Guide to Spring in Seattle

Spring in Seattle is when the city really starts to wake up.

Cherry blossoms bloom, patios reopen, and the calendar fills up with festivals, markets, and outdoor adventures. After months of gray skies, it finally feels good to get outside again. Our guide rounds up the best ways to make the most of the season around the city.

Go Whale Watching

Going whale watching is something everyone should do at least once if they live in Seattle. Clipper Vacations offers the only whale-watching trip departing from downtown at Pier 69. See orcas and humpback whales, as well as porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, gray whales, and more! There’s also an expert naturalist on board to help guide, tour, and educate. The best time of the year for whale watching starts in spring, so don’t miss out!

Daffodil Day at Pike Place Market

Spring has arrived, and there’s no better symbol to celebrate than golden yellow blooms heading to Pike Place Market’s 29th Annual Daffodil Day! Join the fun on Friday, March 20th, and pick up a FREE bundle of daffodils under the Clock & Sign while exploring your favorite food purveyors, shops, crafts booths, and more to make it a perfect Market day. Find more info here.

Spring Equinox Sunset

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with the equinox sunset on March 20th. The sun sets in the west at 7:21 PM this year, and some great places to enjoy the sunset are Volunteer Park, Kerry Park, the Seattle Waterfront, Jose Rizal Park, and Gas Works Park.

See Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

Cherry blossoms are starting to bud, skies are bluer than normal, and the city is slowly waking up from winter hibernation. U Dub's campus is a great place to see the cherry blossoms, but if you want to check out other spots, see our list of where to catch the blooms elsewhere. If you do decide to head to UW, be sure to also check out the Cherry Blossom Festival from 3/13-19 in the University District.

Go to a Baseball Game

Baseball is back! The Mariners' Opening Day is on 3/26 this year, and they are playing the Cleveland Guardians. Coming off of last year's season, we are hopeful for another great season for our boys!

Northwest FolkLife Festival

The 55th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival takes place at the Seattle Center from May 22-25. The Northwest Folklife Festival is a beloved Seattle celebration of music, dance, art, and culture that brings together diverse communities to share traditions, creativity, and the spirit of connection. Learn more here.

Tulip Festival

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been known to create traffic jams on I-5 during the peak season, and for good reason. If you plan ahead and set aside a day during the week, the experience will be just that much more enjoyable, thanks to the lack of crowds. The fields begin opening at the end of March and run throughout April.

Visit The Farmer's Markets

Spring brings more in-season produce, and the best place to get it is at a farmer's market. Get outside, buy fresh produce, and support local businesses at one of the many farmers' markets around Seattle. Check out our list to see which market works best for you.

Washington State Spring Fair

Celebrate the return of warmer days at the Washington State Spring Fair. There will be high-flying rides, petting zoos, local music, shopping, and more. This year, the fair is open from April 10-12 and 17-19. Grab your tickets now!

Go On A Spring Day Trip

We love Seattle as much as anyone, but sometimes you just need to get out of the city for a quick break from the hustle and bustle. Luckily, Seattle’s location in the Pacific Northwest means there are plenty of incredible day trips just a short drive away. We rounded up some of our favorite spots for when you’re ready to escape for a bit. Go exploring.

Go On A Bike Ride

Seattle has some amazing bike paths right in the city, and springtime is a great season to explore them and see the blooming flowers. Pump up your tires and check out some of our favorite paths to ride.

U District Street Fair

The U District Street Fair returns May 16 and 17 for its 55th year, kicking off Seattle’s summer festival season. The event stretches 15 blocks along University Way and features hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, free live music and performances, and more than 50 food trucks and booths.

Find a Rainy Day Activity

The rain is still going to pour throughout the spring, so we want you to be prepared. Check out our list of rainy day activities so you can still get out of the house while staying dry. From cozy indoor hangouts to creative ways to spend an afternoon, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a classic Seattle rainy day.

See The Windermere Cup

Ring in the start of the boating season at the Windermere Cup! See the premier UW Rowing Team compete as the best rowing teams in the world race to the finish at Montlake Cut on May 2nd. Make sure you arrive early to get a good viewing spot!

If you have anything you think we should add to the list, feel free to send an email to [email protected].