Seattle in November: weather, events and what to know

November is when Seattle's rainy season settles in. Expect gray skies, mild temperatures and short days, but also cozy cafes, indoor attractions, lower hotel prices and a holiday kickoff that starts after Thanksgiving. Clocks fell back on November 1, so it's dark by about 5 p.m.

Updated 2026-11-01

November at a glance

Typical temperatures: Highs in the low 50s °F, lows in the low 40s (approximate)
Rain: Among the wettest months, with frequent light-to-steady rain; windstorms are possible
Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is before 5 p.m. for most of the month
Crowd level: Low, rising Thanksgiving weekend
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Weather in Seattle in November and what to pack

Rain is usually light and persistent rather than heavy. Locals favor a good jacket over an umbrella.

A waterproof jacket with a hood.

Water-resistant shoes or boots with grip; sidewalks and hills get slick.

Warm layers: sweater, fleece, a hat and light gloves.

A small day bag with a rain cover.

Sun is rare, but sunglasses help on the occasional clear day.

Daylight shrinks through the month: sunset moves from about 4:49 p.m. on November 1 to about 4:20 p.m. by November 30, with sunrise shifting from about 6:55 a.m. to about 7:35 a.m..

Top events in Seattle in November 2026

5 events

Dates as of 2026-11-01; confirm with the organizer.

Kiana Lodge Sip & Succulent Pumpkin Workshop Sunday, November 01, 1:15 PM local (2026-11-01T21:15:00.000Z) · Kiana Lodge Ticketed evening show at Kiana Lodge on Sunday, November 01.
Tacoma City Ballet Presents: Dracula - Premium Experience Sunday, November 01, 2:00 PM local (2026-11-01T22:00:00.000Z) · Pantages Theater Ticketed evening show at Pantages Theater on Sunday, November 01.
Tacoma City Ballet Presents: Dracula Sunday, November 01, 2:00 PM local (2026-11-01T22:00:00.000Z) · Pantages Theater Ticketed evening show at Pantages Theater on Sunday, November 01.
Seattle Reign FC vs. Orlando Pride Sunday, November 01, 2:00 PM local (2026-11-01T22:00:00.000Z) · Lumen Field Ticketed evening show at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 01.
Disney On Ice presents Jump In! Sunday, November 01, 3:00 PM local (2026-11-01T23:00:00.000Z) · Angel Of The Winds Arena Ticketed evening show at Angel Of The Winds Arena on Sunday, November 01.

Also in Seattle in November

seasonal picks

Recurring seasonal events and holidays. Dates move year to year, confirm with the organizer.

UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon, Sunday, November 29, with a health and fitness expo on Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28. Expect street closures downtown and near Seattle Center.
Seattle Ghost Marathon, Saturday, November 28, a Thanksgiving-weekend tradition on Lake Washington Boulevard.
Downtown Seattle tree lighting at Westlake Park. This traditionally takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving (expected November 27); confirm the date and time.
Argosy Christmas Ship Festival traditionally begins around Thanksgiving weekend; confirm the 2026 start date.
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26. Several turkey trots take place around the city, and restaurants take reservations early.
Sports and shows: check Seahawks, Kraken and venue calendars.

Crowds, prices and what to book ahead

Calmest: early to mid November, midweek, when hotel rates are low. Busiest: Thanksgiving weekend, the marathon weekend and any home-game or concert night. Book ahead: Thanksgiving dinner, holiday-show tickets, Argosy cruises and ferry reservations if traveling by car. Getting around: Link light rail avoids traffic; marathon day closes downtown streets.

What changes in Seattle in November

Rain and wind. Windstorms can cause power outages and ferry cancellations; check ferry and flight status.

Mountain weather. Snow starts in the Cascades; roads and passes can close, so check Washington State DOT before heading east. Mount Rainier's access and facilities change as winter arrives; check National Park Service road status.

Salmon viewing continues into late fall at places like the Ballard Locks (confirm current conditions).

Views are rarer, but clear days after a front can be spectacular.

Best things to do in November

5 picks

Browse Pike Place Market and sit down for a long coffee or chowder.

Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Seattle Art Museum.

Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island on a clear afternoon.

Visit the Museum of Flight.

Spend an evening in a Capitol Hill or Ballard bar, brewery or live-music room.

Full Seattle visitor guide

Sample November itinerary

Day 1: Pike Place Market, the waterfront and aquarium, an afternoon at MoPOP or Chihuly, and dinner in Belltown.

Day 2: The Museum of Flight or Seattle Art Museum, a ferry ride (weather permitting), and an evening in Ballard.

Getting around in November

Getting around: Link light rail avoids traffic; marathon day closes downtown streets.

Questions

6 answers

Is Seattle worth visiting in November?

Yes, if you like cozy indoor attractions, lower prices and moody weather; bring waterproof gear.

How much does it rain in Seattle in November?

It's one of the wettest months, mostly light rain on many days.

What should I wear in Seattle in November?

A waterproof jacket, warm layers and water-resistant shoes.

When do clocks change?

Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

When is the Seattle Marathon?

Sunday, November 29, 2026.

Can I visit Mount Rainier in November?

Parts of the park stay accessible, but winter conditions arrive. Check road status and carry chains. --- *An independent local guide. Weather figures are approximate climate norms. Verify event dates, ferry status and road conditions with official sources before you go.*