What to Pack For Seattle in January (Advice From a Local!)
January is known to be the coldest month of the year in Seattle. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting! Visiting Seattle in January is a great idea if you’re looking for bargain accommodations, cheaper flights, and fewer crowds packing the streets. If you are planning a trip to Seattle in January, it’s important to be prepared and pack for the weather. This packing list highlights some of the most important items to pack, what to expect from the weather conditions, and provides some ideas on what to wear in Seattle in January from a local’s perspective.
As a Seattle local and a former outdoors outfitter with professional expertise in preparing people for the unique weather conditions of the Pacific Northwest, I’ve spent years helping others gear up for adventures in our often cold and rainy environment. I’ve also lived in Seattle for nearly four years, enduring several winters (including the ice storm of 2022, haha!). With my insider knowledge and hands-on experience, I’d like to think I’ve refined the perfect packing list for visiting Seattle in January, and I want to share it with you so you come prepared and excited to explore this gorgeous city.
For a trip to Seattle in January, you should expect showers and consistent air moisture, temperatures between 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit, and shorter periods of daylight. Figuring out what to wear in Seattle in January can be quite the challenge, especially if you’ve never visited before or if you don’t have experience packing for cold, wet conditions! This Seattle packing list features some top classic staple pieces, as well as some location-specific items that you won’t want to forget.
Without further ado, here is a list of what to pack for Seattle in January, and my top recommendations on what to wear in Seattle in January!
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What to Pack for Seattle in January
Insulated Rain Jacket (Bonus Points if It’s Heated!)
January typically sees slightly more rainfall compared to February, but thankfully not as much as December (Seattle’s rainiest month). However, January is still high up on the list for Seattle’s rainiest months. For that reason, it’s best to pack an insulated rain jacket to keep warm and dry.
In addition to rain, snow is also possible in Seattle in January (though it likely won’t stick unless you’re outside of the city in the mountains). If you’re planning to visit places like Mount Rainier National Park, Leavenworth, Bellingham, Snoqualmie Pass, or other spots near Seattle you should prepare for snowy weather conditions!
If you can’t get an insulated rain jacket before your trip, I recommend layering a warm puffer jacket underneath a waterproof outer rain shell. My go-to pairing for this purpose is the Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody underneath my Outdoor Research Aspire II Waterproof Rain Jacket. This combo keeps me warm and dry in both rainy and snowy weather.
For a complete breakdown on how to layer and what types of staple ideas you’ll need to build a warm, layered outfit, check out my ultimate guide to packing for the Pacific Northwest!
Hand Warmers
Regardless of whether you’re staying downtown and exploring the city or venturing into the surrounding mountains to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe–you’ll absolutely need hand warmers to keep in your coat pockets.
These are pretty inexpensive and can be purchased either online before your trip to Seattle in January, or while you’re here! I recommend getting them before your trip, though, if you can.
Hand warmers are a “nice to have” item every other month of the year, but they’re an essential item if you’re visiting Seattle in January because of the cold temperatures, and the potential for strong winds, snow, and rain. I sometimes slip a hand warmer into my shoes during my commute to work in the mornings because it really is THAT cold.
While on the topic of hand warmers, I also highly recommend you pack a pair of gloves! Any type of gloves will do as long as they shield your skin from the elements. You’ll want to try and avoid cotton gloves, though, because these will absorb moisture and lose their warming/drying properties very quickly. If you’re headed up the mountain, make sure to pack insulated gloves or ski/snowboarding gloves depending on the activity you choose to participate in.
Waterproof Footwear
The biggest priority when it comes to footwear is that they’re waterproof. The style of shoe you decide to wear doesn’t matter nearly as much as whether it’s able to withstand water and puddles.
When one of my family members visited Seattle during the rainy season, they made the mistake of only packing one pair of shoes that were not waterproof at all. His feet got soaked on the first day of his trip and it wasn’t a fun time trying to keep them dry (thankfully his hotel room had a blowdryer!).
You can avoid that nightmare if you simply pack waterproof or water resistant footwear. Another piece of advice, I recommend packing one back-up pair of shoes just in case! You never know if blisters will form or if something might happen to your first pair, so it’s always a good idea to have one extra pair of waterproof shoes.
For Seattle in January, I’d recommend some sort of waterproof boot or waterproof high-top shoe. Avoid low-cut sneakers or open-toed shoes at all costs.
Waterproof Pants or Rain Shell Pants
During every other month of the year, you can likely get away with wearing jeans, leggings, or yoga pants to explore Seattle. However, because of the cold, wet conditions in January you’ll want a more heavy-duty bottom that keeps you protected from the elements.
If you want to wear leggings or jeans, you need to pack a pair of rain pants to layer over your bottoms. This will ensure you don’t soak through your main layer and it will also prevent you from getting cold.
My personal recommendation is to wear fleece-lined leggings or tights underneath a more durable waterproof pant or rain shell bottom. You can also opt for a merino wool base layer set to add warmth to your layering set-up. Check out some of my top recommendations in my Pacific Northwest packing guide blog post!
Ski Gear (Optional But Recommended if Skiing/Snowboarding)
If you’re planning to participating in any snow sports in Seattle in January, you should absolutely pack snow pants or a bib to wear on the mountain. My favorite snow pants are The North Face Freedom Pants, and I also love the ski bib in the same style!
You can also plan to rent most of your gear at resorts like The Summit at Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain but I’d recommend packing a few essentials at the very least. Specifically, you’ll want a base layer set, a pair of snow pants or a bib, and a mid-layer jacket or fleece. If you have a ski jacket, definitely bring it with you to save time and money on rentals. Ski goggles and a balaclava/fleece hood are also good items to pack for Seattle in January if you want to hit the slopes!
If you don’t you can usually rent these at a decent price! There are also a couple spots around downtown Seattle to grab a ski jacket from before you head out to the slopes. Check out REI or Play It Again Sports for ski clothing and gear.
Beanie or Ear Muffs
Even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you’ll still want to pack a warm beanie or ear muffs to protect your ears from the wind and rain.
If possible, pack two beanies so that you have a back-up option in case the first one gets soaked through from the rain or snow! Fleece hoods (commonly used for skiing) can also be worn underneath your rain jacket if the conditions require it. I wear this beanie from Carhartt daily, and it keeps me pretty warm!
FAQs About Visiting Seattle in January
What is Anticipated for Seattle weather in January?
This year (2025) in January, the weather is predicted to be colder and wetter than in past years. Snowfall is also possible, though it likely won’t stick in the downtown area. Prepare for temperatures to be in the 30s mostly, with occasional spikes into the low- to mid-40s.
Seattle in January is expected to be mostly cloudy and periods of daylight are roughly 8-9 hours with sunrise being around 8am and sunset being between 4:30pm to 5pm.
Is It Worth Going to Seattle in January?
Despite January being the coldest month in Seattle, I still think it’s worth visiting depending on your goals/interests. If skiing and snow sports are your thing, January is one of the best months to visit Seattle and get out to the surrounding mountain resorts like Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain.
I’d also recommend a visit to Seattle in January if you’re hoping to score a good deal on airfare or accommodations and want to see the city without the crowds! January in Seattle is much less busy compared to the November and December holiday season, and also less busy than the February Valentine’s Day holiday weekend. For that reason, Seattle is a great destination to visit in January during the low season.
If you’re hoping for bluebird skies and clear mountain views, January might not be the best month to visit Seattle. Cloud cover, rain, and fog make it difficult to see the surrounding mountain ranges from downtown and full days with un-clouded sunshine are rare in January.
I’d also avoid visiting Seattle in January if you’re planning to work remotely between the hours of 9am to 5pm PST and hoping to explore afterward. As mentioned above, the sun sets in Seattle in January around 4:30pm and much of the city shuts down earlier in the winter, too. Even restaurants and popular downtown spots seem to close earlier in the winter.
Is Seattle Cold in January?
Yes, absolutely–January is the coldest month in Seattle! The rain, wind, and potential for snow all make it feel even colder at certain points in the month. However, it’s pretty manageable if you pack the right gear.
Plus, there are a ton of stores in Seattle that sell cold weather gear for your to layer up if you find yourself not warm enough with what you pack.
What to Wear in Seattle in January?
Seattle is a casual dress city, and you’re most likely to see people wearing rain jackets and rain pants downtown. I recommend wearing whatever you feel comfortable in, but make sure you’re able to layer rain gear overtop to protect yourself from getting wet.
Insulation is also necessary, so pack a down jacket and fleece mid layers to stay warm! By using this packing list, you should have all the gear you’ll need to stay protected from the weather in Seattle in January.
Does Seattle get Snow in January?
The greater Seattle area does tend to get snow in January, but you likely won’t see much snow in the downtown Seattle area. If you’re looking to see snow near downtown Seattle, I recommend heading north to Discovery Park, Snoqualmie, or south to Mount Rainier National Park!
If you are planning on getting outside the downtown area, I recommend packing microspikes to help you walk through icy or snowy sections. These will give you the traction you otherwise wouldn’t have with just a normal shoe or hiking boot.
Toward the end of December 2022, Seattle experienced an ice storm that made the downtown area shut down for the greater part of a week. Thankfully, nothing like that has happened since but it’s best to be prepared with microspikes just in case!
What Are Some Things to Do in Seattle in January?
Because January is the coldest month in Seattle, I recommend sticking to activities that limit your exposure to the elements. Visiting museums, book stores, coffee shops, and indoor attractions are great things to do in Seattle in January!
Pike Place Market is a staple in Seattle, and visiting in January can be really fun since the crowds tend to thin out after the New Year’s holiday. Plus, there are several vendors and food stalls that serve warm beverages and delicious pastries.
As far as museums go, my favorite museums to visit include the National Nordic Museum, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and the Museum of Pop Culture!
For my full breakdown of what to do in Seattle in one day, make sure to check out this post for all the details! I’m a Seattle local and I made sure to share some of the best ways to spend a day in Seattle that takes you off the beaten path and showcases some of my favorite areas of the city.
Concluding Thoughts: What to Pack for Seattle in January
With its cozy coffee shops, iconic landmarks, and stunning mountain peaks, Seattle is such a fun city to explore—even in the middle of winter. As a Seattle local with years of experience helping people outfit themselves for Pacific Northwest weather, I hope this guide has helped you feel confident about what to pack for Seattle in January!
By preparing with the right gear—waterproof essentials, warm layers, and the right footwear—you’ll be ready to take on Seattle’s January weather and fully enjoy the charm of the city. Knowing what to pack for Seattle in January ensures you’re not only comfortable but also able to focus on the incredible experiences waiting for you, from Pike Place Market to scenic waterfront views to quirky museums!
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Looking for other Seattle-related posts on my blog? Check out these great guides to help you plan your trip to Seattle:
- 1 Day in Seattle Itinerary: A Local’s Guide on What to See & Do
- Seattle Ghost Tour Full Experience and Review: US Ghost Adventures & Seattle Terrors
- Leavenworth, WA: The Best Day Trip from Seattle?
