What to Pack for Seattle in March (Advice From a Local!)
March marks the much-welcomed transition from winter to spring in Seattle, bringing slightly warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. While it’s definitely still a rainy month, visiting Seattle in March is a great idea if you’re looking for more affordable accommodations, cheaper flights, and fewer tourists compared to the ever-popular summer months. If you’re planning a trip to Seattle in March, it’s important to pack accordingly for the unpredictable weather. This packing list highlights the essentials you’ll need, what to expect from the weather, and outfit ideas from a local’s perspective.
As a Seattle local and former outdoor 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 rainy and ever-changing climate. I’ve also lived in Seattle for nearly four years, experiencing multiple seasons of unpredictable spring weather. With my insider knowledge and hands-on experience, I’d like to think I’ve refined the perfect packing list for visiting Seattle in March, and I want to share it with you so you can come prepared and excited to explore this vibrant city.
For a trip to Seattle in March, you should expect semi-frequent showers, cloudy skies, and temperatures ranging between 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit. While the days are getting longer and slightly warmer, the weather can still shift quickly, making layering key. Figuring out what to wear in Seattle in March can be tricky, especially if you’ve never visited before or aren’t used to packing for cool, damp conditions. This Seattle packing list features essential staples, as well as some location-specific items you won’t want to forget.
Without further ado, here is a list of what to pack for Seattle in March, and my top recommendations on what to wear in Seattle in March!
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What to Pack for Seattle in March
Rain Jacket
March is considered one of the rainiest months in Seattle, but thankfully it’s not nearly as cold as February. In my post about what to pack for Seattle in February, I recommended an insulated rain jacket–but if you’re visiting in March, you don’t necessarily need a rain jacket with extra insulation. Rather, I’d recommend a fleece or sweater underneath a regular rain jacket. Temperatures typically stay within the 50s during the day, and rarely drop below the mid-40 degree Fahrenheit mark at night.
Definitely make sure to bring a rain jacket of some sort, though. My personal recommendation for walking around the city is a slightly longer parka-length rain jacket like this one from Helly Hansen!
If you plan to hit the trail or go outside of the city, you’ll likely want a shorter-cut, sportier style rain jacket like the Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket (this is my all-time favorite rain jacket!).
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!
Fleece Jacket or Down Jacket
It does rain a lot in Seattle, especially in March, but you’ll likely also want a nice fleece jacket or down jacket to wear underneath your outer shell. Or if you get lucky, it might not rain during your trip to Seattle in March–in which case, a down jacket or fleece jacket would be perfect to wear on their own!
My personal favorite down jacket that I wear daily during Seattle winters is the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody. It’s definitely an investment piece but it’s lasted me years (and will continue to last me another few years)! Some other more affordable options include this North Face jacket, this jacket from Columbia, and this Eddie Bauer jacket!
Something Pink (Mostly for Cherry Blossom Photos!)
I don’t regularly wear pink but I’d highly recommend bringing a pink sweater, pink jacket, or pink hat with you if you’re visiting Seattle in March because that’s when the cherry blossoms start to bloom! It’s such a fun event and the entire University of Washington area transforms into a bath of pink hues as local businesses and vendors decorate with sakura and flowers everywhere!
If you don’t have any pink items in your wardrobe, don’t worry! There are plenty of shops and vintage markets you can shop at while you’re here in Seattle to add a pop of color to your cherry blossoms photos. My favorite second hand shops to look for something while you’re in Seattle include Bon Voyage Vintage, Late Night Vintage Market, and the Fremont Vintage Mall!
To get an idea of what to expect for seeing the cherry blossoms in Seattle, check out UW’s website here!
Comfortable Walking Shoes or Sneakers
Since the weather starts to warm up slightly in March and the skies start clearing up from the winter gloom, you’ll likely want to spend more time walking around outside. I highly recommend packing a comfortable pair of walking shoes so you don’t end up with blisters!
If you opt for a new pair of shoes, make sure to give yourself enough time to break them in before your trip to Seattle. The worst pain when you’re on vacation is when you get blisters and can’t walk around as much as you want to.
I’d also recommend investing in a high quality pair of waterproof sneakers or shoes, as there is still a high chance of rain in Seattle during the month of March.
Ski Gear (Optional But Recommended if Skiing/Snowboarding)
March is one of the last months to participate in resort skiing or snowboarding near Seattle (most of the resorts close down in late April/early May). If you’re planning to participating in any snow sports in Seattle in March, 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 March if you want to hit the slopes!
Pro tip: Crystal Mountain is offering 20% off day tickets during the entire month of March!
Beanie/Warm Headwear
Even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you’ll still want to pack a warm beanie to protect your ears from the wind and rain.
Scootering and biking are two popular ways to get around Seattle, but if you don’t have a hat or headwear to cover your ears while riding on a scooter the windchill is enough to make you feel ill! Trust me–this happened to me a lot when I first moved here in 2021 until I started wearing beanies on my scootering adventures.
If possible, pack two or three beanies so that you have back-up options in case the first one gets soaked through from the rain! 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 March
What is Anticipated for Seattle weather in March?
This year (2025) in March, the weather is predicted to be brisk and wet. Snowfall is unlikely, and it’s especially unlikely to stick if it does snow in the downtown area. Prepare for temperatures to be in the 50s mostly, with occasional dips into the mid-40s (mostly at night).
Seattle in March is expected to be slightly cloudy and periods of daylight are roughly 11-12 hours with sunrise being around 6:30-7:30am and sunset being between 6pm to 7pm. Daylights savings happens on March 9, hence the change in time by an hour.
Is It Worth Going to Seattle in March?
In my opinion, March is one of the best months to visit Seattle if you’re looking for affordable accommodations and less crowds at the key tourist spots. While the weather is likely to still be cold and wet, the days get slightly longer in March and it’s really not as cold as January or February.
Plus, if skiing and snow sports are your thing, March is a great month to visit Seattle and get out to the surrounding mountain resorts like Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain before the end of the season. Crystal Mountain is even offering 20% off day tickets during the entire month of March!
There are also a ton of great events and festivals that happen in March in Seattle! If you’re looking for something fun to do during your trip to Seattle in March, check out the list below or read my blog post about some of my favorite things to do in Seattle year-round:
- Emerald City Comic Con at Seattle Convention Center is on March 6th-9th, 2025
- Visit a Washington State Park for free on March 9th and March 19th (Discover Pass Free Days)!
- Participate in a St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl in Seattle
- Run in the annual Cherry Blossom Race and do a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon on March 22nd + 23rd, 2025!
Is Seattle Cold in March?
Yes, but not as cold as January or February in Seattle–March is still technically a winter month but it’s not nearly as cold or dreary as January can be. March is a great month for visiting Seattle if affordability is a top concern and you don’t mind a little rain or cold evening temperatures.
Expect temperatures mostly in the 50s, with occasional dips into the mid-to-low 40s at night. It’s pretty manageable if you pack properly and take the suggestions I provided in this blog post!
What to Wear in Seattle in March?
Seattle is a casual dress city, and you’re most likely to see people wearing rain jackets and casual 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.
By using this packing list, you should have all the gear you’ll need to stay protected from the weather in Seattle in March.
Does Seattle get Snow in March?
The downtown Seattle area doesn’t tend to get snow in March. 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 only planning to stick to Downtown Seattle, you likely won’t encounter any snow or ice during your visit.
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.
Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in March in Seattle?
The exact timing of peak cherry blossom bloom is quite tricky to nail down but it’s usually for a 1-2 week period starting in late March through early April. Each year is different, though, so there’s never a guarantee that the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom when you visit.
Last year in 2024, the cherry blossom peaked in mid-March but then a windstorm caused a lot of trees to lose their petals prematurely, so the viewing window was cut short. However, there are cherry blossoms throughout the city (specifically in popular neighborhoods like Queen Anne, SLU, and Magnolia!), so even if they’re not in full bloom at UW–keep your eyes peeled as you’re exploring Seattle in March!
Smiling during cherry blossom season in March in Seattle!
The cherry blossoms start reaching full bloom by mid-to-late March in Seattle!
Concluding Thoughts: What to Pack for Seattle in March
March in Seattle means gorgeous cherry blossoms, iconic landmarks with smaller crowds, and longer days! Seattle really is such a fun city to explore—even in March! 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 March!
By preparing with the right gear—waterproof essentials, warm layers, and the right footwear—you’ll be ready to take on Seattle’s March weather and fully enjoy the charm of the city. Knowing what to pack for Seattle in March ensures you’re not only comfortable but also able to focus on the incredible experiences waiting for you, from Pike Place Market to scenic seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom at UW!
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