Seattle weather in May
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
May is one of Seattle's most pleasant months. Daytime temperatures average 18.8°C (66°F), while nights cool to 9.7°C (50°F). You'll experience about 10 rainy days with 51mm of precipitation, but don't let that deter you—May also brings 10.2 hours of daily sunshine, making it ideal for exploring the city and nearby outdoor attractions. The rain tends to be light and intermittent rather than heavy downpours.
May marks the beginning of Seattle's festival season. The Pike Place Market buzzes with spring energy, cherry blossoms fade while summer flowers bloom, and locals emerge from their winter hibernation. Tourist crowds are moderate—significantly fewer than summer peak season but more than winter months. The atmosphere is optimistic and energetic as the city prepares for warmer weather ahead.
For travelers planning a 2026 visit, May offers excellent value. Hotel rates haven't peaked yet, and you'll avoid the July-August rush. Pack layers since mornings and evenings stay cool, but afternoons warm nicely. Bring a light rain jacket for those 10 expected rainy days, and you're set for one of the year's best times to visit Seattle.
The Freeze is real — locals will smile at you at Trader Joe's and never invite you anywhere. The correct coffee order is a 'cortado' at Milstead or Elm, not a Starbucks anything. Ballard is where Norwegians settled and where the salmon locks let you watch chinook climb concrete steps every August. Never open an umbrella; it marks you as tourist. Locals wear Gore-Tex hoods and consider anything under a half-inch per hour to be 'not really raining.'
What to pack for Seattle in May
Layer strategically for May's variable weather. Morning temperatures hover around 50°F, but afternoons reach the mid-60s. A light rain jacket is essential given the 10 rainy days, while breathable layers let you adjust as the day warms up.
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker
- Long-sleeve linen shirt
- Comfortable jeans or chinos
- Waterproof walking shoes or sneakers
- Lightweight cardigan or fleece layer
What to pack for Seattle in May
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Where to stay in Seattle
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated May trip to Seattle
Shoulder-season pricing — a balance of price and conditions. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Things worth doing
Explore Pike Place Market, hike in Green Lake Park, visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, kayak Lake Union, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island.
May 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
May is one of the best months to visit Seattle — alongside June, July, August. 11-year climate data (2015–2025) confirms it: comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for SeattleOther places with a similar climate right now
Seattle in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good month for Seattle?
Is May a good month for Seattle?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In May, Seattle averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 10°C (49°F), with 51mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days. July through mid-September is the 'dry season' when Rainier finally shows itself daily and the Bumbershoot festival takes over Seattle Center.
Q02How warm does Seattle get in May?
How warm does Seattle get in May?
The average high temperature in Seattle during May is 19°C (66°F), with an average low of 10°C (49°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Seattle in May?
Does it rain a lot in Seattle in May?
Seattle averages approximately 10 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 51mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Seattle in May?
What clothes should I bring to Seattle in May?
For Seattle in May, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Waterproof shoes with aggressive tread — moss-covered brick sidewalks in Pioneer Square become skating rinks in November.
Q05Are there many tourists in Seattle in May?
Are there many tourists in Seattle in May?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Freeze is real — locals will smile at you at Trader Joe's and never invite you anywhere. The correct coffee order is a 'cortado' at Milstead or Elm, not a Starbucks anything. Ballard is where Norwegians settled and where the salmon locks let you watch chinook climb concrete steps every August. Never open an umbrella; it marks you as tourist. Locals wear Gore-Tex hoods and consider anything under a half-inch per hour to be 'not really raining.'