Seattle weather
in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 17 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, Seattle settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 8°C (47°F), cooling to 3°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 17 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Seattle in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Seattle in January
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Seattle
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Seattle in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Seattle?
Is January a good time to visit Seattle?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Seattle averages a high of 8°C (47°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F), with 171mm of rainfall across roughly 17 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Seattle in January?
What is the average temperature in Seattle in January?
The average high temperature in Seattle during January is 8°C (47°F), with an average low of 3°C (37°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Seattle have in January?
How many rainy days does Seattle have in January?
Seattle averages approximately 17 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 171mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Seattle in January?
What should I pack for Seattle in January?
For Seattle in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Seattle in January?
How crowded is Seattle in January?
Tourist crowds in Seattle during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.