Things to do in Seattle in January

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Seattle. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 35—44°F (2—7°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Seattle during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a scenic drive along Chuckanut Drive, attend the Seattle Boat Show, visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass, and more!

Seattle has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Seattle. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Seattle in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Seattle? See our Seattle Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Seattle without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Seattle in January

Top experiences in January
Take a scenic drive along Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut Drive is a scenic byway that winds along the coast of the Puget Sound, offering breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains. In January, the drive is often less crowded, making it a great time to take a leisurely and peaceful journey. Along the way, visitors can stop at charming coastal towns, enjoy local seafood, and explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It's a great way to experience the region's stunning landscapes in the winter months.
Attend the Seattle Boat Show
The Seattle Boat Show is the largest boat show on the West Coast, featuring over 1,000 boats and yachts, as well as the latest in marine technology and accessories. Held at the CenturyLink Field Event Center and South Lake Union, the show offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of vessels and learn about the latest trends in boating. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just interested in maritime culture, the Seattle Boat Show is a must-visit event in January.
Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a unique museum that showcases the breathtaking glass artwork of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. In January, the museum's indoor and outdoor exhibits offer a colorful and immersive experience, even on a rainy day. Visitors can marvel at Chihuly's larger-than-life sculptures, intricate glass installations, and vibrant garden displays. It's a truly unique and awe-inspiring attraction that shouldn't be missed during a visit to Seattle in January.
Explore the Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a bustling and iconic marketplace that offers a wide variety of food, crafts, and entertainment. In January, the market is often less crowded, making it a great time to explore at a leisurely pace. Visitors can sample local seafood, browse the stalls of local artisans, and watch street performers entertain the crowds. The market's historic charm and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Seattle, no matter the time of year.
I'll never travel to Seattle without this trip planner again
Learn more
Explore the Seattle Aquarium
January is a great time to visit the Seattle Aquarium, as it tends to be less crowded than during the summer months. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea otters, seals, and a mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit. Visitors can also learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect the Puget Sound and its inhabitants. The Seattle Aquarium offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Take a winter hike in Discovery Park
Discovery Park, located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. In January, the park is often blanketed in a layer of snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Visitors can explore the park's many trails, which wind through forests, meadows, and along the shoreline. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in the winter months.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
MoPOP is a one-of-a-kind museum that celebrates the history and culture of popular music, science fiction, and pop culture. In January, the museum often features special exhibits and events, making it a great time to visit. From iconic music memorabilia to interactive exhibits, MoPOP offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a fan of music, movies, or gaming, MoPOP has something for everyone.
Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island
A ferry ride to Bainbridge Island offers a unique and scenic way to experience the beauty of the Puget Sound. In January, the ferry ride can be especially peaceful, with stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. Once on the island, visitors can explore charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, as well as enjoy
I'll never travel to Seattle without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Seattle in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Seattle in January

Temperatures on an average day in Seattle in January

The average temperature in Seattle in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 44°F (7°C) to a low of 35°F (2°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Seattle, August, has days with highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows of 56°F (13°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Seattle in January based on historical data.

Visiting Seattle? See our Seattle Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in January
44°F
highs
35°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
46%
Chance of rain
0.200 in
Amount
11.4 mph
Wind speed
86%
Humidity
8.9 hrs
Daylight length
7:50 AM
Sunrise
4:45 PM
Sunset
25%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 44°F (7°C) and a low of 35°F (2°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
I'll never travel to Seattle without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Seattle in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Seattle has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Seattle that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Seattle for January.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
1. Chihuly Garden and Glass
4.7
(20352)
Art museum
Shopping
Art museum & sculpture garden showcasing Dale Chihuly's large, colorful glass works.
Pike Place Fish Market
2. Pike Place Fish Market
4.6
(3892)
Seafood market
Shopping
Popular market stall selling fresh fish for decades as employees playfully throw fish around.
Space Needle
3. Space Needle
4.6
(47554)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic, 605-ft-tall spire at the Seattle Center, with an observation deck & a rotating restaurant.
Washington State Ferries
4. Washington State Ferries
3.2
(62)
Ferry service
Transportation
Museum of Pop Culture
5. Museum of Pop Culture
4.6
(16801)
Art museum
Museums
Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, the museum includes items from icons ranging from Bo Diddley to Bob Dylan.
The Museum of Flight
6. The Museum of Flight
4.8
(14952)
Museum
Museum of space history
Large educational museum with aircraft & space vehicles on display, plus historical exhibits.
T-Mobile Park
7. T-Mobile Park
4.7
(20609)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Seattle Mariners' ballpark with city skyline views, lots of stadium eats & a retractable roof.
Seattle Aquarium
8. Seattle Aquarium
4.3
(18988)
Aquarium
Zoos & Aquariums
Popular waterfront aquarium with interactive exhibits, a cafe & virtual reality shows.
Kerry Park
9. Kerry Park
4.8
(16211)
City park
Nature & Parks
Panoramic views of Downtown & the Space Needle draw visitors to this small neighborhood park.
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
10. Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
4.7
(9157)
Sights & Landmarks
Botanical garden
Waterway with opportunities for viewing salmon during the summer & park with unusual shrubs & trees.
The Seattle Great Wheel
11. The Seattle Great Wheel
4.5
(9641)
Ferris wheel
Water & Amusement Parks
Giant Ferris wheel offering climate-controlled gondolas & a bird's-eye view of the city's landmarks.
Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center
12. Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center
4.7
(3105)
Observatory
Sights & Landmarks
73rd-floor observatory with sweeping city & mountain views, plus a cafe for light fare, beer & wine.
Seattle Public Library - Central Library
13. Seattle Public Library - Central Library
4.7
(1475)
Public library
Sights & Landmarks
Dramatic, view-filled facility lending books, films & music, plus numerous public computers.
The Gum Wall
14. The Gum Wall
4.2
(10698)
Sights & Landmarks
Theater company
Iconic brick wall covered with chewed-up gum in an alley under Pike Place Market.
Woodland Park Zoo
15. Woodland Park Zoo
4.6
(20004)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
92-acre zoo with nearly 300 species, a vintage carousel, summer concerts & an indoor play space.
Pacific Science Center
16. Pacific Science Center
4.5
(6532)
Science museum
Museums
Rotating science exhibits plus laser light shows, a tropical butterfly house & IMAX movie theaters.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Seattle?

Get inspired for your trip to Seattle with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Seattle?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play