Seattle in September

In September, Seattle averages 20°C (69°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (65 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

It's peak hurricane season in Seattle during September. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

20°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
15
Rain days
65 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Seattle

4th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
12 h 36 min
daylight on the 15th

September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Seattle (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (15°C). September runs 4°C cooler than August (25°C) and cools 5°C in October (15°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Seattle

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:46 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:22 PM
Day length
12 h 36 min

Times shown for Seattle local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Seattle — September

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Seattle's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:46 AM – 6:26 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:26 AM – 7:26 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:42 PM – 7:42 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:42 PM – 8:22 PM

📅 When to book — Seattle in September

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 September's tier (Shoulder) and Seattle's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — September in Seattle

Shoulder

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: excellent tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — September in Seattle

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.2
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 September weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Seattle in September →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Seattle in September?

In September, Seattle averages a high of 20°C (69°F) and a low of 12°C (54°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Seattle in September?

September is quite rainy in Seattle, with about 15 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Seattle?

September 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 September?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September packing list for Seattle for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Seattle on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.