What to Pack For a Trip to Seattle in February (Updated 2024)

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Seattle in February is rather predictable: expect showers, temperatures between 30-45 degrees Fahrenheit, and sometimes strong winds. Knowing that the weather in Seattle pretty much stays the same throughout the month of February, you can create and execute a solid packing list to ensure you remain warm and dry. But figuring out what to wear in Seattle in February can be quite the challenge if you’ve never visited before! This Seattle packing list features some top classic staple pieces, as well as some location-specific items that you won’t want to forget. 

I’ll also make sure to dive into some of the key things to know if you’re planning a trip to Seattle in February such as top things to do in Seattle in February, weather conditions, and commonly asked questions such as “what is Seattle like in February?”. Make sure to read to the end of this post to reach the FAQ section!

Without further ado, here is a list of what to pack for Seattle in February, and my top recommendations on what to wear in Seattle in February!

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What to Pack for Seattle in February

Insulated rain jacket

No matter what, you’ll need to pack a rain jacket if you’re planning on visiting Seattle in February.  If you can get an insulated rain jacket, that’s ideal. My personal favorite 

The fact of the matter is that Seattle in the winter is cold and wet. Without a rain jacket, you will be wet to the bone. Without insulation, you will freeze. Both are necessary to be fully prepared for the weather you’ll experience here.

If you can’t get a hold of an insulated rain jacket, make sure to bring an insulated coat to wear underneath a rain or weather-proof hardshell. Many popular brands like Marmot and Patagonia make a great insulated rain jacket.

A great option that is waterproof, insulated, and stylish is the Marmot Women’s Chelsea Waterproof Down Rain Coat. I also personally love the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket! For men, a great option is the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket.

Water-resistant, insulated e-tip gloves

Don’t forget about your hands and fingers! If you’re not from the PNW, you might be shocked at how quickly your hands can become icicles. Cold, wet hands or feet will make your entire body feel 10 degrees cooler than it actually is. Sometimes gloves can be a pain to take on and off to use your smartphone, which is why I recommend you invest in gloves with smartphone compatibility.

Despite the cold temperatures and rainy conditions, Seattle is an exciting city to explore in the winter. There are several picturesque areas, and you won’t want to miss a great photo opp because you’re stuck trying to pull off your gloves. You can easily find water-resistant, insulated e-tip gloves online, but my favorite pair can be purchased here. 

Water-resistant/water-proof footwear

The biggest priority in regard to footwear is that they’re waterproof. Whether you opt for low-cut boots, high-cut boots, sneakers, or rain boots, the most important feature you should look for when shopping is that they’re made out of waterproof materials or have a water-resistant coating.

Showers create puddles and wet terrain. You’ll likely do a decent amount of walking in Seattle, and so it is best to bring shoes you know can withstand the weather. Rain boots are usually great for when it rains, but be prepared for blisters if you rely solely on rain boots in Seattle. There are plenty of steep hills and uneven sidewalks throughout the city, and rain boots might not provide you the traction you need to successfully navigate the slick Seattle streets. For maximum comfort, try a pair of waterproof hiking boots or running shoes with traction.

My favorite pair of hiking boots are the Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots from Merrell, and can be purchased here. A more stylish and sleek option available from Merrell is the Andover Bluff Waterproof Ankle Boot. I also love Brooks and Altra, and they make great waterproof/water-resistant trail shoes.

Long underwear/Base Layers

I recommend that everyone visiting Seattle in the winter bring at least one base layer set (also called long underwear!).

I tend to run cool, and so long underwear has been a lifesaver for me in the PNW. Plus, they hide comfortably underneath jeans, leggings, or sweats. Silk is the best fabric for layering underneath clothing, in my opinion, because it is moisture-absorbing and does not give off as much heat as wool does. For a silk Long Johns set, this option from Amazon is my favorite and a pretty decent price for the value.

If you’re planning to do any hiking in Seattle in February, though, I would recommend packing a wool base layer set, as well. This will ensure you have enough warmth to keep you comfortable if you’re trekking through one of the many national or state parks in Washington!

Multiple pairs of socks 

Depending on your choice of footwear, it is pretty much guaranteed that your socks will get wet. Wet socks and cold weather do not mix, and you will be miserable.

Pro Tip: Bring at least 2 pairs of socks for each day of your trip!

Of course, any socks will work but I prefer to wear wool ankle socks with my boots when I am planning to walk around the city. This set from Amazon has multiple colorways to choose from. I would also recommend getting lightweight liners if you decide to go the wool sock route and plan to do any hiking.

Beanie or head covering

Just as your hands and feet will get cold, so too will your ears. Beanies, head coverings, or ear muffs provide an extra layer of warmth and comfortability. They also serve as a wind barrier. I carry a beanie in my backpack everywhere I go in case the wind becomes too harsh to handle. I suggest you do the same!

I wear this beanie from Carhartt almost every day, even at home sometimes! It comes in different colors, but I love the grey one the most because it allows me creative freedom to style it with different outfits!

FAQs About Seattle in February

What is anticipated for Seattle weather in February 2024?

This year in February, Seattle will likely see temperatures in the 40s but it may dip into the 30s occasionally. Some locals are even anticipating snow, though it’s not confirmed. Definitely expect showers pretty regularly, and atmospheric river conditions throughout the area (especially if you’re near the water).

Is February a good time to visit Seattle?

February is a wonderful time to visit Seattle! Technically, February is considered part of the “off season” for Seattle, but this means that there will generally be fewer crowds and less hectic sightseeing experiences. If you can put up with the rain and cold weather, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. And Seattle does see some sunshine occasionally in February, though full sunshine isn’t to be expected every day in February.

In my opinion, February is one of the most fun times to visit Seattle and the surrounding area because you’ll get to experience everything the moody PNW has to offer from rain to snow to fog — and everything in between!

Is Seattle cold in February?

In general, yes. Seattle is cold in February. However, the temperatures don’t usually go below the 30-40 range so it’s not frigid necessarily. That being said, though, if you’re planning to venture outside of the downtown/metropolitan area, you’ll likely run into much colder temps. Especially in the mountains or on the water. The windchill doesn’t help either!

What to wear in Seattle in February?

The short answer to the question of what to wear in Seattle in February is simply whatever you feel comfy and warm in! The unofficial Seattle dress code is already pretty casual as it is. Most places (even restaurants) won’t care if you’re wearing jeans, sneakers, and a regular top or some variation of this type of outfit. Even for fancier restaurants, the dress code is much less strict compared to nice restaurants in cities like NYC, Miami, or LA.

For most activities, dress comfortably and wear layers to keep you warm! My go-to outfit for exploring around Seattle in February is a pair of fleece-lined leggings, waterproof sneakers, a long-sleeved top, a fleece sweater, and perhaps a puffer vest over top.

Make sure to pack everything on this list to pair with your normal outfits and you’ll likely be good to go!

Does Seattle get snow in February?

Not usually, but crazier things have happened! In 2024, some locals expect that Seattle will experience snowfall. Others are skeptical. In the past, February in Seattle isn’t known for snow or snowfall. There are many areas outside of Seattle that do get heavy snowfall, though! Especially near the mountains and ski resorts.

The downtown area almost never gets snow anyway due to its infrastructure, but if you’re looking for snow you don’t usually have to venture too far outside of the downtown area to find some!

What are some things to do in Seattle in February?

February in Seattle is Seattle Museum Month! If you book a hotel stay at a Seattle hotel (see here for the list of participating hotels) in the month of February, you’ll get 50% off museum admission at select museums! If you’re looking for indoor activities, you simply can’t go wrong with a visit to the Seattle Art Museum or the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. I also recommend checking out the Museum of Flight if you’re into airplanes and aviation history.

There are also some cool tours that are great to book in February so you can enjoy some of Seattle’s most popular attractions without all of the crowds. One of the best tours to do in an off season month like February is a guided tour of Pike Place Market! Another fun option to warm up from the cold, wet February weather is to go on a coffee tour in Seattle! Seattle is known for its coffee, so this would be an awesome activity to enjoy in February.

As for day trips outside of Seattle, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Bavarian town of Leavenworth. You can read all about what to expect and what to do in my Leavenworth blog post! There are also some great guided Leavenworth tours that leave from Seattle. I also highly recommend taking a day trip out to Mount Rainier National Park if you can. In February, the park is gorgeous and covered in snow. It’s a bucket list experience to see Mount Rainier any time of the year, but especially in the winter when there are fewer crowds.

Concluding Thoughts – What to Wear in Seattle in February

Knowing what to pack for a trip to Seattle in February and what to wear in Seattle in February can be two daunting tasks. Winter in Seattle is beautiful, and I’m so excited you’re going to experience the Emerald City in February for yourself! Hopefully this list provides ideas and inspiration to ensure your trip is incredible. Happy travels!

Interested in checking out some other posts from my blog? Here are some of my other articles for you to enjoy while you’re here:

• Best Beaches in Olympic National Park
• 2-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary for First Timers
• Leavenworth, WA: The Best Day Trip From Seattle

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