Seattle weather in March
“Green, wet, atmospheric. Bring proper waterproofs.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
March in Seattle brings mild but wet conditions typical of the Pacific Northwest spring. Expect average highs around 11.5°C (53°F) and lows of 4.2°C (40°F), with frequent rainfall totaling roughly 119mm across 16 rainy days. Despite the moisture, you'll enjoy about 7 hours of sunshine daily as daylight lengthens noticeably. The city transitions from winter's grip, though mornings remain chilly and layers are essential.
This is peak season for Seattle's cultural awakening. Cherry blossoms begin blooming in parks and gardens, the Seattle Film Festival kicks off, and locals emerge from hibernation. Crowds are moderate—fewer tourists than summer but busier than winter. The atmosphere feels hopeful and energetic as the city shakes off gray skies.
March 2026 is an excellent time to visit if you don't mind rain and want to experience authentic Seattle. Hotel rates remain reasonable, and attractions are accessible without summer's overwhelming crowds. Pack waterproof gear and embrace the drizzle—it's part of the Seattle charm.
What to pack for Seattle in March
Layer strategically for Seattle's cool, damp March weather. You'll need a waterproof outer shell, warm mid-layers, and water-resistant footwear. Mornings feel crisp while afternoons warm slightly, so adaptable clothing is key.
- Waterproof rain jacket or raincoat
- Merino wool sweater or fleece pullover
- Water-resistant hiking boots or trail shoes
- Thermal leggings or long underwear
- Wool beanie and waterproof gloves
What to pack for Seattle in March
- →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, hike Discovery Park trails, visit blooming gardens at University of Washington Botanical Garden, catch Seattle Film Festival screenings.
March 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 March 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 March — FAQ
Q01Is March a good time to visit Seattle?
Is March a good time to visit Seattle?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In March, Seattle averages a high of 12°C (53°F) and a low of 4°C (40°F), with 119mm of rainfall across roughly 16 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Seattle in March?
What is the average temperature in Seattle in March?
The average high temperature in Seattle during March is 12°C (53°F), with an average low of 4°C (40°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Seattle have in March?
How many rainy days does Seattle have in March?
Seattle averages approximately 16 rainy days in March, with a total monthly rainfall of about 119mm. 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 March?
What should I pack for Seattle in March?
For Seattle in March, 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 March?
How crowded is Seattle in March?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during March are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.