Last updated on August 6th, 2025
Don’t let the weather stop you from exploring! We’re sharing 25 fun things to do in Seattle in the winter, rain or shine.
Seattle in the winter might be known for its gray skies and rainy days, but it can still be so magical, especially when it snows! With delicious coffee shops on every corner, mountains covered in snow just a short drive away, and fewer crowds at popular spots, it’s actually one of our favorite times of year to explore the city!
We spent three amazing years living in Seattle before hitting the road full-time in our Sprinter van, which meant we got to experience plenty of soggy, chilly winters. We quickly learned just to bundle up and embrace it! Even with the gloomier winters, Washington still has some of our favorite places in the country, and it’s at the top of our list if we ever decide to settle down again!
In this guide, we’re rounding up the best things to do in Seattle in the winter that make the season so full of adventure. We’re sharing our favorite indoor hangouts, winter hikes, local food recs, and ideas to help you get outside (or stay warm inside), no matter what the weather’s doing.
Looking for more things to do in Seattle?
- Things to do in Seattle in the Winter
- 1. Relax at a local coffee shop
- 2. Explore Pike Place Market
- 3. Visit Chihuly Garden & Glass
- 4. Go Snowshoeing
- 5. Attend a Seattle Kraken game
- 6. Wander around a conservatory
- 7. Go for a moody hike
- 8. See a movie at SIFF Cinema
- 9. Chase waterfalls
- 10. Hit the slopes
- 11. Explore Seattle’s museums
- 12. Have some indoor fun
- 13. Take a ferry ride
- 14. Cozy up in a cabin
- 15. Go ice skating
- 16. Read at the Seattle Public Library
- 17. Seattle Christmas Market
- 18. Take a glassblowing class
- 19. Relax in a floating sauna
- 20. Rent a floating hot tub
- 21. Hang out at a brewery
- 22. See the Christmas lights in Leavenworth
- 23. Go on Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
- 24. Visit a board game cafe
- 25. Take a day trip to nearby towns
- Planning your trip to Seattle in the winter
Things to do in Seattle in the Winter
1. Relax at a local coffee shop
Seattle and coffee go hand-in-hand, and winter is the perfect excuse to head straight to a warm cafe with a steaming cup of something extra delicious, especially on a gloomy day.
We love Anchorhead for its stylish space downtown, and Storyville (right by Pike Place Market) feels extra cozy in the winter with its fireplace and view of the market below. Ada’s Technical Books & Café is a fun one if you’re looking for a unique spot to work or read, and Victrola is a longtime local favorite. The Capitol Hill location is our favorite for its big windows.
If you’re not sure where to start, we rounded up our absolute favorite coffee shops in Seattle. It has all of these and a few more we think you’ll love.
2. Explore Pike Place Market
There’s something about Pike Place Market in the winter that we actually prefer over visiting in the summer. It’s quieter, less crowded, and the vendors seem to have more time to chat. Plus, with so many stalls and shops tucked under cover, you can dodge the drizzle while wandering around and checking out the handmade crafts, warm pastries, and local produce. While there, we love to grab a pastry from Piroshky Piroshky or a hot bowl of chowder from Pike Place Chowder.
Looking for even more to do and eat? Check out our Pike Place Market guide!
3. Visit Chihuly Garden & Glass
If you’re looking for something beautiful to do indoors on a gray winter day, Chihuly Garden & Glass is such a good pick. It’s right next to the Space Needle, and the whole experience is so pretty and honestly kind of magical.
You’ll walk through a series of galleries filled with blown glass sculptures in every color and shape you can imagine. The main Glasshouse has a huge, orange and red installation that stretches across the ceiling. Even the outdoor garden is worth seeing in the winter!
4. Go Snowshoeing
One of the best things about winter in Seattle is how easy it is to escape to the mountains, and snowshoeing is such a fun way to get outside without needing a ton of experience. All you really need is a pair of snowshoes (you can rent them from places like REI), some warm layers, and a little sense of adventure.
Gold Creek Pond is a great option if you’re new to snowshoeing since it’s relatively flat, easy to follow, and the mountain views are beautiful when the skies are clear. Commonwealth Basin is another favorite nearby that feels a bit more like a backcountry experience without being too difficult. And if you’re up for a longer drive and the road is open, Artist Point has some of the most stunning winter scenery in the state!
A+K tip: We love bringing a thermos of something hot to enjoy once we reach our destination. It’s such a fun little treat, especially after spending time out in the cold.
5. Attend a Seattle Kraken game
Even if you’re not a big ice hockey fan, seeing the Seattle Kraken play at Climate Pledge Arena is seriously fun. Plus, you don’t really need to know the rules to have a good time. Just wear some team colors, cheer when everyone else does, and enjoy the experience! We suggest grabbing dinner at Taylor Shellfish or Dreamland Bar & Diner beforehand and making a whole night of it.
6. Wander around a conservatory
Seattle has a couple of warm, leafy indoor gardens scattered throughout the city that are perfect to check out on a cold, gloomy day. Not only is it a great way to escape the rain, but you still get to be surrounded by all kinds of plants! And the best part is, most of them are super affordable to visit.
One of our favorite spots is the Volunteer Park Conservatory in Capitol Hill. It’s packed with ferns, cacti, palms, and colorful orchids, all inside a gorgeous glasshouse.
If you’re up for a little drive, the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma is also worth a visit. This historic glasshouse dates back to 1908 and has one of the few remaining twelve-sided Victorian domes on the West Coast, with over 250 species of exotic tropical plants inside.
Another great spot to check out in the winter is the Tropical Butterfly House. While it’s not technically a conservatory, it gives off a similar feel. It stays 80 degrees year-round and is filled with hundreds of gorgeous butterfly species. It’s actually part of the Pacific Science Center, so you can also explore the rest of the museum while you’re there!
7. Go for a moody hike
Hiking in the rain might not sound like the most fun thing ever, but winter hikes in Washington can be pretty magical. Everything is so much greener, the trails are way less crowded, and if you’re up for a little adventure, some higher elevation spots even come with a layer of snow.
One of the most beautiful places to explore in the winter is the Hoh Rainforest out on the Olympic Peninsula. Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it. The trees are covered in moss, and everything feels extra moody this time of year. Just bring a good rain jacket and prepare to get a little wet (it’s part of the experience!)
If you’re looking for something closer to Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge is a solid pick. The trail is open all year and stays mostly clear of snow during the winter, though it can definitely be muddy or slick. On a clear day, the view from the top is amazing!
We put together a whole list of our favorite winter hikes in Washington (that are awesome to check out even if it’s wet and rainy!).
8. See a movie at SIFF Cinema
When it’s extra cold or stormy out, we love heading to a SIFF Cinema (Seattle International Film Festival) to check out independent films, foreign flicks, documentaries, and old-school classics you might not see anywhere else. Plus, they serve chocolate popcorn. Need we say more?
There are a few locations around the city, but our favorite is SIFF Uptown in Queen Anne. Plus, it’s within walking distance of some great restaurants if you want to grab dinner or dessert afterward.
9. Chase waterfalls
One of the most underrated winter adventures near Seattle is chasing waterfalls. And, after a good rain, they’re absolutely raging! Wallace Falls is a favorite all year long. The trail is 4.7 miles round trip with several falls along the way and lots of viewpoints. Franklin Falls is another good one. It’s short, sweet, and stunning in the winter. If it’s cold enough, the falls can partially freeze over, which is so cool to see!
A+K Tip: Bring microspikes! The trail to Franklin Falls, especially, can get super icy in spots, and having that extra traction is really helpful.
Want to check out even more waterfalls? Our blog post goes into more detail about the best waterfall hikes in the state.
10. Hit the slopes
Within two hours of Seattle, you can be up in the mountains skiing or snowboarding at Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, or Crystal Mountain. While we’re novice skiers ourselves, we’ve had a ton of fun learning and just being out in the snow. Crystal has one of the most scenic gondola rides with epic views of Mount Rainier at the top, and Stevens has awesome terrain for both beginners and more advanced skiers. Even if you’re not into skiing, hanging at the lodge with a hot drink and watching the snow fall is an experience all on its own.
11. Explore Seattle’s museums
When the winter rain really settles in, one of our favorite ways to stay warm (and dry) in Seattle is by checking out some of the city’s incredible museums.
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is hands-down one of the most unique museums we’ve ever visited! The building itself is a work of art, but inside you’ll find immersive exhibits all about music, movies, video games, horror, sci-fi, and more. It’s super interactive. Even if pop culture isn’t usually your thing, this museum is so interactive and creative, it’s hard not to have fun here.
If you’re even a little bit into planes, the Museum of Flight is a must. It’s one of the largest air and space museums in the world and has everything from early flight inventions to full-size fighter jets and a retired Air Force One you can walk through. And if you want to see how planes are actually built, head to the Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo!
On the waterfront near Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium is packed with cool exhibits and local marine life, including sea otters, puffins, jellyfish, and giant Pacific octopuses. The underwater dome is especially fun because you get to stand in the middle of a 360° tank and watch fish swim all around you!
A+K tip: If you’re planning to visit more than one attraction (like MoPOP, the Space Needle, and the aquarium), consider grabbing a Seattle CityPASS. It can save you some money, especially if you’re visiting with a group or family.
12. Have some indoor fun
When the weather isn’t exactly inviting (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot in winter), Seattle has plenty of fun indoor hangouts that make it easy to stay warm and try something new!
Flatstick Pub is always a good time with mini golf, local beer, and a game called duffleboard that’s way more fun than it sounds. It’s super lively and great for groups, with locations in South Lake Union and Pioneer Square.
For something a little different, SPIN Seattle is a ping pong bar downtown where you can reserve a table, grab drinks, and play a few rounds with friends. Over on Capitol Hill, Garage Billiards has bowling, pool, and plenty of space to hang out, plus a solid food and drink menu.
If you’re up for more indoor fun, try karaoke at Rock Box or arcade games at Shorty’s in Belltown. Whirlyball is another fun one (it’s like bumper cars meets basketball), and Seattle Bouldering Project is great if you want to climb indoors without needing any experience.
13. Take a ferry ride
There’s something magical about hopping on a Washington State Ferry in the winter. The crowds are lighter and the views of the Sound are just as pretty (if not prettier)!
One of our favorite easy trips is the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry. It’s about 35 minutes each way, and once you’re there, you can stroll through the small downtown area, grab breakfast from Blackbird Bakery, and check out local shops and galleries.
A+K tip: You don’t need a reservation if you’re a walk-on passenger, and it’s way cheaper than driving your car onto the ferry. You can check the ferry schedule here.
14. Cozy up in a cabin
One of our favorite ways to enjoy winter in the Pacific Northwest is by sneaking away to a cabin in the woods for a few days. There are tons of great spots within a couple of hours of Seattle where you can find the perfect little getaway. A super famous option is Tye Haus and Sky Haus near Skykomish, just about an hour from Seattle. These cute A-frame cabins sit in Timberlane Village right along the river with hot tubs, a fireplace, and even board games!
If you’re looking for more romantic getaways in Washington, check out our full list of the best spots in the State!
15. Go ice skating
Ice skating is a winter activity in Seattle that is always fun to try, even if you’re wobbling around the whole time. Seattle has a few great spots to check out, including a few indoor and outdoor rinks.
The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink is a fun seasonal option that pops up around the holidays. It’s small but super cute with all the lights and decorations. For something indoors and open all year, the Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate is a great option, and they have public skate times almost every day.
16. Read at the Seattle Public Library
When the weather is extra gloomy and you just want to be somewhere warm and quiet, the Seattle Public Library downtown is a great spot to spend an hour or two. The building itself is worth visiting, with massive windows and really unique architecture. If you have kids with you, the children’s area is cool too, with tons of space to explore. Plus, it’s completely free!
17. Seattle Christmas Market
If you’re in Seattle during the holidays, the Seattle Christmas Market at Seattle Center is such a fun way to get into the festive spirit. It runs from November 20 through December 24 and has twinkly lights, holiday music, and rows of little wooden huts selling handmade gifts.
You can grab Glühwein (hot mulled wine) or go for hot cider. There’s plenty of festive food too, both sweet and savory.
It’s also a great place for families. There’s a carousel, a big Christmas pyramid, a scavenger hunt that winds through the market, and even a couple of mascots named Holly and Jolly that kids seem to get excited about.
18. Take a glassblowing class
If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity that feels super unique to Seattle, try your hand at glassblowing. Seattle has a huge glass art scene, and several local studios offer beginner classes where you can make your own ornament, bowl, or paperweight. It’s such a fun way to leave Seattle with a handmade souvenir. Check out Seattle Glassblowing Studio or Pratt Fine Arts Center to get started.
19. Relax in a floating sauna
When it’s cold and damp outside, there’s nothing better than warming up in a toasty sauna. Seattle Sauna offers a floating, Nordic-style sauna experience right on Lake Union. It’s a traditional wood-fired cedar sauna moored at Seattle Marina with amazing views of the city skyline.
Each session is 90 minutes and starts at $64 per person, and there’s even a rooftop deck where you can cool off and relax between rounds.
20. Rent a floating hot tub
Yes, this is a real thing, and yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds! With Hot Tub Boats on Lake Union, you can soak in a private wood-fired hot tub while cruising around the lake. It’s such a unique way to float on the lake, especially if you’re feeling tired of the cold and gray. Plus, the boat ride gives you some pretty amazing views of the skyline, floating homes, and seaplanes taking off around you.
21. Hang out at a brewery
Seattle has no shortage of good breweries, and winter is a great time to try a few. Many spots have covered patios or indoor seating, and some even host trivia nights or live music. Reuben’s Brews, Stoup, and Fremont Brewing are all worth checking out, especially if you want to try some seasonal releases. Even if you’re not big on beer, a lot of breweries have cider, non-alcoholic options, or food trucks that make it a fun place to hang out for a bit.
22. See the Christmas lights in Leavenworth
Leavenworth is hands-down one of the most festive places you can visit in Washington during the winter. This little Bavarian-style village tucked into the mountains feels like it was made for the holidays. From late November through December, the town lights up with over a million Christmas lights throughout the downtown area, covering buildings, trees, and basically anything that will hold a string of bulbs.
You can stroll through the village with a mug of hot Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), pop into shops for handmade ornaments and treats, and warm up with schnitzel or bratwurst from one of the many German restaurants. The town square often has live music or carolers, too.
We especially love to visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to meet and feed actual reindeer, which is so fun! And if you’re looking for something indoors, the Nutcracker Museum is filled to the brim with thousands of nutcrackers from around the world.
If you’re looking for the best things to do here, we’ve put together a full guide to visiting Leavenworth in the winter.
23. Go on Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
This is one of those things that sounds a little weird at first but ends up being so fun (and surprisingly interesting!). Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes you under the streets of Pioneer Square, where you’ll walk through the original sidewalks and storefronts that got buried when Seattle rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889.
The guides are funny and engaging, and the underground spaces themselves are fascinating. Tours run all year and are mostly inside, so it’s a great activity for a cold or rainy day when you still want to get out and do something.
It’s also located right in Pioneer Square, which makes it easy to grab a bite to eat or check out nearby shops before or after your tour.
24. Visit a board game cafe
Board game cafes are one of our favorite ways to spend a rainy day in Seattle. You get to sit down with good food, fun drinks, and a giant wall of games to pick from. What’s not to love?
Mox Boarding House is probably the most popular option, with locations in Ballard and Bellevue. They have a huge selection of games, and the Ballard location has a full restaurant and bar, so you can make a whole afternoon out of it. Zulu’s Board Game Café in Bothell is another great pick with tons of free games to play!
25. Take a day trip to nearby towns
If you’re looking to explore beyond Seattle for a day, there are some great nearby towns that are easy to get to and totally worth the drive.
Bellingham is about two hours north and has a super walkable downtown! Here you can check out a few shops and grab a bite to eat. From there, you can explore Chuckanut Drive and stop for a hike. We love Oyster Dome for the views, but Fragrance Lake and Chuckanut Mountain are also great picks, too, depending on how much time you have. If you’re up for more exploring, Whatcom Falls is just a few minutes away and beautiful in the winter.
Tacoma, about an hour south of Seattle, has a ton of art, history, and waterfront views. One of the coolest stops is the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, with tons of vintage cars to check out. From there, you can walk across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, pop into the Museum of Glass, or take a stroll through Point Defiance Park if the weather’s nice.
If you’re looking for more easy getaways like this, check out our blog post with the best day trips from Seattle!
Planning your trip to Seattle in the winter
How to get there
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport for the city, and it’s super easy to get to and from downtown. The Link light rail runs directly from the airport to the city center in about 40 minutes, and it’s an easy, budget-friendly option if you’re not renting a car.
Getting around Seattle
We definitely recommend leaning on public transportation and rideshares in the winter. Walking around the city is still totally doable, but when it’s cold, rainy, or icy, hopping on a bus, light rail, or quick Uber makes life easier. The Link light rail, King County Metro buses, and the Seattle Streetcar can get you to most major neighborhoods and attractions.
If you’re planning to head into the mountains or take day trips, it’s worth renting a car for at least part of your stay. We highly recommend choosing one with AWD or 4WD for safer winter driving, especially if you’re venturing into areas like Snoqualmie Pass or Mount Rainier. Some mountain roads do require chains in certain conditions, so it’s smart to check WSDOT for updates before heading out.
Where to stay
If you want to experience Seattle like a local, we always recommend booking a vacation rental. Most of the city’s coolest neighborhoods don’t have hotels, and staying in an Airbnb or VRBO gives you more space. Here are a few of our favorite areas to stay:
Capitol Hill
One of Seattle’s most lively neighborhoods, Capitol Hill is just east of downtown with easy access to the light rail and tons of great food and coffee.
- Option 1: A studio apartment just one block from Kerry Park
- Option 2: A cute guest suite with fun decor
Queen Anne
Upper Queen Anne is quieter and more residential, while Lower Queen Anne is closer to the action. Both are beautiful, walkable, and close to downtown.
- Option 1: A studio apartment just one block from Kerry Park
- Option 2: A cute guest suite with fun decor
Ballard
A bit north of downtown, Ballard is packed with local shops, breweries, and some of our favorite restaurants in the city.
- Option 1: A 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhome with rooftop views
- Option 2: A 1 bathroom studio with a private kitchen but lots of additional shared spaces
Fremont
Fremont has a laid-back, artsy feel and is close to lots of great food and sights. It’s also super walkable and close to Ballard and Lake Union.
- Option 1: A 1-bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage
- Option 2: A 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment
- Option 3: A funky 3-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom house
A lot of Seattle homes and apartments vary when it comes to heating, so in the winter, it’s something to pay attention to. Radiators, baseboard heaters, or even a fireplace can make a big difference on cold, damp days. And if you’re staying in a rental, having a washer and dryer is really nice when you’re dealing with wet clothes and muddy layers.
Prefer a hotel?
Seattle hotels can get pricey (especially in the summer), but if that’s more your style, check out Motif, Inn at the Market, Hotel Max, or Thompson Seattle, all great options in or near downtown.
Prepare for the weather
Let’s be real, Seattle winters are wet. But the good news is they’re not usually that cold. Most days stay in the 40s, and while we do get a little snow here and there, it usually only sticks around for a few days. Our tip for enjoying it? Dress for it! We always say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
Here’s what we recommend packing:
- A waterproof rain jacket (Adam’s + Kathryn’s)
- Waterproof boots or shoes with good tread.
- Microspikes or snowshoes
- Warm layers you can easily add or shed
- An umbrella for walks around the city (we don’t use them for hiking, but you could!)
- A packable puffer or fleece jacket for chilly days
Save this guide with things to do in Seattle in the winter!
About the Author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.