Early spring · Weather & things to do
Seattle in March
Seattle warms up: highs climb to 51°F (11°C), from 47°F in February, with lows of 38°F (3°C) and about 5.4 in (138 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 50/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 51°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 5.4 in (138 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What March feels like
Afternoons only reach about 51°F (11°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Nights cool to an average low of 38°F (3°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.4 in (138 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are June – September.
- Comfort holds steady from February (48 → 50/100).
- Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so March falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Puget Sound Islands route recommends May – Sep, so March 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 — March falls outside it.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.4 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Seattle in March
With 5.4 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
Ballard oyster bar from Renee Erickson, known for local oysters.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.4 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 March's rain moves in.
Seattle Art Museum
Downtown art museum with strong Northwest Coast Native and modern collections.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 5.4 in of rain.
Seattle Central Library
Rem Koolhaas glass-and-steel library with a spiral book ramp.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in March.
Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker at McCaw Hall
Pacific Northwest Ballet's annual Nutcracker, staged at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center from late November through late December.
Discovery Park
Seattle's largest park: bluff meadows, forest loop trail and a beach walk to West Point Lighthouse.
Nearby in March
- Bainbridge Island in March~9 mi · highs 52°F, 5.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Snoqualmie Pass in March~45 mi · highs 38°F, 7.8 in rain or snow · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Olympic NP in March~61 mi · highs 34°F, 8.8 in rain or snow · 10°C (17°F) cooler by day, wetter
- San Juan Island in March~71 mi · highs 49°F, 4.2 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, 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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Seattle?
It's middling, scoring 50/100. The best months are June – September, at up to 90. Expect highs of 51°F (11°C) and 5.4 in (138 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Seattle in March?
Average highs are 51°F (11°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Seattle in March?
Yes: about 5.4 in (138 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 48.4 in (1230 mm).
What should I pack for Seattle in March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.4 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Seattle in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.