Visiting Seattle in August

When you touch down in Seattle, there are endless adventures waiting for you. The city is magnificent and is called the Emerald City for a reason! It is rich in culture and arts. You'll get to experience the wonderful nature views that the Pacific Northwest offers.

In August, it is the perfect time for you to visit because you can rent an electric boat on Lake Union, which is a lot of fun, or you can try kayaking and paddle boats from Agua Verde; the choice is yours! August is also a popular month to indulge in other outdoor activities. Let's explore those activities and more in this guide! 

Is August a Good Time to Visit Seattle?

August is a great time to visit Seattle because the weather is really nice, and there are very few chances of rain. That means you can get around the town without worrying about the weather. In August, Seattle will be the busiest, with tourists from all across the country, and all the popular destinations will be open to visiting. Also, sea breezes will keep the atmosphere cooler, and during the night, the temperature falls between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. 

(Credit: Luca Micheli / Unsplash)

Reasons to Visit Seattle in August

Winter in Seattle is very long, with a lot of snow that makes many outdoor activities off-limits. Many hiking paths and trails are closed because of the snow. Even open attractions do not seem very nice because of the biting cold. So, to experience Seattle's majestic beauty, you should come here in the summertime. You can see some of the most amazing places, such as Mount Rainier, North Cascades National Parks, or the many islands dotted around Puget Sound. You can also visit local beaches and farmer's markets and take in professional baseball or soccer games.

Things to Do in Seattle in August 

If you are planning a visit to Seattle in August, it's gonna be the most memorable trip of your life. You can have so much fun. Here's a list of some of the things you can do while you're in Seattle: 

Pike Place Market

(Credit: Ben Dutton / Unsplash)

Pike Place Market is home to over 200 local artisans, farmers, crafters, and small businesses, offering enough sights to fill up your day. The market is mostly famous for its fish tossing tradition, live music playing on the streets, and the original Starbucks store that opened in 1971. It has been a defining icon of Seattle, covering several city blocks downtown; there's nothing quite like this market. Locals and tourists alike love to visit this place for shopping, having a bite, or just exploring. 

Seattle Center 

Seattle Center is an active civic, arts, and family gathering place with more than 30 educational, sports, cultural, and entertainment organizations. Various events take place at this place, and more than 10 million people from around the world visit this place. One of the best things to do at the Seattle Center is watch free movies. 

Movies at the Mural

At Seattle Center, you can enjoy free movies outdoors. You can have a picnic on the Mural Amphitheatre lawn that has a gentle slope, with a state-of-the-art 40ft screen in front. You can also see the space needle from there—an outdoor cinema experience with both classic and contemporary movies appropriate for all ages. 

Seattle Space Needle

One of the most recognized Seattle icons, the 605-foot tall space needle has two viewing levels. You can see Mount Rainier, the downtown skyline, Elliot Bay, Olympic and Cascade mountains. There's also an inside lounge known as the loupe, which features a unique rotating glass floor that is very exciting to look at. Also, there are historical exhibits and interactive displays that provide insights into the making and significance of the space needle. If you're visiting Seattle for the first time, it's a must-see attraction. 

(Credit: Zhifei Zhou / Unsplash)

Pioneer Square 

It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seattle and a must-visit place. There are buildings designed by Elmer Fischer in the Renaissance Revival Style. Visit the waterfall garden park, where a beautiful man-made waterfall is located. You can also see the Occidental Park, located in the heart of the district, where totem poles, ping pong tables, a playground, and wood carvings are the main highlights. And make sure to visit the underground site that'll take you beneath the streets, where you can see the remains of the city's first building. 

Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park has an amazing monumental collection of sculptures located one mile north of the Seattle Art Museum. It overlooks the Salish Sea and hosts the very famous SAM Remix, which is a signature late-night art party on Seattle's waterfront. 

Woodland Park Zoo

A wildlife conservation organization and zoological garden that saves animals' lives. It is located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, houses over 900 animals of 250 species, and has millions of visitors each year. Some of the main highlights of this zoo are ZooParent, where you can adopt an animal and show support, and ZooTunes, where you can see concerts and save animal lives by supporting them. 

Lumen Field 

Lumen Field is a beautiful and versatile stadium that offers amazing views of the Seattle skyline including Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and whatnot. It features a variety of events, including soccer, football, baseball games, Supercross, and huge concerts. There's also public art on display and a variety of food catering to all the visitors. Also, there's a pro shop where you can buy fan gear to make your time even more exciting. 

Downtown Back Alley Block Party

This very famous block party is held both during summer and winter, but in summer, it is something else. You can enjoy live music here, taste local brews, and do so much more. If you've got family with you, it also has many family-friendly events for you to enjoy. 

Alki Beach Pride

In August, one of the many best things is Alki Beach Pride. There are lots of free activities to do and many family-friendly events. All the vendors and community organizations there proudly represent the LGBTQIA+ community. You can also find some food trucks along Alki Ave while enjoying music and a variety of entertainers performing on stage. 

Capitol Hill Garage Sale

Don't miss this place if you're looking for the perfect items at the best prices. During this annual sale at Cal Anderson Park, more than 100 people sell their treasures in addition to the independent garage sales at homes across Capitol Hill. It's a chance for the people of Capitol Hill to come together and recycle their belongings. 

Lake Union

This beautiful freshwater lake is the best place in Seattle. You can rent an electric boat here and go kayaking or simply just admire the Seattle skyline. You can also relax in the nearby restaurants and cafes. 

Seattle August Weather 

In August, the temperature in Seattle during the daytime is around 23°C. At nighttime, it drops somewhere between 10-20°C. So, plan ahead and pack some extra warm clothing for the nighttime. 

Conclusion 

In Seattle, summer is always beautiful, so take advantage of all the outdoor events, scrumptious food, and various other activities happening during August. To wrap it all up, from Seattle festivals to free outdoor movies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Seattle in August.