May is an excellent time to visit Seattle due to several factors:
Events and Festivals:
- Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF): Showcases a diverse range of independent and international cinema.
- Northwest Folklife Festival: Celebrates the region’s folk music, dance, and arts.
- Seattle Art Fair: One of the largest contemporary art fairs in the country.
Outdoor Activities:
- Ample sunlight: May offers longer days with more sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
- Hiking: Numerous trails in nearby mountains, parks, and forests are accessible.
- Kayaking and boating: Lake Union and the Puget Sound offer opportunities for water activities.
Sightseeing:
- Reduced crowds: Shoulder season brings fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
- Iconic landmarks: Visit the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
- Waterfront: Explore the lively waterfront, including the Olympic Sculpture Park and Ferris wheel.
Culture and Arts:
- Thriving arts scene: May features a wide range of exhibitions, concerts, and performances.
- Museums: Explore Seattle Art Museum, the Frye Art Museum, and the Museum of History & Industry.
- Music venues: Attend live music at iconic venues such as the Crocodile and Showbox.
Weather In Seattle During May
May Weather in Seattle, United States
Temperature:
- Average high: 65°F (18°C)
- Average low: 51°F (11°C)
- Average temperature: 58°F (14°C)
Precipitation:
- Average rainfall: 3.06 inches (78 mm)
- Days with measurable rain: 11
Sunshine and Cloud Cover:
- Average sunshine hours per day: 6.5 hours
- Average cloud cover: 65%
Wind:
- Average wind speed: 8 mph (13 km/h)
- Prevailing wind direction: West
Other Conditions:
- Humidity: 75%
- UV index: 6 (Moderate)
- Air quality: Good
Characteristics of May Weather in Seattle:
- May is generally a pleasant month in Seattle, with mild temperatures and ample sunshine.
- While rainfall is possible, it is not typically heavy or prolonged.
- The city experiences occasional nights where temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C), so a light jacket is recommended.
- The skies are often partly cloudy, allowing for plenty of daylight and occasional glimpses of sunshine.
- The city’s proximity to Puget Sound can influence local weather patterns, bringing in cool breezes or marine air.
Things To Do In Seattle In May
Festivals and Celebrations in May
- Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF): The largest film festival in the United States, showcasing over 400 films from around the globe.
- Bite of Seattle: A culinary festival featuring food from 60+ local restaurants, live music, and entertainment.
- Seattle Cinco de Mayo Festival: A celebration of Mexican culture with live music, food, dance, and performances.
Other Unique Attractions and Activities
- Visit the Space Needle: Ascend this iconic landmark for panoramic views of the city, Mount Rainier, and the Puget Sound.
- Explore Pike Place Market: A bustling public market with fresh produce, seafood, flowers, crafts, and more.
- Walk around the Seattle Waterfront: Enjoy scenic views of the Puget Sound, visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, and explore the vibrant waterfront district.
- Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Discover exhibits on popular culture icons, music, movies, and video games.
- Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island: A short ferry trip from Seattle, this charming island offers picturesque views, quaint shops, and scenic hikes.
- Attend a Seattle Mariners baseball game: Cheer on the local MLB team at T-Mobile Park.
- Explore the Japanese Garden: A serene oasis located in the Washington Park Arboretum, featuring traditional Japanese gardens, teahouses, and sculptures.
- Visit the Seattle Art Museum (SAM): Explore a vast collection of art from around the world, including European masterpieces, Asian artifacts, and Native American artworks.
- Take a walk through Discovery Park: A sprawling park offering stunning views of the city, Puget Sound, and Olympic Mountains.
- Visit the Seattle Underground Tour: Discover the subterranean remnants of Seattle’s original streets and buildings from the mid-1800s.
Tourism In Seattle, United States During May
During May in Seattle, tourism flourishes as the city bursts into bloom with vibrant greenery and colorful flowers. The iconic Pike Place Market teems with locals and visitors alike, bustling with fresh produce, delectable seafood, and charming crafts. Pier 57 hosts captivating waterfront performances, drawing crowds eager to experience Seattle’s vibrant arts scene. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) showcases captivating exhibitions and music-themed events, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich musical heritage. The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) houses a renowned collection of art from around the world, providing an enriching cultural experience. The vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers a unique blend of eclectic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and art galleries. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Olympic Sculpture Park offers stunning views of the Puget Sound while showcasing impressive sculptures. The University of Washington campus, with its beautiful architecture and lush greenery, is a popular destination for picnics and strolls.