United States, North America
Seattle in September
Summer weather, thinner crowds after Labor Day. Arguably the best month.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Seattle. Summer weather, thinner crowds after Labor Day. Arguably the best month.
- Weather
- Pleasant, highs near 71F (22C), mostly dry
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in Seattle
September is arguably Seattle's best month. Highs sit near 71F (22C), most days are dry and sunny, and the evening light is soft and golden. After Labor Day, the summer crowds thin out and hotel rates start to ease. Mountain roads and trails are still open, though wildfire smoke can linger in some years, and the rain usually holds off until October.
This month suits nearly everyone: couples, hikers, and families with younger kids. It is the smartest pick if you want summer weather without summer crowds. The only people who might prefer August are those chasing peak wildflowers at Rainier.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Seattle this month.
Summer weather, fewer people
After Labor Day, Pike Place, the Space Needle, and the ferries are noticeably calmer, while the weather stays dry.
Bumbershoot on Labor Day weekend
The music and arts festival fills Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend, a lively start to the month.
Quiet mountain trails
Rainier and the Olympics are still open and far less busy than in August, with crisp mornings and clear air on good days.
What to pack for September
- Layers for warm afternoons and cool evenings
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A light rain shell for late in the month
Our timing tip
Book the week after Labor Day for the best mix of weather, price, and crowds, and do your mountain trips early in the month.
Book Seattle for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in SeattleOpens a hotel search for Seattle in September, 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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
Bumbershoot
Labor Day weekend
A long-running music and arts festival at Seattle Center.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Seattle?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Seattle. Summer weather, thinner crowds after Labor Day. Arguably the best month.
What is the weather like in Seattle in September?
Pleasant, highs near 71F (22C), mostly dry.
Is Seattle crowded in September?
Crowds in Seattle are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Seattle in September?
Bumbershoot (labor day weekend).
Keep planning Seattle.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
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