Seattle, Washington Weather in February

February weather

February feels cold, damp and grey in Seattle. The high is 8°C, but rain falls on 17 days, and cloud covers much of the sky. You'll get about 2.6 hours of sun a day, so pack indoor plans alongside walks.

Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum and coffee shops in Capitol Hill work well on wet afternoons. Save long strolls along the waterfront or exposed hikes for a drier break; trails can be muddy, and views from Kerry Park may disappear in cloud. February is warmer and less rainy than January, but March gets more rain.

Events and days out

The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival usually brings displays and talks to the city in February. Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinatown-International District can also fall this month, though the date changes each year. Check the festival dates before you travel, as they don't land on the same days annually.

Families can duck into the Pacific Science Center at Seattle Center when the rain sets in. Couples might enjoy a slow lunch at Pike Place Market, then ride the Monorail from Westlake Center to Seattle Center instead of walking through the drizzle.

Crowds and costs

February is winter low season, so Seattle feels quieter than in summer, when visitors come for longer days and drier weather. Hotels are often less costly than during the June-to-September peak, though prices vary around festivals and holiday weekends. The Presidents' Day weekend can bring more domestic visitors.

For a practical rainy-day shortcut, use the Seattle Center Monorail between Westlake Center and Seattle Center. It keeps you out of the wet streets and drops you near the Space Needle.