A Seattle Winter Guide: Things To Do, Places To Eat, And More
Published January 13, 2023
Last updated June 9, 2024
So, you’re thinking about visiting the Emerald City in winter? While it may not be the peak travel season for the Pacific Northwest, there are lots of great reasons to explore Seattle during the colder months. It’s an interesting and dynamic city all year long! Anyone who visits at this time of year is bound to see an authentic portrait of local life and culture without the summer tourist crowds.
If you’re wondering why I’m blogging about Seattle in winter, it’s because I lived in the metro region for almost a decade (from 2008 to 2017)! My family is still there, so I go back frequently, especially during the holidays. I’ve wanted to write about Seattle ever since I started blogging back in 2018. That time has finally come!
This post is organized into the following main sections and attractions. To skip down to any individual item, click or tap on the corresponding link.
All About Seattle Winter Weather
A common misconception about winter in Seattle is that it’s frigid. After all, it is one of the northernmost cities in the continental US! But due to its unique geography nestled among mountains on the West Coast, Seattle actually experiences a fairly mild winter.
It might snow a few times each year, but rain is much more common than snow. Fahrenheit temperatures tend to remain in the mid thirties, forties, and occasionally low fifties. When the thermometer dips below freezing, it can cause havoc. That’s because Seattle is very hilly! A little bit of ice can cause a lot of danger. Freezing temperatures aren’t super common, so there is less infrastructure to deal with ice and snow here than in many other major American cities.
Visitors to Seattle should absolutely expect rain during a winter trip. With that said, precipitation tends to be light. It can often persist throughout the day. Heavy, short downpours are not common.
The other thing to note is that skies are typically overcast in the winter. It’s normal for a week to have five overcast days and two sunny or partly sunny days. If you happen to experience a beautiful, clear day during your visit, consider yourself lucky. Take advantage of it by prioritizing some of the outdoor or semi-outdoor activities mentioned below!
Finally, Seattle gets relatively few daylight hours in the winter because of its latitude. Around the winter solstice, sunrise happens at about 8:00 in the morning. The sun sets at about 4:30 in the afternoon. Visitors should plan accordingly! Layered clothing is a good idea here. So are waterproof shoes with good traction. Locals often go without an umbrella (unless the rain is really coming down).
Activities & Attractions
If the lowdown on Seattle’s winter weather has you reconsidering your visit, I get it. But if you don’t mind drizzling rain, generally above-freezing temperatures, and cloud cover, you should be fine! Read on to see which Seattle attractions are perfect for a winter itinerary!
Pike Place Market
Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Website: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicMarketCenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikeplacepublicmarket/
This huge fresh produce and seafood market in the heart of Downtown Seattle is one of two defining landmarks in the city (the other being the Space Needle). Pike Place Market is a massive labyrinth of levels and tucked away vendors selling everything from jams and jellies to fresh fish, bouquets of flowers, all types of art, gifts from around the world, and more.
Since Pike Place Market is mostly indoors, you’ll probably encounter crowds even in the winter. However, it’s a great place to spend a rainy day. Visitors disperse in the late afternoon and early evening, but that’s because fewer vendors remain open as the day goes on.
Lots of people like to take a photo with the famous bronze pig statue located at the main entrance. This is also where you’ll see the famous fish throwers at Pike Place Fish Market.
Head down one level to Post Alley, where you’ll encounter The Gum Wall. Some people love it; some people hate it. Whether you end up finding it endearing or kind of gross, it’s worth seeing at least once! Apparently, the market tried to remove it back in 2015, but it’s definitely back in full force and still going strong as of winter 2022.
Consider these options in and around Pike Place Market: Storyville Coffee Pike Place (upscale coffeeshop in a loft on Pike Street), Pike Place Chowder (iconic chowder house that offers bread bowls), Japonessa Sushi Cocina (modern Japanese fusion), Lowell’s Restaurant (diner serving American fare and seafood in the market), Piroshky Piroshky (rich and delicious Russian pastries), Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (cheese shop with open viewing areas of the production process)
Seattle Center
Seattle Center is a public space spanning multiple city blocks where many of the city’s most famous attractions can be found. This section features three major points of interest at Seattle Center, plus some other museums.
Space Needle
Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
Website: https://www.spaceneedle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spaceneedle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spaceneedle/
A visit to Seattle simply isn’t complete without an ascent of the Space Needle! Even if you’ve been before, a relatively new renovation of the observation deck is reason enough to return. This was carried out in the late 2010s.
The open-air portion of the observation deck, which wraps all the way around the upper “saucer” of the Needle, has sleek new glass panels that are slanted outwards, allowing visitors increased visibility looking downward. Slots in between each massive pane allow for phones and cameras to take stunning photos without any glare or reflection.
The interior portion of the observatory has also been beautifully modernized. It is significantly brighter and feels much more open than it did prior to renovation in the mid 2010s.
The main reason to ascend the Space Needle is for the stunning views of downtown and Mount Rainier directly to the south, Elliott Bay to the west, and Lake Union to the north. The Cascades to the east and Olympic Mountains to the west can be seen on exceptionally clear days. As you might expect, the Space Needle is probably worth visiting on a sunny or partly sunny day (if possible).
After you’ve taken in the views on the upper level of the observation deck, head down one flight of stairs to the Needle’s new rotating glass floor on the lower level. This is another incredible feature of the iconic tower’s renovation. It also seems like the restaurant has been downsized, and I think that was a great decision. Most visitors don’t come for the food, and this opens up a lot more space for visitors to spread out.
Tickets for the Space Needle can generally be purchased on the day you want to go, but peak hours and times can be hectic, especially around the holidays. In order to make the most of your visit, you’ll have to consider both weather and visibility as well as crowd size and wait time. A sunny weekday is probably the ideal time to visit.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Website: https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chihulygg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chihulygg/
This museum that showcases the work of local glass blowing artist Dale Chihuly is another great attraction on the Seattle Center campus. Chihuly was born in Tacoma, WA in the early 1940s, and he was revolutionary in creating large pieces of glass art. His work is full of color and comes in a variety of forms, including spheres, bowls, chandeliers, long tubes and strands, animals, and more.
You can purchase a Chihuly Garden and Glass plus Space Needle combo ticket for about $60 (as of January 2023). This will give you a modest discount compared to buying both tickets separately. The only thing is that you must visit both attractions on the same day. They are only about a minute walking distance from one another, and I found that both attractions took me about three hours in total to explore (at a relatively leisurely pace).
Seattle Center Armory
Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Website: https://www.seattlecenter.com/explore/attractions/armory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeattleCenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattlecenter/
Also known as the Center House, this large building at Seattle Center primarily functions as a food court. Seattle Children’s Museum is located on its ground level and a stage for performances is on the far end of the dining area.
Other Museums
A few other well-known museums besides Chihuly Garden and Glass are also part of Seattle Center. These tend to be geared towards kids and families. Check out the Pacific Science Center, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), or even go see a show such as The Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Kerry Park
Address: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/kerry-park
This small park perched on the steep southern slope of Queen Anne Hill offers a gorgeous view of the Space Needle directly in front of the business district. It’s most impressive on a sunny day, or at dusk when the city starts to light up. Kerry Park is walkable from Seattle Center, but the final stretch is a bit of a workout.
Downtown Seattle
To be honest, the heart of downtown is not much of a tourist destination. There are standard corporate skyscrapers, but the entire area feels quieter than it used to. I’m guessing that this is due to the pandemic, plus many tech jobs becoming remote. With that said, there are still a few interesting landmarks downtown worth exploring.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Website: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seattleartmuseum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattleartmuseum/
Art enthusiasts are sure to love the extensive collection on display at the SAM. I was surprised by how much there was to see here, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all of it. I was impressed by many exhibits here, but my favorite was probably the section on Northwest Coast Native art.
Also, the first Thursday of every month is free entrance all day! There are no gimmicks; the only piece of information they ask for is your ZIP code.
Seattle Public Library - Central Library
Address: 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Website: https://www.spl.org/hours-and-locations/central-library
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeattlePublicLibrary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattlepubliclibrary/
The flagship location of the city’s public library system is a stunning piece of architecture in the heart of downtown. Composed of massive glass sheets and diagonal supports, the Central Library is eleven stories tall. The entire structure is kind of a maze, which is part of what makes it fun to explore!
Alki (West Seattle)
West Seattle is geographically separated from the rest of the city by Elliott Bay, giving this largely residential area its own distinct vibe. This neighborhood is worth visiting for a lovely view of the skyline. Alki is also a great place to enjoy a walk along the water if the weather is nice.
An excellent way to visit West Seattle is to take the water taxi. This quick, lesser-known ferry route connects the south end of Downtown with Harbor Avenue Southwest directly across the bay. Boats depart roughly once per hour; a schedule can be found here.
If you’re looking for city skyline views, the water taxi will provide that. However, the other main attraction in West Seattle is Alki Beach, located on the west-facing portion of the peninsula. It’s about a forty-minute walk from the water taxi terminal to the beach along the shoreline.
Admittedly, Alki Beach is more impressive during the sunny summer months. With that said, it’s much less crowded during the winter. There are lots of local beachfront cafes and restaurants here that remain open year-round.
Consider these options in West Seattle: Alki Spud Fish & Chips (classic fish and chips spot on Alki Beach), Marination Ma Kai (Hawaiian-inspired dishes right on the water taxi dock), Cactus Restaurant (Southwest-style Mexican food and margaritas on the far end of Alki)
Go on a Ferry Ride
Taking a journey aboard one of the beautiful green and white Washington State Ferries is an iconic thing to do in Seattle all year long! The two main routes to consider are Seattle to Bainbridge Island and Seattle to Bremerton. Both towns are located west of the city, across Elliott Bay. Other ferry routes exist, but these two are convenient because they depart from and return to the Downtown Seattle waterfront terminal.
I absolutely love the admittedly dated but endearing interior design of this fleet of boats. These beige seating areas are surprisingly cozy and comfortable! Locals can often be seen relaxing with a book or taking a nap on one of the long benches. Grab a bite to eat at the cafeteria (if it’s open), or head down to the lower level to see the vehicle deck.
The views of both the city and the mountains from the ferry are incredible. If you’re short on time, you can get right back on the boat after disembarking at Bainbridge or Bremerton to return to Seattle. The two towns are quaint, but not a must-see. A round-trip ride on the ferry will take between two and three hours.
Visit the University of Washington
Address: Seattle, WA 98195
Website: https://www.washington.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UofWA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uofwa/
The University of Washington (UW) has one of the most beautiful college campuses in the metro region, if not the entire Pacific Northwest. Exploring UW on foot is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon as long as the weather is halfway decent.
Some iconic outdoor areas on campus include Drumheller Fountain, The Quad, and Red Square. All of these spaces showcase the university’s most impressive historic buildings.
Although many lecture halls and libraries on campus have beautiful interiors, the most famous by far is the Suzallo Library Reading Room. This castle-like hall with stained glass windows and bookshelf-lined walls is the architectural centerpiece of the university. It is open to visitors, but it is a silent study space.
Where to Bar-Hop
Bars and pubs are dispersed throughout the city, but the following two neighborhoods are where locals tend to congregate for a drink or a night out.
Capitol Hill
This centrally located area is Seattle’s long-standing nightlife hotspot. It’s also home to many of the city’s LGBTQ venues. Lots of new places always seem to be popping up in Capitol Hill, but its most iconic establishments have been around for decades. A nice place to start is Rachel’s Ginger Beer, which serves Moscow mules with their own artisan ginger beer that comes in a variety of flavors. It’s a little pricey, but their drinks truly taste amazing!
Another place to check out is Optimism Brewing Company. This relative newcomer offers a wide variety of beers on tap and has tons and tons of seating. I also really love that tax is included in the price and they don’t accept tips. It would be awesome if more bars and restaurants in the US adopted a similar model!
Consider these other options in Capitol Hill: Momiji Capitol Hill (low-lit Japanese bar and restaurant), Inside Passage (rum bar meets speakeasy on Pike Street), Osteria la Spiga (tasty Italian pasta and more), Big Mario’s Pizza (late-night thin crust pizza and drinks)
Ballard
In comparison to Capitol Hill, the bar scene in Ballard feels a little more upscale with slightly older clientele. Nightclubs aren’t really prevalent here. Bars in this historically Nordic neighborhood are clustered around the intersection of Northwest Market Street and 20th Avenue Northwest.
The one advantage of bar hopping in Capitol Hill over Ballard is that it’s much more centrally located. The latter frankly feels pretty out of the way and is not well connected to the rest of the city. I guess that’s partly why Ballard is a more mellow spot for going out.
Ballard also has an up-and-coming food scene that I’d love to explore in more depth on future visits. For my friend Ismael’s birthday, we tried Stoneburner, a popular restaurant that offers small plates, interesting cocktails, and Mediterranean-inspired main dishes.
Consider these other options in Ballard: Hotel Albatross (rum bar in a restored hotel lobby), Hazelwood (Victorian-themed bar with complex, moody cocktails), Bar Sabine (creative, tasty cocktails in a large venue), Macleod’s Scottish Pub (strong drinks and large selection of Scotch whiskey)
Foods to Try
Seattle’s food scene is one of the most interesting in the country. The city serves as America’s de facto gateway to East Asia. This is reflected in the many Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Taiwanese restaurants around town. There’s also a major focus on fresh, regionally sourced seafood and other local ingredients. This section will feature some dishes and specific restaurants to try during a winter visit to Seattle.
Phở
This Vietnamese noodle soup is one of my go-to dishes no matter where I am, but it’s especially fitting for Seattle’s dreary winter weather! There are excellent phở restaurants in every neighborhood in Seattle, so it’s always within reach!
Consider these options for phở: Phở Ba (long-established restaurant in Chinatown), Pho Than Brothers (Seattle chain with multiple locations), Pho Aroma (cozy local place in Delridge)
Dim Sum
Seattle is a dim sum hub! If you love steamed dumplings, you’ll want to be sure to try one of the city’s many authentic dim sum houses.
Consider these options for dim sum: Jade Garden Restaurant (my go-to for dim sum), Honey Court Seafood Restaurant (popular place in Chinatown that’s open late)
Dick's Drive-In
Address: various locations
Website: https://www.ddir.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DicksDriveIn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dicksdrivein/
If I had to define a “Seattle burger,” I would probably say Dick’s is it. This local chain is famous for its low prices, delicious burgers, soft fries, and late-night hours. Their Deluxe has a distinctive pickle relish reminiscent of tartar sauce, which is what sets it apart from other burgers.
Local Pizza Chains
Seattle has no shortage of good pizza, including small mom-and-pop type places. However, two local chains are worth considering if you have a craving during your visit. Both have locations throughout the city and in the suburbs.
Zeeks Pizza
Address: various locations
Website: https://zeekspizza.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeekspizza
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeekspizza/
I’ve really liked Zeeks ever since I first tried it well over a decade ago. Their “Cherry Bomb” (Mama Lil’s Peppers, double Italian sausage, parmesan, and fresh basil) is one of my favorite pizzas that I always try to get whenever I visit Seattle. You could also try the “John Candy” if you like a meat-lovers style pizza, or one of their more creative recipes like the “Thai One On,” which has a peanut sauce base and is covered in veggies.
In addition to great pizza, Zeeks also serves a very good Caesar salad. I like that their dressing is very tasty but not overpowering or too salty.
Pagliacci Pizza
Address: various locations
Website: https://www.pagliacci.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pagliaccipizza
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagliaccipizza/
Seattle’s other major pizza chain is Pagliacci. In comparison to Zeeks, Pagliacci pizzas tend to have a slightly thinner and crispier crust. Some of my go-to pizzas here include Salumi’s Spicy Pepperoni, Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Salami Primo, and Funghi Salsiccia.
A unique dish to order here is their Centioli, pictured below. It’s basically a flatbread with olive oil, garlic, cheese, and pepper flakes. I really like it as an appetizer because it tastes so good but isn’t super heavy!
Fish & Chips
This Seattle favorite can be found all over the city. Common types of fish used include halibut and cod from Alaska. Many restaurants that specialize in fish and chips will also offer scallops, clams, prawns, and oysters.
Consider these options for fish and chips: Alki Spud Fish & Chips (famous place on Alki Beach), Ivar’s (somewhat touristy Seattle chain)
Other Seafood
Beyond fish and chips, Seattle is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood. Enjoy delicious clam chowder, crab, Hawaiian-style poke, sashimi, and more while you’re in town!
Consider these options for seafood: Pike Place Chowder (iconic chowder house across the street from Pike Place Market in Post Alley), Palisade (high-end seafood on Magnolia’s south shore), Salty’s on Alki Beach (famous seafood restaurant on Alki with skyline views)
Chinese Cuisine
Be sure to try one of Seattle’s many authentic Chinese restaurants during your visit! Many offer regional cuisine from places like Xi’an and Guangdong in Southern China. International District – Chinatown is a good starting point, but excellent Chinese food can be found in most neighborhoods.
Consider these options for Chinese food: Xi’an Noodles (thick noodles often served with lamb and cumin), Dough Zone (local chain specializing in xiaolongbao and other plates meant to be shared)
Japanese Cuisine
Seattle has many cultural ties to Japan, being one of the closest major American cities to East Asia. Given that, Seattle has lots of amazing Japanese restaurants! Specifically, Seattle-style teriyaki has its own unique flavor. I have never found similar teriyaki anywhere else in the US! I really love spicy chicken with rice and a salad.
Consider these options for Japanese food: Okinawa Teriyaki (delicious teriyaki in Pioneer Square), Fort St. George (Japanese food and drinks in a loft in International District)
Mexican Cuisine
Good Mexican cuisine does exist in Seattle, but it might not be as prevalent as in other American cities. You just have to know where to look! Check out some of my recommendations below as a good starting point.
Consider these options for Mexican food: Tacos Chukis (local chain offering specialty adobada pork and grilled pineapple tacos), Carnitas Michoacan (authentic Mexican restaurant in North Beacon Hill), Taco del Mar (local chain offering fish tacos), Cactus Restaurants (Seattle chain that serves margaritas and Southwest-style Mexican cuisine)
Bubble Tea
This beverage that goes by many names (bubble tea, boba tea, milk tea, etc) has exploded in popularity across the US, but Seattle was arguably one of the first cities to set the trend in motion. Milk tea with tapioca originates from Taiwan, but has been a major part of Seattle’s culinary scene since at least the early 2010s. Bubble tea shops have served as social gathering spaces in the city, especially for youth who aren’t old enough to get into bars.
Consider these options for bubble tea: Oasis Tea Zone (long-time local hangout with locations in International District and University District), Mee Sum (bubble tea and Taiwanese food with locations in University District and Pike Place Market)
Seattle's Coffee Scene
You may know Seattle as the birthplace of Starbucks, but the coffee scene here is much larger than that! There are so many amazing local places to try all over town. As a coffee enthusiast, I highly recommend you do so! It is hard to go wrong, but I will warn you that espresso drinks in Seattle can be even more expensive than in other cities.
Consider these options for coffee: Storeyville Coffee (espresso drinks in a stylish modern environment), Cafe Solstice (University District hangout serving coffee, pastries, and beer), Caffe Ladro (Seattle chain that serves delicious lattes), Uptown Espresso (classic coffee spot with locations around the city), Zeitgeist Coffee (large coffeeshop in Pioneer Square)
Safety & Other Tips
I’m just going to be blunt: the unfortunate truth is that Seattle is not as safe now as it was a decade ago. Since I’m from here, I find that sad and disappointing, while still recognizing that crime is a problem nationwide. I hope that the city will step up and address this as we approach the mid-2020s. I still think Seattle is worth visiting, but it does mean that you should take basic precautions.
You’ll want to remain alert and aware of your surroundings whenever you’re in the following areas: Downtown, Capitol Hill, University District, International District, and Pioneer Square. Being in a group is safer than being alone (night or day), and Ubers or Lyfts are recommended after dark.
Seattle does have a light rail system that connects major landmarks north to south. It goes as far south as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and as far north as Northgate (as of December 2022). Additional lines and stops are currently being constructed. I have never witnessed or been involved in any dangerous situations on the light rail, but this is another place to exercise caution. Cleanliness on the train can be hit or miss.
Enjoy Your Seattle Winter Getaway!
I’ll be honest: Seattle is more of a summer city than a winter city. With that said, visiting during the winter can be worth it as long as you’re aware of what the weather will be like. If you’re thinking of eventually moving to Seattle, I highly recommend a winter visit to see if you might like the weather and the general vibe!
Have you been to Seattle in winter? Are you planning a trip right now? Leave a comment below and let me know! And stay tuned for a Seattle summer guide coming later this year! I’m planning on featuring a lot of the outdoor attractions that aren’t worth visiting when it isn’t sunny. Thanks for checking out Caffeinated Excursions!
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This post was published on Jan 13, 2023
This post was updated on June 9, 2024
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