Early winter · Weather & things to do
Seattle in December
This is the coldest month in Seattle: highs average 44°F (7°C) and lows 35°F (2°C), with about 6.9 in (175 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 34/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 44°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 35°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 6.9 in (175 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 34/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 44°F (7°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Nights cool to an average low of 35°F (2°C).
Expect regular rain: about 6.9 in (175 mm) falls in the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 79%.
Only about 8 h 15 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 15 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 43/100 in November to 34/100.
- Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Puget Sound Islands route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass & Leavenworth route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 44°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Seattle in December
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Seattle Central Library
Rem Koolhaas glass-and-steel library with a spiral book ramp.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 6.9 in of rain.
Piroshky Piroshky
Russian bakery in the market selling fresh beef-and-cheese and salmon piroshky.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 6.9 in of rain.
Pike Place Market
Century-old public market with fishmongers, produce stalls and the original market arcades over Elliott Bay.
Why now Easy to slot in when December's rain moves in.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Dale Chihuly's glasswork in galleries and a garden beside the Space Needle.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in December.
Discovery Park
Seattle's largest park: bluff meadows, forest loop trail and a beach walk to West Point Lighthouse.
Zig Zag Café
Classic cocktail bar tucked down the Pike Street Hillclimb steps below the market.
Nearby in December
- Bainbridge Island in December~9 mi · highs 44°F, 6.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Snoqualmie Pass in December~45 mi · highs 33°F, 9.8 in rain or snow · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Olympic NP in December~61 mi · highs 31°F, 10.6 in rain or snow · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, wetter
- San Juan Island in December~71 mi · highs 44°F, 5.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
These averages also cover Pike Place Market & Waterfront and Seattle Center & Queen Anne.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Seattle in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Seattle?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 34/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 44°F (7°C) and 6.9 in (175 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Seattle in December?
Average highs are 44°F (7°C) and average lows 35°F (2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Seattle in December?
Yes: about 6.9 in (175 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 48.4 in (1230 mm).
What should I pack for Seattle in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 44°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in December
- Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass & Leavenworth Late Nov – Dec
Planning Seattle in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.