Seattle in May
In May, Seattle averages 18°C (65°F) during the day and 10°C (49°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (56 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Seattle, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Seattle
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Seattle (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (15°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (14°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (21°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Seattle
Times shown for Seattle local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Seattle — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Seattle's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Seattle in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Seattle's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Seattle
Seattle is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Seattle
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Seattle in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 47°F | 3°C / 37°F | 182 mm | 21 | — |
| February | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F | 125 mm | 21 | — |
| March | 11°C / 52°F | 4°C / 39°F | 123 mm | 20 | — |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 42°F | 93 mm | 19 | — |
| May | 18°C / 65°F | 10°C / 49°F | 56 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | 50 mm | 14 | — |
| July | 25°C / 76°F | 15°C / 58°F | 16 mm | 8 | — |
| August | 25°C / 76°F | 15°C / 59°F | 27 mm | 10 | — |
| September | 20°C / 69°F | 12°C / 54°F | 65 mm | 15 | — |
| October | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 138 mm | 18 | — |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | 5°C / 41°F | 178 mm | 21 | — |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 185 mm | 20 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Seattle in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Seattle in May?
In May, Seattle averages a high of 18°C (65°F) and a low of 10°C (49°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Seattle in May?
May is quite rainy in Seattle, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Seattle?
May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Seattle in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Seattle for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.