Seattle is a city with a lot of things, including hi-tech and nature, craft beer and coffee. There was a lot of rain. Do you think it is?

Seattle has more rainy days than most other cities in the United States, but it is more dry.

If you want to explore the parks and gardens that give the Emerald City its name or catch incredible views from the Space Needle, you will want sunny skies.

Regardless of the weather, Seattle has something for everyone, no matter the season. We've put together a guide on when to visit Seattle, whether you're looking to explore historic architecture or check out the craft beer scene.

Explore museums and farmers markets in the shoulder season (April to May and September to October)

Budget travelers can find great deals on accommodations and car rentals. The best times to drive through Seattle are between 9am and 4:30pm and later between 7pm and 6:30am.

Bumbershoot is a multi-day arts festival that started in the 1970s. It is possible for a late summer in October before Halloween.

During the spring and fall, average highs are in the 50s and 60s, so you should bring a warm layer for the nights. An umbrella is a good way to stay safe.

Tourists and shoppers inside the famous Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle
Popular attractions like Pike Place Market are packed in the summertime – for good reason © aimintang / iStockphoto

Head to the outdoor parks and festivals in the high season (June to September)

overcast but not rainy days are not uncommon in Seattle. The previous record for consecutive dry days was set in 2017: The best time to get a clear forecast is between June and September.

More people come with better weather. Peak demand for flights and transport occurs during the high season. The best time to visit the Seattle Space Needle is early in the morning before the crowds arrive, so you can see daytime and nighttime views in one visit.

If you want to see whales and orcas in May and October, this is the best time to visit the islands and waterways of Puget Sound.

Skiers climbing snowy slope
When prices drop during the low season, it's time to break out your skis © Jakob Helbig / Getty Images

Get cozy in a coffee shop and explore the music scene in the low season (November to March)

Travelers willing to brave the cold, dark and dank days of winter will find great discounts and the chance to enjoy many of Seattle's top attractions alone. During the low season, Seattle's famously creative music scene and its vibrant coffee shop culture can be found in the indoor venues. It's just a day trip away.

January is excellent for skiing

There are a lot of snow and a lot of people. Bring your skis if you want to head to the mountains. January historically has the lowest prices on plane tickets.

The key events are the polar bear plunge and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

February is perfect for budget travelers

Most of the time, the days are dark and dreary. Book a night at the theater using the internet.

The Northwest Flower and Garden show is a key event.

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March is patio season

The odd warm day can see restaurants open up, but more often than not, the rain continues. It is a good excuse to ignore the hard winter.

The key events are the festival and wine month.

Avoid the crowds in April

The middle of the nice weather and cheap hotel rates are usually found in this month. There are a lot of stunning days, but it is not always sunny.

The cherry blossom and Japanese cultural festival is one of the key events.

May means fun on the water

People go to the waterside attractions in May. This is the last chance to get an affordable hotel rate for a while.

The Seattle International Film Festival may fall in April.

A stilt walker in a parade
Performers fill the streets with fun for the Fremont Solstice Day Parade © Matt Ragen / Shutterstock

June sees much less rain

There can be showers in early June. You can feel the city relax when the temperature goes up. There are many celebrations for Pride in Seattle.

The Seattle Pride Festival is a key event.

July is warm but expensive

Seattle's peak season is marked by higher temperatures and prices.

The key events are Seafair, King County Fair.

Head to street fairs and the beach in August

August has a laid back feel thanks to salmon bakes, street fairs and lazy beach afternoons. Expect loud cries of excited children when school is not in session.

Nordic Sl can befall in July.

Genessa Gariano, Lydia Night, and Sage Chavis of The Regrettes performs at the 2018 Bumbershoot Festival at Seattle Center
Since the 1970s, the Bumbershoot festival has promoted Seattle's vibrant music and arts scene © Timothy Hiatt / Getty Images

Go whale watching in September

Is it the best time to visit Seattle to watch whales? It's possible. Tourists go home once Bumbershoot is over. This is a good time to spot whales because the weather is usually sunny and warm until early October.

There is a key event.

A rocky coastline with fall colors in the trees
If you visit Seattle in the fall, take a sunset stroll at Golden Gardens Park © Mona Makela Photography / Getty Images

Grab a deal in October

There is a chance of a late summer in the first half of the month. The best time to visit Seattle in the fall is when the clouds are rolling.

The Earshot Jazz Festival is last into November.

November is the start of the low season

November can be cold and rainy. This is a good time to visit Seattle. With the low season starting, some hotels reduce their prices to half summer rates.

The Tasveer South Asian Film Festival is a key event.

Return to the slopes in December

The city of Seattle is an ideal base for snow activities. The hotel prices are going down.

New Year's Eve fireworks at the Space Needle are a key event.

The article was last updated about 5 hours ago.