Seattle’s natural playground changes with the seasons — this curated calendar shows you when to go and what to experience
Recently crowned the “most beautiful city in the U.S.” by travellers, Seattle wears its natural drama lightly. Here, urban life unfolds against a backdrop of water and wilderness — from salt-sprayed adventures on Puget Sound to forest trails and mountain escapes just beyond the skyline. It’s this rare closeness to shoreline, evergreens, and alpine air that keeps Seattle’s outdoors compelling year-round, offering a constantly shifting calendar of seasonal experiences in and around the city.
January
A winter hike to Franklin Falls in the Snoqualmie Region feels almost cinematic. Just an hour from downtown Seattle, the gentle 2.2-mile forest trail suits both first-timers and seasoned hikers, winding toward the 70-foot cascade tucked deep in evergreens. Come in January and the reward is pure Pacific Northwest magic — the falls often freeze into dramatic icicle formations, turning the landscape into one of the region’s most unforgettable winter sights.
February
February is peak season for a snow-draped escape into Washington’s alpine backyard. Just an hour from downtown Seattle, The Summit at Snoqualmie transforms into the city’s winter playground, spanning nearly 2,000 acres of skiable terrain across four alpine resorts. Whether it’s snow tubing and beginner slopes or advanced runs and backcountry access, the mountains deliver a full spectrum of cold-weather thrills without the long haul.
March
Spring arrives with the crack of the bat as baseball season returns to Seattle. Cheer on the AL West champion Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, where the stadium’s open-air design lets you soak in fresh grass, crisp spring air, and classic ballpark energy. With the home opener in late March and the stadium easily accessible from downtown — even walkable from many hotels — it’s one of the city’s most spirited ways to welcome the season.
April
Spring softens the city at the Washington Park Arboretum, a 230-acre oasis of winding trails and rare plant life within Seattle’s limits. Co-managed by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the city, this living museum showcases species unique to the Pacific Northwest. March and April are especially magical, when cherry blossoms bloom along Azalea Way, and benches and picnic tables invite slow afternoons beneath a canopy of pale pink petals.
May
Pike Place Market is a year-round icon, but spring finds it at its most vibrant during the Flower Festival (May 9–10). A tribute to the region’s growers and florists, the event turns the historic market into a riot of colour, with blooms spilling across stalls and walkways. Expect 30+ local flower farms from King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties, making it one of the city’s most joyful seasonal spectacles.
June
Summer settles in at Habitat Beach at Seattle’s new Waterfront Park, where the city meets the sea just steps from the historic Pioneer Square neighbourhood. This revitalised stretch blends shoreline views with urban energy — from native plantings and glimpses of marine wildlife to ferries gliding across Puget Sound. Linger for the restored waterfront pergola, grab a scoop from Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, and stay for those long, golden Puget Sound sunsets.
July
Summer shines at Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest green space and a local favourite for unfiltered nature. Perched above Puget Sound, the park delivers sweeping views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, along with two miles of protected tidal beaches and rich wildlife habitats. Whether it’s a coastal hike or a slow nature walk, it’s one of the city’s most immersive ways to experience the Pacific Northwest in peak summer.
August
Despite its playful name, Poo Poo Point in Tiger Mountain State Forest delivers some of the region’s most rewarding summer views. On a clear August day, the summit opens up to sweeping panoramas of Lake Sammamish and Mount Rainier, making the hike well worth the climb. Pop-culture fans may recognise it as the setting for McDreamy’s house in Grey’s Anatomy — and if luck’s on your side, you might also spot paragliders and hang gliders launching into the sky from the top.
September
Early autumn is prime time to tap into your inner forager around Seattle’s forested fringes. With Forage Seattle’s guided experiences, beginners and enthusiasts alike can join introductory mushroom foraging classes or venture into the woods near Mount Rainier. September marks peak foraging season in Washington, when warm post-summer rains coax out prized finds like chanterelles, porcini, and lobster mushrooms, drawing curious gatherers into the wild.
October
Autumn deepens along the Twin Falls trail in North Bend, a local favourite that captures the Pacific Northwest at its most cinematic. Just 40 minutes from Seattle, the forested route winds past three striking waterfalls, with easy river access and family-friendly viewpoints along the way. Add in iconic bridges suspended above the cascades and vivid fall foliage, and it’s a classic October escape that delivers big scenery without a long journey.
November
Crisp air and slower days make Woodinville Wine Country a perfect late-autumn escape, just 30 minutes from Seattle. Home to 100+ tasting rooms, the region blends vineyard charm with Pacific Northwest calm. At spots like Matthews Winery, vineyard views and forest-like outdoor seating create an easy, elegant setting for a lingering afternoon of local wine and seasonal light.
December
Winter closes the year with a touch of maritime magic on Puget Sound. One of Seattle’s most beloved traditions, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival has been lighting up the waterfront since 1949. Aboard the glowing “Spirit of Seattle,” draped in festive lights and carols, guests glide across dark winter waters, taking in sparkling skyline views and a uniquely Pacific Northwest take on the holiday season.
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