United States, North America

Seattle in August

Seafair's Blue Angels show over Lake Washington. Wildfire smoke can drift in some years.

BestWarm and dry, highs near 77F (25C)

Seattle skyline, United States — SeattlePhoto: Cacophony, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Seattle. Seafair's Blue Angels show over Lake Washington. Wildfire smoke can drift in some years.

Weather: Warm and dry, highs near 77F (25C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Seattle

August is warm and dry, with highs near 77F (25C) and long, sunny days. It is one of the busiest and most expensive months, with cruise crowds downtown and full trailheads in the mountains. In early August, the Blue Angels fly over Lake Washington as part of Seafair. Some years, wildfire smoke from regional fires drifts in and hazes the views.

This month suits families, hikers, and anyone chasing Mount Rainier's wildflowers. It is less ideal for travelers sensitive to smoke or crowds. If you are flexible, September often brings the same dry weather with fewer people and lower rates.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Seattle this month.

Blue Angels over Lake Washington

The Seafair air show in early August is a big local weekend. Find a spot along the lake or watch from a boat.

Paradise wildflowers

The meadows at Mount Rainier's Paradise peak from late July into August. Go early on a weekday for parking.

Bumbershoot

The long-running music and arts festival fills Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend, which can start in late August.

What to pack for August

Sunscreen and a sun hat
Hiking shoes and a daypack
A light layer for cool evenings
A mask rated for smoke, in case of a smoky spell

Our timing tip

Check air quality and wildfire updates before hiking days, and keep a backup indoor plan like the Museum of Flight or MoPOP.

Book Seattle for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Seattle
Opens a hotel search for Seattle in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Seattle
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Seattle
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Seattle for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Seafair

July into early August

Neighborhood parades, hydroplane races, and the Blue Angels air show over Lake Washington in early August.

Bumbershoot

Labor Day weekend

A long-running music and arts festival at Seattle Center.

Things to do in Seattle

Full guide

Pike Place Market

Go before 10am on a weekday. Cruise-ship days pack it by late morning.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Space Needle

Time it for sunset on a clear day. Skip it on socked-in gray days.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Next to the Space Needle; the glasshouse is at its best on sunny afternoons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Music, science fiction, and pop culture in a Frank Gehry building at Seattle Center.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge

The cheapest views in the city. Sunset sailings are the best.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mount Rainier National Park

About 2 hours away. Paradise wildflowers peak late July into August. Check for timed-entry requirements in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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 August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Seattle?

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Seattle. Seafair's Blue Angels show over Lake Washington. Wildfire smoke can drift in some years.

What is the weather like in Seattle in August?

Warm and dry, highs near 77F (25C).

Is Seattle crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Seattle; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Seattle in August?

Seafair (july into early august); Bumbershoot (labor day weekend).