What to Pack for Seattle in Winter

Are you heading to Seattle this winter? Don’t forget these 10 essential items in your suitcase!

Don’t let the rain discourage you from visiting Seattle this winter. Seattle and the surrounding areas are still beautiful regardless of the winter season. If you decide to visit Seattle this winter, you won’t have to face the crowds of tourists that come in the Summer – but you will have to face the overcast, rainy weather.

If you’re thinking of visiting Seattle this winter season, this blog post is for you. As a local Seattliete, I’m sharing the 10 things you need to pack for Seattle for your trip. Because even with rain and overcast skies, you can still explore Seattle’s amazing food, coffee shops, and sights!

Before we get started, what type of weather should you expect in the winter months?

According the US Climate Data, Seattle can experience an average high of 48 degrees and a low of 36 degrees between November-February. Our winter weather in Seattle is pretty mild compared to the rest of the country. You’ll definitely experience chilly temperatures in the morning and evenings. You should also expect grey skies and a constant drizzle. We do get sun breaks throughout the day but you shouldn’t be surprised when it rains.

What to Pack for Seattle in Winter: 10 Things to Throw in Your Suitcase

What to Pack for Seattle #1: A raincoat

If you are coming to Seattle in the winter, I highly recommend you bring a raincoat. It tends to rain on and off throughout the day and you’ll want to stay dry! I took this raincoat with me to NYFW this past September and it’s my favorite raincoat this season!

Here are some great raincoats you can bring with you to Seattle:

What to Pack for Seattle #2: Rain boots or boots you don’t mind getting wet

If you’re spending a weekend or a week in Seattle, I would definitely bring rain boots. I personally have a pair of tall Hunter boots and a shorter nude pair of boots.

If you don’t have a pair of rain boots, I would bring a pair of boots you don’t mind getting wet. Do NOT bring any suede boots (a tough lesson I learned my first year walking around the University of Washington) because they will get ruined! If you plan on going on winter hikes, definitely pack waterproof hiking shoes!

Here are a few weather appropriate boots to bring with you to Seattle:

What to Pack for Seattle #3: Sweaters

Whether you love cardigans or Fair Isle sweaters, it’s definitely always sweater weather in Seattle. Dressing in layers is key in exploring the city. I would layer a cardigan sweater over a thermal long sleeve and put a light rain jacket on top.

Here are a few sweaters to add to your suitcase:

What to Pack for Seattle #4: Cold weather accessories like beanies, gloves, and warm socks

If you’re visiting from a warmer climate, you probably should pack cold weather accessories. We had family visit from Hawaii in fall and we advised them to bring scarves and beanies. They were thankful they brought those things because the temperature differences was almost a shock to their systems when they first arrived in the Northwest!

Here are the cold weather accessories I would wear on a daily basis:

What to Pack for Seattle #5: Jeans

Seattle is a pretty casual city. You’ll find most people in comfortable clothes and jeans. I personally would pack a pair of skinny jeans to wear with boots and a pair of cropped jeans to wear with sneakers.

Here are a few pairs of jeans you could pack to Seattle this winter:

What to Pack for Seattle #6: Sneakers

If you plan on walking around Downtown Seattle or exploring Greenlake, Fremont, or one of Seattle’s other neighborhoods, bring sneakers. Most people trek around the city in boots or sneakers for practical reasons.

Here are a few cute pairs of sneakers to pack to Seattle:

What to Pack for Seattle #7: A puffy jacket

Puffy jackets are always in style in Seattle. Whether you like the more fashion forward puffers or more staple puffer jackets from Eddie Bauer or Northface, you’ll be comfortable wearing a warm, puffy jacket. I personally rotate my pink puffer jacket with my black one during the week!

Puffer jacket ideas to bring to Seattle:

What to Pack for Seattle #8: A tote bag

I personally always travel with a tote bag when I visit new cities! If you’re layered up and want to remove gloves and beanies during the day, you’ll have a place to put them. Tote bags are also great for carrying your souvenirs, water bottles. And cameras.

Here are a few tote bags to choose from for your next trip to Seattle:

What to Pack for Seattle #9: Long sleeve blouses

I would definitely bring at least one or two long sleeve blouses when you visit Seattle. I prefer thermals and thinner knit tops in the winter.

Here are a few long sleeve tops for your winter trip:

What to Pack for Seattle #10: Workout leggings

It’s totally normal to walk around Seattle in your workout gear. Seattle is a pretty casual and an active city. You’ll find plenty of people exercising, running, and walking around the city – especially if there’s a break in the rain!

Here are a few pairs of workout leggings to bring with you to Seattle:

There you have it friends – the Seattle Winter Packing List from a local Seattliete!

If you have any room in your suitcase, here are a few other things you can bring to your winter Seattle trip:

• A teddy coat – if you get a day in Seattle without rain, a teddy coat is perfect for exploring the city!
• A denim or jean jacket – works for every season and is a great layering piece!
• A hat – this grey hat is my favorite!

What else do you plan bringing to Seattle?

If you’re looking for things to see and do in Seattle, you can also check out:

Seattle’s Most Instagram Worthy Places in Pioneer Square

13 Indoor Places in Seattle to Take Photos on a Rainy Day

8 Unique Instagrammable Spots in Seattle

Love,

Emma

Photos are a combo of Holly Phan  & Karya Schanilec

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