Seattle Weather in March
“Green, wet, atmospheric. Bring proper waterproofs.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
Walk the Fremont troll early in March and the character of Seattle's season lands quickly — a cool crispness in the morning air carrying through the day. Averages sit around 11.5°C (52.7°F) by day and 4.2°C (39.6°F) after dark, with rainfall near 119 mm across roughly 16.2 rainy days — a persistent presence that reshapes the pavements. Daylight runs about 7.2 hours per day, shorter daylight that concentrates walking hours, and the season stamps its signature on details like the cedar canopy of Discovery Park.
On the ground, cold shapes the timing. Time around the Fremont troll shows best in mid-morning light before the chill deepens; warm interiors — cafés, museums, shops near the Chihuly Garden and Glass — carry the middle of the day. Evenings run short outdoors and long indoors, which suits the local rhythm rather than fighting it.
Reading across 11 complete years (2015–2025), March in Seattle has trended less predictable in recent seasons, with the last few years pushing daytime highs and rainfall patterns modestly away from the older normals. The 2026 signal so far tracks the recent shape rather than the long-run midpoint — meaning what you see above is weighted to how this month has actually been running, not a smoothed 30-year picture that masks the shift.
For travellers planning around 2026, this profile is the honest baseline. Match the packing list to the numbers — not to the month name — and you avoid the classic mismatch of arriving with the wrong shell, the wrong shoes, or the wrong daylight assumptions. The rest of this page breaks down what to wear, what to do, and how the season tends to run for Seattle visitors in 2026.
The Freeze is real — locals will smile at you at Trader Joe's and never invite you anywhere. The correct coffee order is a 'cortado' at Milstead or Elm, not a Starbucks anything. Ballard is where Norwegians settled and where the salmon locks let you watch chinook climb concrete steps every August. Never open an umbrella; it marks you as tourist. Locals wear Gore-Tex hoods and consider anything under a half-inch per hour to be 'not really raining.'
What to pack for Seattle in March
With highs only near 11.5°C and lows around 4.2°C, cold-weather kit is non-negotiable, especially for long walking days. Waterproofing matters this month — expect meaningful rain and plan around it.
- a heavy waterproof coat
- thermals
- waterproof boots
- gloves
- a beanie
What to pack for Seattle in March
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in Seattle
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Seattle across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated March trip to Seattle
Shoulder-season pricing — a balance of price and conditions. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you. Estimates use rule-based averages; check partner sites for live pricing.
Delayed flight to Seattle?
March sees 119mm of rain here — delays happen. Check if you're eligible for compensation. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
Check compensation eligibility →Free check · Only pay if you get paid · Powered by Compensair.
Plan your Seattle trip
Handpicked services from partners we trust. One tab for everything you'll need after the flight is booked.
Compare rooms in Seattle on Booking.com.
Skip-the-line tickets, day trips, food walks and guided tours.
Compare fares with cashback on every booking.
Instant data on arrival — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.
Flexible monthly coverage for trips of any length.
Compare 900+ rental brands with free cancellation.
Book a driver in advance — fixed price, no queue.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you.
Things worth doing
Best-fit activities include brewery visits, mountain-view drives, waterfront walks, and market wanders — a mix suited to the month's daylight and weather pattern.
March vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Seattle. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Seattle
While March has its own character in Seattle, the data-backed best months to visit Seattle are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for SeattleOther places with a similar climate right now
Seattle in March — FAQ
Q01Is March a good month for Seattle?
Is March a good month for Seattle?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In March, Seattle averages a high of 12°C (53°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F), with 119mm of rainfall across roughly 16 rainy days. July through mid-September is the 'dry season' when Rainier finally shows itself daily and the Bumbershoot festival takes over Seattle Center.
Q02How warm does Seattle get in March?
How warm does Seattle get in March?
The average high temperature in Seattle during March is 12°C (53°F), with an average low of 4°C (39°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Seattle in March?
Does it rain a lot in Seattle in March?
Seattle averages approximately 16 rainy days in March, with a total monthly rainfall of about 119mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. November atmospheric rivers dump three inches in 24 hours; the Duwamish floods Georgetown and Highway 99 tunnel entrances close.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Seattle in March?
What clothes should I bring to Seattle in March?
For Seattle in March, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Waterproof shoes with aggressive tread — moss-covered brick sidewalks in Pioneer Square become skating rinks in November.
Q05Are there many tourists in Seattle in March?
Are there many tourists in Seattle in March?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during March are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Freeze is real — locals will smile at you at Trader Joe's and never invite you anywhere. The correct coffee order is a 'cortado' at Milstead or Elm, not a Starbucks anything. Ballard is where Norwegians settled and where the salmon locks let you watch chinook climb concrete steps every August. Never open an umbrella; it marks you as tourist. Locals wear Gore-Tex hoods and consider anything under a half-inch per hour to be 'not really raining.'