Best Time to
Go
Seahawks football and Mariners baseball can dictate visits for sports
fans. The citywide Seafair festival in August is an exciting
opportunity for warm-weather visitors. Seattle's multiple attractions
and moderate climate make it a perfect year-round destination.
Average Weather
Seattle has a reputation for rain, but her annual yearly rainfall is
less than the average for New York City or Washington, DC. Seattle
gets around 36 inches of annual precipitation. July is the warmest
month with highs averaging in the mid-seventies. Winter lows drop
beneath freezing around fifteen days a year.
Transportation
Amtrak and long-distance buses serve Seattle. Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport has direct service to numerous international
destinations and is well connected for flights from the rest of the
USA. Seattle is also a homeport for several cruise ships.
Metro Transit operates 180 routes within King County with free
service in the downtown area. Call (206) 553-3000 for information any
day, any time. Airport Express runs a bus service from Sea-Tac to
downtown from 5:30 a.m. until midnight for a cost of $7.50 one-way.
In-Season Costs
Seattle is a focal point for arts in the Pacific Northwest; as such,
you should always book lodgings early for the best deals. Even if you
aren't a ballet buff or a culture vulture, your stay could coincide
with the event of the year for a variety of visitors. To "rest
assured," book your room well before you go. Downtown hotel costs
can easily run $200 a day. A sandwich/salad type meal weighs in at
around $15 with dinner in a moderate restaurant easily climbing to the
$30 range.
Day Trips
Over 30 Washington State Parks are sited close enough to Seattle for
an easy day trip. From winter sporting through summer sunning, from
hiking to marine activities, you'll find all things outdoors within an
easy drive. Try http://www.parks.wa.gov for details and directions.
Seattle is ringed by ski resorts and close to the Cascade Mountains.
