Seattle weather in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 17 rainy days across the month, on average.
January in Seattle is cool and wet, with average highs of 8.3°C (47°F) and lows of 3.0°C (37°F). Expect around 171mm of rainfall spread across 17 rainy days, making it one of the city's cloudiest months. Sunshine is scarce at just 4.2 hours per day, so grey skies and drizzle are the norm. Layer up and embrace the Pacific Northwest's moody winter atmosphere.
This is Seattle's quietest season for tourism. The holiday rush has passed, crowds thin out, and hotel rates drop significantly. The city takes on a contemplative mood—perfect for exploring museums, cozy cafes, and indoor attractions without battling summer tourists. Rain-loving locals joke that January is when "real Seattle" shows itself.
If you're considering a 2026 visit in January, expect lower prices and fewer crowds, but pack accordingly. Waterproof jackets and layers are non-negotiable. The short daylight hours mean planning indoor activities for late afternoons. It's ideal for travelers seeking budget-friendly rates and an authentic local experience over sunny beach weather.
What to pack for Seattle in January
January in Seattle demands waterproof layers and insulation. Temperatures hover just above freezing with persistent rain, so focus on breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you dry and warm without bulk. Avoid cotton, which traps moisture against your skin.
- Waterproof rain jacket with taped seams
- Merino wool thermal base layers
- Insulated hiking boots or waterproof Chelsea boots
- Wool beanie and waterproof gloves
- Fleece-lined joggers or wool trousers
What to pack for Seattle in January
- →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 the Museum of Flight or Chihuly Garden and Glass, catch live music at local venues, browse independent bookstores and coffee roasters.
January 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 January 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 January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Seattle?
Is January a good time to visit Seattle?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Seattle averages a high of 8°C (47°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F), with 171mm of rainfall across roughly 17 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Seattle in January?
What is the average temperature in Seattle in January?
The average high temperature in Seattle during January is 8°C (47°F), with an average low of 3°C (37°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Seattle have in January?
How many rainy days does Seattle have in January?
Seattle averages approximately 17 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 171mm. 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 January?
What should I pack for Seattle in January?
For Seattle in January, 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 January?
How crowded is Seattle in January?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.