Visitors to Seattle love to ask about the weather: Does it really rain a lot? Does it ever snow? How hot do summers get? As someone who has lived here for 19 years, answering these questions is complicated. The only predictable fact about Seattle weather is that it’s unpredictable — and even more so over recent years when we’ve had Snowmaggedon, record-setting triple-digit summers, and a bomb cyclone.
Clearly, describing Seattle’s climate is not straightforward.
To more accurately explain it, we’re honing in on microseasons in Seattle, a concept stemming from ancient Chinese farming culture that divides the year into 24 seasons. The Japanese further developed this into 72 seasons, with a goal of nurturing awareness of subtle changes in nature. While the microseasons below aren’t all related to nature, we hope this gives you (and inquisitive tourists) a better sense of what it’s like to live in Seattle.
WINTER
“Dark Wet” microseason
mid-November through mid-February
This gloomy season aligns with the holidays, which makes it fly by — but also can stump parents who want to take the kids and visiting family members out. Get everyone’s wiggles out with our “Get Moving!” guide and then extend the outing at one of these restaurants that offer free or discounted kids meals.
Find something to do indoors so you don’t lost your mind. It’s the Dark Wet microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
“Camping Reservations” microseason
mid-January through mid-February
If you have a specific site and date in mind, waking up early to reserve a site far in advance may be necessary — six months ahead for Recreation.gov sites and nine months for Washington state parks. But if you have flexibility, snooze the alarm and sleep in. In fact, Washington state parks expanded same-day camping reservations, making spontaneous camping trips possible. If you’re new to family camping, check out these tips for first-time campers and our recommendations for kid-friendly campgrounds.
It feels impossible to think ahead to a sunnier time, but you must — it’s time for Reserve Campgrounds microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
“Reserve Summer Camps” microseason
late January through early February
If you haven’t done your research by now about summer camps, you’re too late. With many camps accepting sign-ups in late January or early February, parents are setting their alarms to hop on their computers as soon as registration opens. Bookmark our directory of summer camps and classes to help you speed through. Good luck!
“Paralyzing ¼-Inch of Snow” microseason
February
While everyone wishes for a white Christmas, snow often comes in February, with school closures sandwiched around mid-winter break. If your family is feeling stir-crazy, surprise everyone with a staycation at one of these family-friendly hotels with a pool or try these indoor activities and local excursions.
There’s under half an inch of it, but you can’t go anywhere. Welcome to Paralyzing Snow microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
SPRING
“Still Raining” microseason
March
Though drizzly days are lessening, we’re still in peak wet season. If your kids don’t mind muddy playgrounds, keep spare clothes and windbreakers in your car. If you’d rather be indoors, check out these museums that offer free admission on first Thursdays.
The calendar says it’s spring, but it’s Still Raining microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
“Fakeout Sunbreak” microseason
late March through mid-April
You might’ve needed an extra layer last week, but now you’re pulling out sunglasses, T-shirts, and Birkenstocks. Enjoy this cherished microseason by catching cherry blossoms in bloom, trekking through Bellevue Botanical Garden, or hunting for trolls.
Cherry blossoms, but overcast skies. Welcome to Fakeout Sunbreak microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
“White Fluff and Pollen” microseason
late April through early May
Tourists may think it’s snow at first glance, but locals know the white fluff gathering on sidewalks is actually seeds from black cottonwood trees — and are not the cause of seasonal allergies. You can blame coniferous trees for the itchy eyes (and layer of yellow pollen on your car). If your family is hit hard with allergies, get the kids moving indoors instead!
SUMMER
“Cruise Season” microseason
June through August
Seattle’s waterfront is changing before our very eyes — and it’s going to be packed during this time of year, when Piers 66 & 91 usher in thousands of visitors to our city via cruise ships. If you don’t like crowds, we’d suggest you avoid this area. But — don’t overlook the benefit of Seattle being a cruise port, we can hop on a ship without the cost of a flight. Alaska is the most common destination from Seattle, but some ships even go to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia via the Panama Canal. Check out these tips for taking an Alaska cruise with kids. If you’re on a time crunch, consider taking a ferry for a short weekend in Victoria. And i you don’t mind jostling around with tourists, the Waterfront is a sight to behold.
Get outta Seattle, but stay close to home with a regional trip. It’s Cruise microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
“Glorious Sun” microseason
late June through early August
Although summer is a popular time for vacationing, Seattlelites are reluctant to miss out on what is considered the best time to be in town, especially with daylight lasting until nearly 10 p.m. Favorite summer time events and activities include blueberry picking, farmers markets, picnics, and themed playgrounds.
No fakeouts this time, it’s finally sunny — for real. It’s Glorious Sun microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
“Oppressive Sun” microseason
mid-July through mid-September
Forget what we said last week about loving the sun. Temperatures are rising into triple digits, and many of us live in homes without air-conditioning. It’s too hot to be inside; it’s too hot to be outside. The one saving grace? Lake Washington warming up mixed with later sunsets, mean late-night dips in the lake are a must! Be aware that some years this can also be “Oppressive Sun and Choking Smoke” microseason, as this is the time of year wildfires have been known to hit our region. Here are some ideas and tips to stay safe and beat the heat.
FALL
“Welcome Drizzle” microseason
mid-September
After sweating through the last microseason, the occasional drizzle of autumn is a welcomed change. It also ushers in the beginning of a new school year and a return to routine. To commemorate the transition, try a new back-to-school tradition with your family.
You’re so over the oppressive summer sun and smoke — when the first bits of fall rain start, you’re over the moon. It’s Welcome Drizzle microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
“Spectacular Fall Color” microseason
late September-mid October
Although the lush green of the region is beautiful, the fall color of our neighborhoods and surrounding mountains evoke a different level of awe and splendor. Check out local parks and gardens, venture a little farther for kid-friendly hikes that feature fall color, or search for the elusive golden larches.
It’s still raining, but everything is gorgeous. It’s Spectacular Fall Color microseason. (Image: Melody Ip)
Did we miss any microseasons? Let us know at editor@seattleschild.com.
