Seattle sits between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, with views of Mount Rainier on clear days. The city that gave the world Starbucks, grunge music, and Amazon has evolved into a food and culture destination that rivals any coastal city. Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and endless coffee shops anchor the experience. Seattle is expensive but offers incredible nature access. Day trips to Mount Rainier, the San Juan Islands, and Olympic National Park are all within reach. Flight deals to SEA appear regularly. Embrace the rain and discover the Pacific Northwest.
Best Time to Fly to Seattle
Peak Season
July through September brings the driest weather and tourist crowds. August is especially busy with cruise ships and festivals.
Off Season (Best Deals)
November through March is rainy but significantly cheaper. January and February are the quietest months.
Summer (June to August) is pleasant at 65-75°F with rare rain and long days. Fall (September to October) cools to 55-65°F with increasing rain. Winter (November to February) is mild but gray at 40-50°F with frequent rain. Spring (March to May) is variable at 50-60°F.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for summer. Shoulder season deals appear frequently in May and October.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Seattle
Cheapest Months
January, February, November
Most Expensive
July, August, September
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Must-Try Foods in Seattle
Fresh Seafood at Pike Place
Pike Place Market has fresh Dungeness crab, salmon, oysters, and the famous fish throwers. Eat at the market counters or take ingredients back to cook. The clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder is legendary.
$15-40
Coffee Culture
Seattle takes coffee seriously. The original Starbucks is at Pike Place, but the real scene is in the independent roasters. Espresso Vivace, Victrola, and Elm Coffee Roasters represent the local craft. Expect excellent coffee everywhere.
$4-7
Asian Fusion Cuisine
Seattle's Pacific Rim location creates incredible Asian food. The International District has dim sum, pho, and izakayas. Sushi is excellent thanks to fresh local fish. Canlis offers Pacific Northwest fine dining.
$15-40
Top Attractions in Seattle
Pike Place Market
The 100-year-old market is much more than fish throwing. Explore the levels below the main floor for quirky shops. Get there early to avoid crowds. The original Starbucks line is long; skip it for better coffee elsewhere.
Space Needle & Chihuly Garden
The 1962 World's Fair icon has been renovated with glass floors. Combine with the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass museum next door for a combo ticket. Sunset visits offer the best views.
Mount Rainier Day Trip
The 14,411-foot volcano dominates Seattle's skyline on clear days. Paradise visitor center offers hiking trails with wildflower meadows in summer. The 2-hour drive makes it a perfect day trip.
Daily Costs in Seattle
Seattle is expensive, comparable to San Francisco. Hotels and restaurants are pricey. Coffee is excellent and reasonably priced. Nature activities are affordable. Budget $150-180 per day.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$100-150
Mid-Range
$180-300
Airbnb
$130-220
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$12-20
Restaurant
$25-50
Coffee
$5-7
Transport
Local Transport
$2.75-3.50/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$140-200
Getting Around Seattle
From the Airport
Link Light Rail runs from SEA-TAC to downtown in 40 minutes for $3. Rideshares cost $35-50. The train is the easiest option.
Getting Around
Seattle has decent public transit with light rail and buses. The Link Light Rail connects the airport to downtown. The city is walkable in most tourist areas. Rideshares are common. Rent a car for day trips.
Tips
- •Take the light rail from the airport. It's cheap, fast, and avoids traffic.
- •Rent a car only for day trips. Downtown Seattle is walkable and parking is expensive.
Where to Stay in Seattle
Downtown / Pike Place
The waterfront, Pike Place Market, and major attractions are all walkable from downtown hotels. Easy access to transit and the Space Needle. Start here for orientation to the city.
Capitol Hill
Seattle's LGBTQ+ neighborhood has the best bar and live music scene. Dive bars, cocktail lounges, and late-night eats line the streets. More local and creative than downtown. The heart of Seattle nightlife.
Fremont / Ballard
Quirky Fremont calls itself the Center of the Universe and has a Lenin statue and a troll under a bridge. Ballard has Scandinavian heritage, excellent breweries, and the Ballard Locks. Both reward exploration.
Smart Travel Tips for Seattle
FAQs About Flights to Seattle
Seattle is expensive, similar to San Francisco. Hotels and restaurants are pricey. Budget $150-180 per day. Coffee is excellent and reasonably priced. Nature activities are affordable.
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