009, for example, there was a blizzard that left approximately 6 inches of snow on the ground for several days.
Given that Seattle resides on seven hills surrounded by water, even snowfalls that are minor might turn some roads and bridges into thin sheets of ice. Given how infrequently snow falls on Seattle, plowing isn’t a major priority. Moving about, on the other hand, may be difficult until the snow melts.
Seattle – When Does It Snow?
Seattle experiences snow in January, February, March, and November. The following are the monthly average snowfalls and snow days.
The city receives about five days’ worth of snow each year, with barely an inch of snowfall and usually melting within a day. Even during the winter in Seattle, you’d probably encounter little or no snow on some occasions.
However, when blizzards strike the city, snow may rise about a few inches above ground level, and Seattle has endured more than one storm in one winter season in the past. Every five years or so, significant snowfall affects Seattle.
Seattle – How Often Does It Snow?
It’s quite unusual. Winters in Seattle are cold, lasting from December to February, with temperatures that seldom drop below freezing (lowest temperature average of 35.1 degrees Fahrenheit).
Despite the fact that you’ll probably experience a lot of rain (84 days per year on average, with totals ranging from 3.9 to 5.4 inches), there will be enough water throughout the winter months to cover your lawn thoroughly.
You may be wondering why Seattle does not always get snow when the city is relatively north. Snow requires cold air and rain, but these two elements do not necessarily arrive together in Seattle except during the winter.
When the polar air meets warm winds from a region, blizzards (which bring snow) occur. In Seattle during the no-snow months, the air temperatures ‘push’ each other aside, resulting in severe cold without rainfall or frequent rain with mild temperatures.
Seattle – What Is the Coldest Month
Seattle’s coldest month is December. The month of December, which features the most rain in Seattle (about nine days per year), is also the wettest (nearly 9 days annually with 0.8 inches of rainfall). The month has the fewest hours of sunshine (annual average of 4 hours) and the shortest days (annual average of 8 daylight hours) among
Parts of Seattle that Gets Snow
First Hill
First Hill is known as “Pill Hill” due to the clinics and hospitals located on the hill, making it the first community in Seattle. A variety of historical brick flats and high-rise condominiums can be found along its residential streets.
In First Hill, sledding down Mount Rainier is a must-do adventure. In First Hill, Mt. Rainier is a popular sledding location.
Queen Anne Hill
The hilltop is about 500 feet above sea level and may get some snow dusting, but it does not extend down to the lower areas around the hill. When snow falls on the ground, however, most companies close their doors.
It is, nevertheless, a popular spot for snowboarding, sledding, and skiing. If you have an artistic bent, get involved in making snow sculptures or go to some snow art exhibits in the city.
Beacon Hill
Because it is primarily a residential neighborhood, some people claim that it has a “laid-back” feel than other hills such as Queen Anne or Capitol Hill.
In terms of exercise, there’s the Beacon Food Forest, which you may plant veggies, herbs, and flowers in if it’s a drizzle. You may also play 9-hole Jefferson Park Golf Course.
Seattle Winter Destinations
If you’re looking for a winter getaway in Washington, DC, you probably want to know when it snows in Seattle. Snow isn’t always present throughout the year, but Seattle has attractions that attract both locals and visitors.
Wings Over Washington
If you’re hearing about this attraction for the first time, you’re missing out on a lot. You’ll get a realistic aerial experience while exploring beautiful sites via 5k Cameras and Mushroom VR at Wings Over Washington, Seattle’s “flying theater.” A digicam (view on Amazon) is the ideal way to immortalize your memories. You may even watch live pictures in slow motion thanks to its 14.2 MP super high-speed AF CMOS Sensor.
Space Needle
A trip to the Space Needle in Seattle, which offers a panoramic view of the city’s downtown as well as snow-capped peaks of Mount Rainier and Olympic Mountain, is a must-see attraction.
Theo Chocolate Factory Tour
You’ll be eager to dig in for dessert after seeing how a cocoa bean transforms into a delicious chocolate bar at one of Seattle’s most popular chocolatiers’ Fremont factory.
Renegade Craft Fair
At the Renegade Craft Fair, take a chance and buy your items from independent artisans selling handcrafted goods. Furthermore, you’ll miss out on the winter shopping rush at traditional malls with long lines and huge crowds.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Collection, a museum in Seattle Center about the renowned artist Dale Chihuly, has a broad range of decorative art forms primarily constructed of glass. The museum is divided into three main sections: Galleries with various themes, a Glasshouse that alters your visual perception based on the time of day, and a Garden where gardening meets glass
Seattle Winter Activities
The fact that there is little snow in Seattle makes the city’s winter activities even more appealing. Whatever your interest, you’ll discover plenty of options throughout the city’s winter season.
City Tour
Take an Underground tour to see how Seattle looked like in the old days. After seeing history, go contemporary and visit the Boeing Factory, one of Seattle’s most prominent companies. Choose from a Coffee Tour or a Brewery Tour to visit eight different coffee houses, sample beer from local microbreweries, and soothe your restless spirit.
Yoga
Within the kaleidoscopic glass walls of the Chihuly Garden and Glass, find your inner balance. Then raise your spirits at the Space Needle, which is located near to the glass garden.
Ice Skating
What’s the point of going on a winter holiday if you don’t go skating? Practice your smooth eight swirls in the City of Bellevue. The outdoor skate rink provides free lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays following Thanksgiving until the end of January for novice skaters.
Snowboarding
East of Seattle is the Snoqualmie Pass ski resort, where you may snowboard and ski for under an hour before adding a hot cup of cocoa to your day. Crystal Mountain is just over two hours away in the southeast. Choose whatever destination you like; it will undoubtedly be an enjoyable winter adventure.
Snowshoeing
To the northwest, you may pay a visit to Stevens Pass in the state of Washington. If you’re a novice, there are lots of easy and flat paths available. Even if it’s not snowing, you’ll need snowshoes (see them on Amazon). These are a wonderful, lightweight pair designed to distribute your weight equally. They’re available in 22 and 28 inches.
Nature Trailing
A visit to Mount Rainier National Park would not be complete without spending time in the woods. To rest before continuing your journey, you could park at one of the park’s three drive-in campgrounds.
Ferry Ride
The state ferry system in Seattle is one of its most well-known features. The ferries connect key islands and peninsulas inside and around the city, allowing passengers to cross between them.
The ferry boats are popular with locals but make for a fantastic adventure on their own for visitors. There is a ferry that goes between Seattle and Bainbridge Island, as well as one that travels from Bremerton to Seattle.
Woodland Park Zoo
The Bellevue Botanical Garden and the Woodland Park Zoo put on a fantastic display of Christmas lights in November and December. Both are excellent evening excursions, especially given how dark it gets so early in the winter in Seattle.
The Woodland Park Zoo is in north Seattle, near Green Lake. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and is one of the primary locations for conservation efforts during non-zoo hours. Although the zoo is generally closed at night, it opens for its light festival in November and December.
Clam Chowder at Ivar’s Seafood Bar
A favorite dish of Seattle’s Ivar Haglund is clam chowder. A popular destination for skiers and snowboarders near the city of Seattle, it offers affordable food with a fun atmosphere. There are several locations of the local Ivar’s chain, but the closest one to downtown is along the waterfront.
Ivar’s waterfront location is a place where you order at the counter and wait outside for your meal to be finished. The food will not take long, and when it arrives, you may choose the best spot along the beach to watch the surf and boats.
Bellevue Botanic Garden
A comparable light display festival occurs in Bellevue, Washington, which is located near Seattle.
It’s true that the flowers at the Garden of Lights are intricately constructed, but instead of shaping lights into animals, botany workers at the garden build intricate arrangements in the shape of different flowers and plants.
Each panel tells the story of the plants it depicts, allowing for further interaction and learning. You may also purchase flower-shaped light displays to take home as a wonderful Seattle winter souvenir once you’ve finished exploring the garden.
Why is Seattle Worth a Visit?
Seattle is an excellent choice for families that want to travel during the winter. The city’s neighborhoods are full of life, and it can be easy to find activities for people of all ages.
Here are some of the best reasons why:
1. Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, and there are more than two dozen locations to choose from.
2. Seattle has many different attractions for visitors during winter months. The area’s light festival occurs in Bellevue, Washington, just north of Seattle.
3. There are three drive-in campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park that make a great stop when traveling from Seattle.
4. The state ferry system connects key islands and peninsulas inside and around Seattle, as well as to the city of Bainbridge Island. Therefore, ferries are a great way to travel between destinations in the city.
5. Seattle is home to the Woodland Park Zoo, which puts on a light show during November and December. This is a great place to visit with children.
There are a lot more things that make Seattle a great winter destination. You can find more information on the area’s attractions on more blog posts.
Does It Snow in Seattle?
The winters in Seattle are frequently light on thick blankets of pristine snow, but the city offers a number of activities and events that, at the conclusion of your trip, you’ll be begging for more.
Whether you prefer indoor activities like glass gardens and historical museums or inviting outdoor excursions such as sliding down snowy slopes, Seattle will always be a city worth seeing in the winter.
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