Seattle October Weather: What to Pack and How to Plan

Seattle’s October weather calls for cool-weather layers, a waterproof jacket and flexible outdoor plans. Average highs are about 61°F (16°C) and lows about 47°F (8°C), but early October is normally warmer than the end of the month. For a short visit, choose one neighborhood each day and keep a weather-tolerant stop nearby rather than abandoning sightseeing when rain appears.

October temperatures and rain

The National Weather Service’s Sea-Tac Airport climate table gives these October normals:

Measure	October average
Daily high	60.5°F / 15.8°C
Daily low	47.1°F / 8.4°C
Total precipitation	3.91 inches / about 99 mm

These are 1991–2020 climate averages, not a forecast for your travel dates, and the airport is the reference station—not a measurement of every Seattle neighborhood. Sources: NWS Seattle climate tables, Sea-Tac climate report and NOAA’s climate-normal explanation.

The monthly rainfall total does not tell you whether a particular afternoon will be wet. Use the NWS downtown Seattle forecast close to departure, then check the timing of rain each morning before choosing your longest walk.

Early October versus late October

At Sea-Tac, normal highs decline from about 66°F (19°C) on October 1 to 56°F (13°C) on October 31; normal lows fall from about 51°F (11°C) to 44°F (7°C). Daily precipitation normals also generally increase through the month. If your dates are flexible and outdoor walking is the priority, early October is the better climate-based choice—but not a guarantee of dry weather. Source: NWS daily normals.

Daylight shrinks too. In October 2026, Seattle has about 11 hours 40 minutes of daylight on October 1, versus 10 hours on October 31. Sunset moves from 6:48 p.m. to 5:53 p.m. Plan parks and viewpoints before dinner, especially late in the month. Source: Seattle sunrise and sunset table.

What to wear and pack

For a city trip, prioritize clothing you can adjust without returning to the hotel:

• A hooded waterproof jacket: make this your main rain layer, rather than relying only on a warm coat.
• A sweater or fleece over a light shirt: remove the middle layer indoors or during a warmer afternoon.
• Comfortable water-resistant walking shoes with grip: pack spare socks, particularly if you expect long walks.
• Long trousers: bring a second pair so a wet pair can dry.
• A compact umbrella: useful for short walks between stops.
• A bag cover or dry pouch: keep your phone and spare layer dry.

For a ferry outing, add an extra warm layer if you intend to spend time outside on deck.

A manageable October day: Pike Place and the waterfront

Start at Pike Place Market around 10 a.m. Browse, then have lunch within the Market area. Most of the Market is active from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though individual businesses have different hours. Source: Pike Place Market visitor guide.

Use a dry window for a waterfront walk. Keep it optional rather than committing to a long outdoor afternoon.

If a wet afternoon is forecast, make the Seattle Aquarium your main afternoon stop. Reserve a preferred entry time online in advance rather than relying on an outdoor walk-up queue, and fit any waterfront walk around that booking. This is a weather-tolerant choice, not a completely indoor one: the Aquarium says its campus includes indoor and outdoor spaces, so keep your jacket with you. Source: Aquarium visit information.

For more route choices, use our rainy-day neighborhood itinerary.

Keep a ferry day separate

If Bainbridge is a priority, give it its own outing rather than squeezing it between Market browsing and a timed attraction. Check the Washington State Ferries schedule for your date and route, choose an outbound sailing and a return option, and allow time to buy or scan tickets and board before departure. WSF asks walk-on passengers to be aboard at least five minutes before sailing—that is not your terminal arrival time. Our Seattle ferry-day guide helps structure the crossing and time on the far side.