United States Seattle Weather in December (holiday season) — Climate Guide
December (holiday season) in Seattle is Wet + festive
Seattle Weather in December (holiday season) — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 8° / 3°
- Rainfall
- 145mm · 18 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Seattle in December (holiday season) averages a high of 8°C and low of 3°C with 145mm of rain over about 18 days. Winter — high 8°C, low 3°C. Warm waterproof jacket + sweater + scarf + gloves. 18 rainy days.
December (holiday season) is Wet + festive for Seattle.
December has the holiday spectacle (Westlake Park Christmas tree, decorated department stores, Sheraton Gingerbread Village). **Dec 31 fireworks from the Space Needle** are spectacular but crowded. Hotel rates spike for Dec 26-Jan 2 — book 2+ months ahead.
Travel score
Seattle December (holiday season) Weather Stats
Avg High
8°C
Avg Low
3°C
Rainy Days
18
145mm total
Sunshine
2h
Daily avg
Humidity
80%
Damp + cold
UV Index
1
Low
Wind
16 km/h
Gusts 35
Sea Temp
9°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December (holiday season) Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
10 μg/m³
PM10
20 μg/m³
Status
Good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
6°C
Nighttime
1°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
16 km/h
Max gust 35 km/h
Activities Recommended for December (holiday season)
December (holiday season) Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Holiday lights + decorations
- Space Needle Dec 31 fireworks
- Christmas Ship Festival
Cons
- 18 rainy days + cold
- Dec 26-Jan 2 hotel surge
- Short daylight
December (holiday season) Events & Festivals
- Sheraton Gingerbread Village (free)
- Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
- Dec 31 Space Needle fireworks
Seattle in December (holiday season) — Full Picture
December has the holiday spectacle (Westlake Park Christmas tree, decorated department stores, Sheraton Gingerbread Village). **Dec 31 fireworks from the Space Needle** are spectacular but crowded. Hotel rates spike for Dec 26-Jan 2 — book 2+ months ahead.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Winter — high 8°C, low 3°C. Warm waterproof jacket + sweater + scarf + gloves. 18 rainy days.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
14.3°C
6.7°C
13.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
22.7°C
12.3°C
5/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
15.7°C
8°C
13/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current8.7°C
3.3°C
17.3/mo
Seattle Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8° | 3° | 18d·145mm | 2h | 80% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10° | 4° | 16d·110mm | 3h | 78% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 12° | 5° | 16d·100mm | 4h | 75% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 14° | 6° | 14d·80mm | 5h | 72% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| May (Best) | 17° | 9° | 10d·50mm | 7h | 70% | 6 | Busy | Shoulder |
| June (Best) | 20° | 11° | 8d·38mm | 8h | 68% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| July (peak month) (Best) | 24° | 13° | 3d·18mm | 10h | 65% | 8 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 24° | 13° | 4d·22mm | 9h | 67% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| 21° | 11° | 7d·38mm | 7h | 70% | 5 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 15° | 8° | 13d·90mm | 4h | 75% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 11° | 5° | 19d·175mm | 2h | 80% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 8° | 3° | 18d·145mm | 2h | 80% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Seattle December (holiday season) Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December (holiday season) a good time to visit Seattle?
Seattle in December (holiday season) is Wet + festive. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Seattle in December (holiday season)?
Seattle December (holiday season) averages a high of 8°C and a low of 3°C.
Does it rain much in Seattle in December (holiday season)?
Seattle December (holiday season) averages 145mm of rainfall over about 18 rainy days.
What should I wear in Seattle in December (holiday season)?
Winter — high 8°C, low 3°C. Warm waterproof jacket + sweater + scarf + gloves. 18 rainy days.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Seattle in December (holiday season)?
Seattle December (holiday season) sunrise is 07:55 and sunset is 16:20, with 8h 25m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Seattle in December (holiday season)?
Seattle December (holiday season) air quality (AQI) averages 35, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 10μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Seattle in December (holiday season)?
In December (holiday season), Seattle is great for Sheraton Gingerbread Village, Space Needle Dec 31 fireworks, Museums.
Is December (holiday season) peak season in Seattle?
Seattle December (holiday season) crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Seattle
View Other Months
Planning a December (holiday season) trip to Seattle?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.