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United States, North America

Seattle in March

Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington quad in late March.

Quiet valueCool, highs near 54F (12C), showers
Seattle skyline, United States
SeattlePhoto: Cacophony, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Seattle. Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington quad in late March.

Weather
Cool, highs near 54F (12C), showers
Crowds
2 of 5
Prices
2 of 5

What March is like in Seattle

March is cool and showery, with highs near 54F (12C) and a mix of rain and sunbreaks, sometimes in the same hour. The city starts to turn green, and daylight saving time brings longer evenings. Crowds are still light and prices are low. Late in the month, the cherry trees bloom on the University of Washington quad.

This month suits flower lovers, budget travelers, and families who want an easy city trip with a few outdoor moments. It is still too early for mountain hiking and national park trips. For dry weather and the Olympics or Rainier, plan for July through September.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Seattle this month.

01

Cherry blossoms at UW

The cherry trees on the University of Washington quad bloom in late March. Timing shifts each year, so check bloom reports.

02

Sunbreaks and green parks

Spring showers pass quickly, and parks like Discovery Park and Kerry Park look fresh and green between them.

03

Spring break for less

Prices stay low, and indoor spots like the Museum of Flight make it easy to fill rainy hours with kids.

What to pack for March

  • A light waterproof jacket
  • Layers for quick shifts between sun and rain
  • Water-resistant walking shoes
  • Sunglasses for sunbreaks

Our timing tip

Visit the UW quad early on a weekday morning during bloom, when the light is soft and the crowds are small.

Book Seattle for March.

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Things to do in Seattle

Full guide
01

Pike Place Market

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

02

Space Needle

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Chihuly Garden and Glass

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Seattle?

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Seattle. Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington quad in late March.

What is the weather like in Seattle in March?

Cool, highs near 54F (12C), showers.

Is Seattle crowded in March?

March is one of the quieter months in Seattle; most sights can be done without long waits.

Keep planning Seattle.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Seattle in FebruaryThe month before: Cool and wet, highs near 51F (11C)Quiet value
  2. 02Seattle in AprilThe month after: Mild, highs near 59F (15C), showersGood
  3. 03Seattle in JulyThe next best month: Warm and dry, highs near 76F (24C)Best

Also at their best in March

Everywhere in March

Where else is good in March?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

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Our top-rated travel gear

Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.

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ChargerAnker Nano II 65W

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packs flat

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handheld hook

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