United States, North America
Seattle in December
Holiday lights and cozy indoor life. Dark and wet, but festive.
The straight answer
December is a month of real tradeoffs in Seattle. Holiday lights and cozy indoor life. Dark and wet, but festive.
- Weather
- Cold and wet, highs near 46F (8C), sunset around 4:20pm
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What December is like in Seattle
December is cold, wet, and dark, with highs near 46F (8C) and sunset around 4:20pm. Rain and gray skies are the norm, though snow in the city is rare. What saves the month is the holiday spirit: lights downtown, festive shop windows, and cozy restaurants. Crowds are light and prices are low, apart from the holiday weeks.
This month suits holiday lovers, couples, and families who want a festive city break and do not mind the rain. It is a poor time for hiking, views, or national parks. For those, plan a summer trip between July and September.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about Seattle this month.
Holiday lights downtown
Downtown fills with lights and festive windows, and an evening walk near Pike Place and Westlake is cheerful even in the rain.
Skiing at Snoqualmie Pass
Once snow arrives, the ski areas at Snoqualmie Pass are about an hour from the city for a day trip.
Festive food and markets
Pike Place Market is lively with holiday shopping, and short days are perfect for long, warm dinners.
What to pack for December
- A waterproof, insulated jacket
- Waterproof shoes
- A hat and gloves
- Ski layers if you plan a day at the pass
Our timing tip
Visit in the first half of December for holiday lights at low rates, and check pass conditions and snow reports before any mountain trip.
Book Seattle for December.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in SeattleOpens a hotel search for Seattle in December, 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 December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Seattle?
December is a month of real tradeoffs in Seattle. Holiday lights and cozy indoor life. Dark and wet, but festive.
What is the weather like in Seattle in December?
Cold and wet, highs near 46F (8C), sunset around 4:20pm.
Is Seattle crowded in December?
December is one of the quieter months in Seattle; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Seattle.
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Before you book.
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