What March feels like in Seattle
March is early spring in Seattle. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Seattle in March
March is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 7.9 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Seattle's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.3 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in March
In mid-March, sunrise is at about 7:25 am and sunset at about 7:13 pm (local time) — 11 h 49 min of daylight. Since mid-February the day has gained 1 h 35 min. The sun is out for roughly 63% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 5th coolest month of the year in Seattle. Afternoons run 2.5°C (4.5°F) warmer than in February, with 18 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into April. The next month's average high: 13.3°C (55.9°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Seattle in March
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Seattle in March?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 10.6°C (51.1°F), with lows near 3.3°C (37.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Seattle in March?
It does: about 17 rainy days bring roughly 135 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Seattle in March?
Based on the averages: rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is March or April better for visiting Seattle?
April, clearly: it ranks #6 of 12 among Seattle's months, against #9 for the other. April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.