How to Pack for a Trip to Seattle, Washington

Seattle can be an excellent place to visit, featuring various concerts, festivals, and other sightseeing opportunities.^{[1]XResearch source} If you plan on taking a trip to Seattle soon, this How.com.vn will discuss several things you should pack in order to ensure as successful of a trip as possible.

1

Don't forget your travel essentials.

As with any trip, be sure to take along the standard items you'd bring elsewhere. These generally include your photo ID, passport, other travel documentation, medications you take, any medical equipment you need, forms of payment, undergarments, pajamas, as well as toiletries, to name just a few things.
- If you can, pack these things early on in your packing process, so you don't forget them.
- Remember to follow all airline and TSA regulations when packing if you'll be traveling by plane. This is important not only for your essentials, but for your clothes as well.
Advertisement

2

Prepare for warmer weather in June, July and August.

Seattle typically experiences its warmest weather during June, July and August. However, these temperatures aren't excessively hot. Temperatures can reach as high as 69°F in June, 72°F in July, and 73°F in August.^{[2]XResearch source}If you'll be visiting Seattle during one of these months, you'll want to pack clothing more appropriate for slightly warmer weather, such as 3/4-length sleeve shirts, t-shirts, capri pants and shorts.
- Note, however, that it can still get cooler at night, with temperatures averaging 52°F in June, 54°F in July, and 55°F in August.^{[3]XResearch source} If you are visiting Seattle during one of these months and plan to be out during the evening, you'll want to also be sure you bring long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts and pants to change into when necessary.

3

Expect cooler weather in December, January and February.

Seattle is usually cooler, but not overly cold, during the months of December, January and February. In December, temperatures usually reach as high as 47°F, while in January, they can be as high as 45°F. In February, you can generally expect temperatures to reach approximately 48°F.^{[4]XResearch source} If you plan to visit Seattle during one of these months, be sure to pack clothing appropriate for cooler weather, such as sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Layers are usually a good choice during the cooler months.^{[5]XResearch source}
Advertisement

4

Decide whether you'll visit a beach.

Seattle contains many beaches.^{[6]XResearch source}These can be a great summer activity, so if you plan on visiting one, you'll want to bring along your beach gear. This includes things like your swimsuit, an umbrella and a beach towel.
- Bring along reading material as well, such as a book or a magazine, if you enjoy reading on the beach.
- As with beaches in other areas, some beaches may be closed at certain points of the year, due to a variety of reasons. Before deciding to visit a beach, do some research to make sure the beach you want to visit will be open, and respect if the beach will be closed and visit elsewhere instead.
  - You should also respect all beach rules and regulations, in order to protect the marine life, as well as yourself. For example, do not drive in any closed areas, and obey the posted speed limits.^{[7]XResearch source}

5

Consider skipping the fancy attire.

If you'd prefer to dress up, then feel free to pack fancier clothes. However, most people in Seattle tend to dress more casual. This generally means attire as simple as athletic wear, or even plaid. Therefore, while you should still pack with the weather in mind, note that you don't need to worry about packing the fanciest clothes unless you want to.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Of course, if you happen to be visiting a restaurant in or around Seattle with a dress code, you'll want to pack accordingly. Research the restaurants you plan on visiting in advance to find out if this is the case.
Advertisement

6

Remember your rain gear.

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't rain all the time in Seattle. However, it does tend to rain more between the months of October and May. Therefore, especially if you plan to visit Seattle during these months, you'll want to pack things like a rain jacket or poncho, and rain boots. These things should help you stay dry in the event you get caught in rain. You'll want to ensure that both your rain jacket and rai boots are waterproof, and that you can wear them to various destinations around town like restaurants.^{[9]XResearch source}
- For the most part, umbrellas actually aren't that common in Seattle, so you'll probably be able to make do with just a rain jacket and rain boots.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Even if you're not visiting Seattle during one of their rainier months, it's still a good idea to pack this gear in case you do end up getting caught in rain.

7

Bring along comfortable shoes.

It is possible to navigate most of Seattle by walking. The places that can't be easily accessed in this manner can be accessed via public transportation. Therefore, walking shoes you'll be comfortable in are essential. Don't worry—you shouldn't need to bring cumbersome hiking boots, even if you plan on hiking. Just shoes that are able to support your feet as you navigate Seattle.^{[11]XResearch source}
- You may specifically want to bring shoes that are waterproof, in case you end up getting caught in the rain and can't immediately change into your rain boots.^{[12]XResearch source}
Advertisement

8

Include your sunglasses.

Because a lot of Seattle is walkable, it's a good idea to pack your sunglasses. While excessive humidity and heat isn't common, you may still encounter sun during your trip, particularly during the summer. A pair of sunglasses are a good idea to help protect your eyes.^{[13]XResearch source}
- For similar reasons, you'll also want to pack sunscreen,^{[14]XResearch source} regardless of what the weather is expected to be during your trip. Rain and clouds do not filter out all of the sun's rays, so bringing sunscreen is important in order to keep yourself protected from the sun.^{[15]XResearch source}

9

Think about bringing hiking gear.

Seattle provides quite a few opportunities to explore the outdoors. If you plan on doing this, be sure to bring along hiking gear. Some of the things you may want to bring include waterproof or water resistant trail runners, a daypack, and a water bottle, to name just a few things. If you use hiking poles, you may want to pack them as well.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Make sure that you also include wool socks and warmer clothes if you plan on hiking during the winter.^{[17]XResearch source}
Advertisement

10

Take along reusable bags.

There is a charge for bags at retail and grocery stores in Seattle. Therefore, to save money (and help the environment), it's a good idea to bring a few reusable bags with you if you plan on visiting any stores.^{[18]XResearch source}
- If you don't have any reusable bags, you may want to consider making your own before your trip.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

In general, Seattle is an environmentally friendly city. Composting is common, as is recycling and renewable energy sources such as hydropower. Therefore, in addition to public transportation, you can also expect to find green hotel initiatives, as well as composting stations, recycling stations, and compostable cutlery.^{[19]XResearch source}
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
While Seattle, like any area, has expected weather patterns and temperatures throughout the year, there could be days where the weather is different than expected. For the most accurate weather forecast, research the weather about one week before your trip. This way, you'll have a better idea of exactly what type of clothing you need to bring.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
You may want to pack additional clothes besides what you need, in case you end up getting caught in the rain, or you just want to change your clothes prior to an outing.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0