United States, North America
Seattle in April
The Skagit Valley tulip fields, about an hour north, bloom this month.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit Seattle. The Skagit Valley tulip fields, about an hour north, bloom this month.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 59F (15C), showers
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Seattle
April is mild and fresh, with highs near 59F (15C) and regular showers mixed with bright spring days. Gardens and parks bloom, and about an hour north, the Skagit Valley tulip fields burst into color. Crowds are still moderate and prices are fair, though they rise a bit from winter. High mountain roads remain closed by snow.
This month suits garden lovers, photographers, and families who want a spring trip with a day in the countryside. It is not the month for alpine hiking or clear mountain views. For those, July and August are the most reliable months.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Seattle this month.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Fields of tulips bloom about an hour north of the city. Bloom timing depends on the weather, so check reports and go on a weekday.
Spring gardens in the city
Parks and gardens are lush and full of flowers. The Seattle area is at its greenest now.
Fair spring prices
Hotel rates are still well below summer, so it is a good value month before the cruise season begins.
What to pack for April
- A waterproof jacket
- Rain boots or waterproof shoes for muddy tulip fields
- Layers for cool mornings
- A camera for the tulips
Our timing tip
Drive to the tulip fields early on a weekday morning to beat the traffic and the crowds, and check the bloom map before you go.
Book Seattle for April.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in SeattleOpens a hotel search for Seattle in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in SeattleWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in SeattleTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Seattle for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
April, with bloom timing set by the weather
Fields of tulips about an hour north of the city. Go on a weekday.
Things to do in Seattle
Pike Place Market
Go before 10am on a weekday. Cruise-ship days pack it by late morning.
Space Needle
Time it for sunset on a clear day. Skip it on socked-in gray days.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Next to the Space Needle; the glasshouse is at its best on sunny afternoons.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Music, science fiction, and pop culture in a Frank Gehry building at Seattle Center.
Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge
The cheapest views in the city. Sunset sailings are the best.
Mount Rainier National Park
About 2 hours away. Paradise wildflowers peak late July into August. Check for timed-entry requirements in summer.
Beat the crowds
- Check the cruise ship schedule. Pike Place and downtown are packed on big ship days from May through September.
- Visit Mount Rainier on a weekday and arrive before 9am; Paradise parking fills early in summer.
- September offers summer weather with far fewer visitors and lower rates.
- Book summer hotels early; the cruise season and conventions keep downtown full.
Know before you go
- Mount Rainier's Paradise road is open year-round but other park roads, like Sunrise, open only in summer, often from early July.
- Many North Cascades and Olympic high-country roads and trails are snowbound until early summer.
- Wildfire smoke can close trails and reduce air quality in August and September some years.
Seattle in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Seattle?
April is a good month to visit Seattle. The Skagit Valley tulip fields, about an hour north, bloom this month.
What is the weather like in Seattle in April?
Mild, highs near 59F (15C), showers.
Is Seattle crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Seattle; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Seattle in April?
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (april, with bloom timing set by the weather).
Keep planning Seattle.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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