15 Best Things to Do in Seattle in January + Weather Info [2024]
THINKING ABOUT A VISIT TO SEATTLE IN JANUARY?
You’re in the right place! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and we love visiting the Pacific Northwest! It’s such a beautiful place to visit, especially when it’s frosted over during the winter months.
Seattle is one of our favorite cities, and it has a ton to offer on a winter getaway. Come along as we countdown the best things to do in Seattle in January!
Things to do in Seattle in January
1. Visit The Space Needle
No trip to Seattle would be complete without a visit to the famed Space Needle. It offers amazing views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound. Not to mention the Olympic Mountains, covered in snow thanks to the Seattle January weather.
There are many popular attractions in this area of town, and you can often times save money by booking a combination ticket to multiple venues. The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass combo ticket is a great way to visit the Space Needle and Chihuly Museum to enjoy the glass art exhibits.
▶️ BOOK Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket
2. Take a Harbor Cruise
One of our favorite ways to explore and learn about coastal cities is on a cruise. The Seattle Harbor Cruise showcases the best of what the city’s waterfront offers. From Elliot Bay to Seattle Harbor, this cruise is a fun way to take in the sights and sounds of Seattle.
Be sure to bundle up as Seattle in January weather will be cold, especially while on the water! Concessions and warm drinks are available for purchase during the Seattle boat cruise.
3. Explore Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of the most quintessential Seattle attractions. From the Fishmongers tossing fish around to the fresh flowers and artisan shops, it’s such a colorful and fun place to explore.
We love picking up some fresh produce from the market and, of course, seeing the fish markets where they throw the fish across their storefront. There is also really yummy clam chowder here. Also, don’t miss out on a quick stop at the Seattle Gum Wall, just a 2-minute walk away. It is one of my kids’ favorite places to visit in Seattle.
If you’re ever asking yourself what to do in Seattle in January, we recommend tasting your way through Pike Place Market on a Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market. This 2-hour tour will allow you to sample some of the best food the market has to offer. From Mac and Cheese to Greek Yogurt, it’s a tour the whole family can enjoy!
▶️ BOOK Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
4. Go Back in Time in Seattle’s Underground City
We love spending time in Seattle, and the city’s Underground Tour is one of our favorite attractions! We loved walking through what was the historic Pioneer Square before it was covered up following the 1889 Great Seattle Fire. It’s like experiencing Seattle through a time capsule!
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour is a sure bet for fun for the whole family! And definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Seattle in winter!
▶️ BOOK Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
5. Take a Hike in Discovery Park
If you’re an outdoorsy family, a visit to Discovery Park is one of the best things to do in January in Seattle. It offers some amazing views and so many fun trails to explore. You can make your way through meadows or hike alongside gorgeous cliffs.
Kids will love visiting the lighthouse or Daybreak Marine Center here as well. Even during the winter, it’s a beautiful place to visit, especially for a winter sunrise or sunset.
6. Play in the Snow at Snoqualmie Pass
Skiing and snowboarding are some of the best ways to enjoy Seattle winter activities. The city itself doesn’t get a ton of snow during the winter, but Snoqualmie Pass sure does, and it’s only 45 minutes outside the city.
It’s the perfect place to sneak off to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the slopes! Skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy the snow here, they have a tubing park as well!
7. Warm Up on a Coffee Tour
Seattle is known as the home of amazing coffee. If you’re a fan, there’s no better way to stay warm in Seattle in the winter than on a Seattle Coffee Culture Tour.
This tour will take you on a tasting adventure through the coffee shops in Capitol Hill, one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll learn more about coffee, its origins, and its impact on the city than you ever knew you needed to. This tour makes for a fun and invigorating Seattle experience!
▶️ BOOK Seattle Coffee Culture Tour
8. Go On A Haunted Walking Tour
If you’re a paranormal thrill seeker or are just looking for a fun way to enjoy Seattle after dark without the kids, muster up your courage and join a lively Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Walking Tour.
Participants on this tour will enjoy both liquid spirits and those of the paranormal persuasion. This lighthearted tour is led by an experienced guide who will take the group to some of Seattle’s best bars while regaling everyone with haunting tales of the city’s storied past.
▶️ BOOK Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Walking Tour
Take A Day Trip From Seattle
9. Visit Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is one of the Seattle area’s most recognized natural landmarks. There’s so much natural beauty to be explored in this part of the state, but most of the roads to Mt. Rainer are closed during the winter for personal visitors.
Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle is a tour that offers trips from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park, even in January. Tour groups are picked up in Seattle and then enjoy a scenic drive to the park. Beautiful winter landscapes, including Alder Lake Park, located in the foothills of Mount Rainier, will be on display.
The tour also includes views of Christine Falls, the Nisqually River, and Narada Falls, which at 188 feet, is taller than famed Niagra Falls. They are all cool sights to experience with your family.
Paradise (5,400 feet above sea level) is where you will be able to take in the best view of Mount Rainier. If time and conditions allow, winter adventures here often also include snowshoeing or sledding excursions.
▶️ BOOK Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle
10. Visit Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is about 2 hours and 10 minutes outside of Seattle and is another great place for a day trip. Most of the park remains open and accessible during the winter, so as long as you’re willing to brave the cold and snow, it’s a great time to explore the evergreen forests and gaze at the Olympic Mountains blanketed in beautiful snow.
Some of our favorite places on the Olympic Peninsula are Ruby Beach and the Hoh Rainforest. If you’re up for a hike, you can visit Sol Duc Falls and then warm up after your hike in the nearby hot springs. We loved visiting the hot springs after hiking to the waterfall with our family.
If you’d prefer a guided experience instead of exploring the park on your own, keep the Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour in mind. This tour transports visitors from Seattle to Olympic National Park and guides you through your journey there. They cover the beaches and forests, as well as short hikes on some of the park’s best trails.
▶️ BOOK Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour
11. Explore North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is yet another outdoor gem to consider visiting while in Seattle. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Seattle.
We stopped here on one of our road trips and thought it was beautiful! If you are a national park enthusiast and/or love hiking, this national park is well worth visiting.
There are so many things to do in North Cascades. We recommend taking the scenic drive down North Cascades Highway, where you can stop off to enjoy the viewpoints or check out a hike along the way. It’s a great way to see some of the park’s highlights in a limited amount of time.
12. Visit Forks
A day trip to Forks is a great option to consider if you’re interested in exploring the Olympic Peninsula and coastline while in Washington. At 4 hours, it’s a lengthy drive from Seattle, but if you’ve got the time to spare, we highly recommend visiting this area.
It’s another spot that is perfect for families who love the outdoors, with so many hiking trails in an enchanting landscape, nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy Forks!
13. Go International on an Adventure to Victoria
British Columbia is closer to Seattle than you might think, and thanks to high-speed ferries, it’s quick and easy for families to visit.
The Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper is such a convenient way to explore Victoria, British Columbia. You hop on the ferry in Seattle and cruise in comfortable style as the Victoria Clipper transports guests through Puget Sound and onto the Strait of Juan de Fuca eventually ending up in Victoria’s Inner Harbor.
The travel time from Seattle to Victoria is around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have the day to explore Victoria how you see fit before boarding the ferry for your return trip to Seattle that evening.
▶️ BOOK Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper
14. Take a Winery Tour
Woodinville is about 25 minutes outside of Seattle and is known for its wineries.
Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour provides transportation to local wineries, during which your guide will share insights about Washington wines. Samples of some of the best wines will be available at each stop but require an additional fee.
▶️ BOOK Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour
15. Enjoy Some Pacific Northwest Waterfalls
The Pacific Northwest is such a majestic and striking region of the United States. One of the most memorable ways to truly experience the landscape here is to face it up close on a hike. And there’s nothing more rewarding than views of a gorgeous waterfall to cap off a strenuous walk.
Forest Hike to Gorgeous Twin and Snoqualmie Falls is an awesome tour to consider if you’re looking for a guided hiking experience in this area. Not for everyone, this tour includes a lengthy and moderately challenging hike through an old-growth forest. As well as stops to relish the beauty of Twin Falls, Upper Falls, and Snoqualmie Falls, among other highlights.
▶️ BOOK Forest Hike to Gorgeous Twin and Snoqualmie Falls
Seattle Weather in January
Rainfall: 5.55”
Hours of Sunshine (Entire Month): 70
Days With Precipitation: 19
Average Daily High Temperature: 47°F
Average Daily Low Temperature: 36 °F
Seattle weather in January will be cold but not frigid. Temperatures during this month don’t typically get over 50°F, but they don’t typically slip into freezing temperatures either, rarely falling under 35°F.
January is a rainy month in Seattle, so prepare for rain here and there.
Where to Stay in Seattle in January
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍 Location: 411 University St. in Seattle | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Fairmont Olympic Hotel is one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in downtown Seattle. Guests can enjoy the ultimate comforts here, as this property has high-end hotel rooms and suites. The rooms are both stylish and cozy, and most of them offer amazing views of downtown Seattle.
The property also boasts two restaurants and a bar for any culinary needs. As well as a full-service spa for the ultimate rest and relaxation winter getaway.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center
⭐️ Rating 8.4/10 | 📍 Location: 601 Roy St. in Seattle | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center is another exceptional place to stay when exploring Seattle, Washington, in January. This 3-star hotel is comfortable but not pretentious. We love its excellent location, as it’s just a short walk away from the Space Needle or a quick drive from the waterfront.
Families especially will value a stay here. Free cribs and convenient laundry facilities make for happy travelers!
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center
FAQ: Seattle in January
Does it Snow in Seattle in January?
Seattle does experience some snow during the month of January, but not much. The city rarely sees more than 1.5” of snow during the month and is often as low as 0.5″.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Seattle?
January can be a great time to visit Seattle. With the start of the new year, many holiday travelers have gone home, so January visitors won’t have to deal with as much tourist congestion when checking out a lot of the area attractions.
With the dip in tourism, traveling to Seattle in January can also be less expensive than other times throughout the year.
What is Seattle Like in January?
Seattle is known for its cloudy countenance year-round, and January is no exception. You can expect cool temperatures, some rain, and not a ton of sunshine.
Is It Cold in Seattle in January?
The average temperature in Seattle in January is 47°F, as a high, while the low is 36 °F. The temperatures aren’t absolutely frigid, but they are definitely cool.
Is Seattle Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes! Seattle can be a really wonderful place to visit during the winter. There are so many things to do with kids in Seattle in January that could also be enjoyed as a couple or even a solo traveler.
Seattle in December is another great choice, especially for travelers who love Christmas light displays and lots of holiday festivities.
Conclusion: Seattle in January
Seattle in January can be a lot of fun, with lots of indoor attractions, outdoor cityscapes, and wilderness to explore. We hope these ideas will help you craft your perfect Seattle itinerary. From snow-laden hikes to coffee-tasting throughout the city, the Emerald City makes for a fun winter getaway!
And if you’ve got extra time, be sure to check out these honorable mentions that didn’t make our list! Go whale watching or take a longer drive out to Ocean Shores to check out the tidepools!
