Seattle weather
in May
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
In may, Seattle settles into its kind, mild rhythm. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 19°C (66°F), cooling to 10°C after sunset. Rainfall is moderate — around 10 rainy days spread through the month. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Seattle in May
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Seattle in May
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Seattle
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Seattle in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit Seattle?
Is May a good time to visit Seattle?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In May, Seattle averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 10°C (49°F), with 51mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Seattle in May?
What is the average temperature in Seattle in May?
The average high temperature in Seattle during May is 19°C (66°F), with an average low of 10°C (49°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Seattle have in May?
How many rainy days does Seattle have in May?
Seattle averages approximately 10 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 51mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Seattle in May?
What should I pack for Seattle in May?
For Seattle in May, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Seattle in May?
How crowded is Seattle in May?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.