Seattle weather in October
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 15 rainy days across the month, on average.
October in Seattle brings mild autumn weather with cool temperatures ranging from 9.1°C to 15.5°C (48°F to 60°F). Expect frequent rain—about 14.6 rainy days with 122.7mm of precipitation—so wet weather is the norm. Sunshine averages just 6.5 hours daily, creating those characteristic gray Seattle days that locals embrace. It's crisp, damp, and quintessentially Pacific Northwest.
October is shoulder season in Seattle, meaning fewer tourists than summer but still pleasant for exploring. The city hosts fall festivals, Pike Place Market bustles with seasonal produce, and the surrounding mountains begin showing autumn colors. Crowds are moderate, making it ideal for those seeking the city without peak-season chaos.
If you're visiting Seattle in October 2026, pack layers and waterproof gear—rain isn't occasional, it's consistent. The cooler temperatures and frequent drizzle mean fewer outdoor crowds but perfect conditions for indoor attractions like museums, coffee shops, and Pike Place Market. This month suits travelers who don't mind wet weather and prefer authentic Seattle atmosphere.
What to pack for Seattle in October
October requires layering for Seattle's cool, wet climate. Waterproof outerwear is essential, along with comfortable layers you can adjust throughout the day. Closed-toe shoes with good grip help navigate wet sidewalks safely.
- Light rain jacket or waterproof windbreaker
- Merino wool sweater or fleece layer
- Water-resistant hiking boots or waterproof sneakers
- Long-sleeve thermal base layer
- Beanie or wool cap
What to pack for Seattle in October
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
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, hike in nearby state parks with fall foliage, tour local coffee roasteries and breweries.
October 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 October 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 October — FAQ
Q01Is October a good time to visit Seattle?
Is October a good time to visit Seattle?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In October, Seattle averages a high of 16°C (60°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F), with 123mm of rainfall across roughly 15 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Seattle in October?
What is the average temperature in Seattle in October?
The average high temperature in Seattle during October is 16°C (60°F), with an average low of 9°C (48°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Seattle have in October?
How many rainy days does Seattle have in October?
Seattle averages approximately 15 rainy days in October, with a total monthly rainfall of about 123mm. 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 October?
What should I pack for Seattle in October?
For Seattle in October, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, 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 October?
How crowded is Seattle in October?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during October are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.