Seattle weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 20 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Seattle is cool and wet, with average highs of 7.8°C (46°F) and lows of 3.4°C (38°F). You'll experience roughly 192.7mm of rainfall spread across about 19.5 rainy days, making it one of the city's wettest months. Sunshine is scarce at just 3.6 hours per day, so expect overcast skies and frequent drizzle rather than heavy downpours.
This is Seattle's off-season for tourism, creating a quieter, more local atmosphere. Holiday decorations brighten downtown and Pike Place Market, while the city's coffee culture thrives indoors. Crowds are minimal compared to summer months, and hotel rates drop significantly, making it an affordable time to visit.
December 2026 suits travelers who don't mind rain and prefer solitude. Bundle up warmly, embrace the cozy indoor café culture, and enjoy lower prices. The weather demands waterproof gear and layers, but patient visitors discover Seattle's authentic, intimate winter charm.
What to pack for Seattle in December
Layer up for Seattle's cold, damp December climate. Waterproof outerwear is essential, paired with thermal base layers and insulated accessories. Bring sturdy waterproof footwear to handle wet streets and puddles throughout the month.
- Waterproof rain jacket or parka
- Merino wool thermal base layers
- Insulated hiking boots or waterproof Chelsea boots
- Wool beanie or rain hat
- Fleece-lined gloves or mittens
What to pack for Seattle in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Seattle
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Seattle across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Explore Pike Place Market, visit museums and galleries, enjoy cozy cafés and local coffee roasteries, take a ferry to nearby islands for quiet winter scenery.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Seattle. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Seattle
While December has its own character in Seattle, the data-backed best months to visit Seattle are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for SeattleOther places with a similar climate right now
Seattle in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Seattle?
Is December a good time to visit Seattle?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Seattle averages a high of 8°C (46°F) and a low of 3°C (38°F), with 193mm of rainfall across roughly 20 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Seattle in December?
What is the average temperature in Seattle in December?
The average high temperature in Seattle during December is 8°C (46°F), with an average low of 3°C (38°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Seattle have in December?
How many rainy days does Seattle have in December?
Seattle averages approximately 20 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 193mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Seattle in December?
What should I pack for Seattle in December?
For Seattle in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Seattle in December?
How crowded is Seattle in December?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.