Best Time to Visit Popular Destinations in Washington, United States

1. Seattle

Visit Seattle in the summer (June to August) for mild weather and vibrant festivals like Seafair and Bumbershoot.

Mild Weather: Average temperatures range from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C)
Vibrant Festivals: Enjoy music, food, and cultural events during the summer months.
Rainfall Reduction: Seattle experiences less rainfall compared to the rest of the year

Visit Olympic National Park in late spring or early summer (May to June) for beautiful wildflowers and fewer crowds.

Wildflower Season: See a vast array of colorful wildflowers blooming across the park.
Fewer Crowds: Enjoy the park with fewer visitors during the off-peak season.
Temperate Rainforest: Explore lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped mountains in one place.

Visit Mount Rainier National Park in the fall (September to October) for stunning autumn foliage and fewer tourists.

Autumn Foliage: Experience vibrant autumn colors across the park's forests.
Fewer Tourists: Enjoy a more peaceful and serene visit during the off-peak season.
Alpine Meadows: Explore the park's beautiful alpine meadows and glacier-covered peaks.

Visit Spokane Falls in the spring (March to May) for abundant wildlife and blooming gardens.

Wildlife Spotting: Spot a variety of birds, beavers, and other wildlife along the falls.
Blooming Gardens: Enjoy beautiful gardens like the Manito Park and Botanical Garden in bloom.
Historic Landmark: Explore the historic riverfront area and learn about the city's history.

Visit Leavenworth in December for a traditional Bavarian Christmas celebration.

Christmas Market: Experience a European-style Christmas market with live music, food, and crafts.
Snow Activities: Enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding.
Christmas Lights: Marvel at the city's stunning Christmas lights display.

Visit the San Juan Islands in the summer (June to August) for whale watching and wildlife spotting.

Whale Watching: Spot orcas, gray whales, and humpback whales on a guided boat tour.
Wildlife Spotting: See seals, sea lions, eagles, and other wildlife up close.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the islands' beautiful landscapes, including beaches, forests, and rugged coastlines.

Visit Mount St. Helens in the fall (September to October) for stunning autumn colors and fewer crowds.

Autumn Foliage: Experience vibrant autumn colors across the monument's forests.
Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a more peaceful and serene visit during the off-peak season.
Volcanic Landscape: Explore the unique volcanic landscape created by the 1980 eruption.

Visit North Cascades National Park in the summer (July to August) for hiking and mountain views.

Hiking Opportunities: Choose from hundreds of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks.
Mountain Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the park's towering peaks and glaciers.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot black bears, moose, and mountain goats in their natural habitats.

Visit Puget Sound in the summer (June to August) for kayaking, boating, and whale watching.

Kayaking and Boating: Explore the sound by kayak or boat and discover hidden coves and islands.
Whale Watching: Spot orcas, gray whales, and humpback whales on a guided tour.
Historic Landmarks: Visit historic cities like Seattle and Tacoma along the sound's coastline.

Visit Columbia River Gorge in the spring (April to May) for waterfall viewing and hiking.

Waterfall Viewing: See some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.
Hiking Opportunities: Choose from numerous trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the area's stunning landscapes, including cliffs, forests, and rivers.

Visit Walla Walla in the summer (June to August) for wine tasting and outdoor activities.

Wine Tasting: Taste award-winning wines at over 120 wineries in the area.
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and golfing in the beautiful Walla Walla Valley.
Historic Landmarks: Explore the city's historic downtown district and its many architectural landmarks.

Visit Tri-Cities in the summer (June to August) for wine tasting and outdoor activities.

Wine Tasting: Taste award-winning wines at over 200 wineries in the area.
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and boating on the nearby Columbia River.
Historic Landmarks: Explore the city's historic sites, including Hanford Reach National Monument.

Visit Port Townsend in the summer (June to August) for its historic charm and maritime activities.

Historic Charm: Explore the Victorian-era architecture and charming downtown district.
Maritime Activities: Participate in sailing, kayaking, or fishing on the Puget Sound.
Festivals and Events: Attend events like the Wooden Boat Festival or Film Festival.

Visit Yakima Valley in the summer (June to August) for wine tasting and outdoor activities.

Wine Tasting: Taste award-winning wines at over 100 wineries in the area.
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and camping in the beautiful Yakima River Canyon.
Historic Landmarks: Explore historic sites like the Yakima Valley Museum or the Rattlesnake Ridge.

Visit Leavenworth's Bavarian Christmas Market in December for a traditional German Christmas celebration.

Christmas Market: Experience a European-style Christmas market with live music, food, and crafts.
Snow Activities: Enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding.
Christmas Lights: Marvel at the city's stunning Christmas lights display.