After spending many Novembers living and exploring here, I can confidently say that the best things to do in Seattle in November include visiting Pike Place Market without summer crowds, enjoying museums and indoor attractions, attending fall festivals, taking ferry rides across Puget Sound, watching Seahawks games, and easing into Seattle’s early holiday season. November may not be peak tourist season, but it’s one of the most authentic times to experience the city.

Seattle in November feels slower, cozier, and more local. The rain pushes people into coffee shops, restaurants, theaters, and music venues, which is where Seattle truly shines.

Hotel prices drop, popular attractions feel calmer, and the city starts glowing with early holiday lights by the end of the month. If you don’t mind moody weather and love culture, food, and seasonal events, November is one of my favorite months to show people the real Seattle.

Seattle in November Weather: What to Expect

Let me be honest with you—Seattle weather in November isn’t going to give you sunny beach days. During my years living here, I’ve learned to embrace the rain rather than fight it.

The Seattle temperature in November typically ranges from 42°F to 52°F, with an average around 47°F. Does it snow in Seattle in November? Rarely in the city itself, but the surrounding mountains get their first significant snowfall, making it perfect for winter sports in Seattle.

November Weather Breakdown

Weather Element	Average
High Temperature	52°F (11°C)
Low Temperature	42°F (6°C)
Rainfall	6.3 inches
Rainy Days	18-20 days
Daylight Hours	9 hours
Sunrise	Around 7:15 AM
Sunset	Around 4:30 PM

The Seattle in nov experience means layering becomes your best friend. I always pack a waterproof jacket, comfortable waterproof boots, and several sweaters.

The key to enjoying Seattle in November end is accepting that you’ll probably get rained on—but that’s part of the charm. The city’s architecture and vibe are designed for this weather, making every coffee shop feel like a warm hug.

Top 15 Things to Do in Seattle in November

1. Explore Pike Place Market’s Fall Harvest

Date: Daily throughout November
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (most vendors)
Location: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Admission: Free

Pike Place Market transforms in November with seasonal produce, the fresh Dungeness crab season, and holiday decorations starting to appear. I spend every November morning here, watching the famous fish throwers while sipping coffee from the original Starbucks.

The farmers bring in squashes, apples, and mushrooms that you simply can’t find in summer. The indoor arcade areas provide shelter from Seattle’s rainy season while you browse local crafts and artisan goods.

Pro tip: Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds and get first pick of the freshest seafood.

Pike Place Market sign glowing red over a large crowd during a festive event in Seattle in November.

2. Coffee Shop Hopping in Capitol Hill

Location: Various locations in Capitol Hill
Hours: Most open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Average Cost: $5-$8 per drink
Free to explore

Seattle coffee shops are legendary, and November is when they truly shine. I’ve made it my mission to visit every notable roastery, from La Marzocco’s sleek industrial space to Elm Coffee Roasters’ cozy corner setup.

Watson’s Counter serves some of the finest pour-overs I’ve tasted, and their pastries pair perfectly with Seattle’s gloomy weather.

After grabbing a book from the nearby Elliot Bookstore, I love settling into a window seat and watching the rain create abstract patterns on the glass.

3. Earshot Jazz Festival

Date: Late October through Early November (33-day festival)
Hours: Various showtimes, typically 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Multiple venues across Seattle
Tickets: $15-$45 depending on venue and artist

This November tradition has become one of my favorite things to do in Seattle this weekend. The Earshot Jazz Festival November, brings nearly 100 concerts celebrating jazz’s African-American roots.

I’ve caught performances at intimate venues around town, where the music seems to warm you from the inside out. The festival features both legendary musicians and emerging talents, making each show a unique experience.

The combination of world-class jazz and Seattle’s moody November atmosphere creates something truly special.

4. Seattle International Comedy Competition

Date: Throughout November (running since 1980)
Hours: Shows typically at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Location: Multiple venues across Washington State
Tickets: $15-$30 per show

Seattle International Comedy Competition events in Seattle today might be hard to find, but this comedy competition offers incredible value. I’ve attended this event for three consecutive years, watching comedians from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Japan compete for laughs.

The touring format means performances happen at different venues, from intimate clubs to larger theaters. It’s one of America’s largest touring comedy festivals, and the energy in these rooms during November’s dark evenings is electric.

A comedian performing stand-up on stage at Club Comedy during a competition in Seattle in November.

5. Winter Sports at Mount Rainier & Cascade Mountains

Season Start: Early November
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (typical ski resort hours)
Location: Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, Mount Baker
Cost: $60-$100 for lift tickets, $40-$60 for rentals

When people ask, “Does it snow in Seattle in November,” I point them to the mountains. While the city stays rain-soaked, ski resorts Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, and Mount Baker area receive their first significant snowfall.

I learned to snowboard at Snoqualmie Pass, just 50 minutes from downtown Seattle. Crystal Mountain offers the best views of Mount Rainier skiing and snowboarding, while Mount Baker gets some of the highest snowfall totals in the world.

6. Feast at Seattle’s Diverse Restaurants

Location: Various neighborhoods
Hours: Lunch and dinner service
Price Range: $15-$50 per person
Reservations recommended

Seattle restaurants’ diversity makes November dining spectacular. I’ve worked my way through the city’s culinary landscape, and these months showcase seasonal menus perfectly.

At Kamonegi, I’ve savored handmade soba noodles in warm broth that chases away November’s chill. Mekong Village serves authentic Vietnamese pho that locals line up for.

Little Neon Taco, Bar del Corso, The Walrus, and Carpenter all offer unique takes on comfort food. The Italian influence at Stateside creates pasta dishes that taste like a warm hug on cold November evenings.

7. Indoor Shopping at Downtown Seattle Attractions

Location: Downtown Seattle core
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies by store)
Cost: Free to browse
Multiple shopping centers

Downtown Seattle attractions provide a perfect Seattle indoor activities rainy season refuge. Pacific Place and Westlake Center offer traditional retail therapy, while the University District in Seattle features quirky bookstores and vintage shops.

I discovered The Bravern in Bellevue during a particularly rainy November weekend—it’s upscale shopping with restaurants attached. Chophouse Row on Capitol Hill combines boutiques with craft cocktail bars, making it easy to shop and sip simultaneously.

8. Chihuly Garden and Glass & Space Needle

Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Location: 305 Harrison St (Seattle Center)
Tickets: $32 (Chihuly), $37.50 (Space Needle), $57 (combo)
Advance purchase recommended

The Space Needle in Seattle looks particularly dramatic against November’s grey skies. I’ve visited countless times, but November offers something special—fewer tourists and often dramatic cloud formations that create stunning photos.

Next door, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases Dale Chihuly’s incredible glass sculptures. The glasshouse garden takes on an ethereal quality when November mist surrounds the vibrant colored glass. These iconic Seattle landmarks are must-see attractions any time of year, but November’s atmosphere amplifies their beauty.

The iconic Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass museum building in Seattle in November.

9. Seattle Public Library Architecture Tour

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 1000 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Admission: Free
Free tours available

The Seattle Public Library downtown location is an architectural marvel I never tire of exploring. Its unique diamond-shaped exterior and spiral “Books Spiral” make it one of the world’s most innovative libraries.

I’ve spent countless rainy November afternoons here, reading in the comfortable seating areas while watching the city through massive glass windows.

The tenth-floor reading room offers panoramic views, and the building itself is climate-controlled perfection during Seattle’s wet season.

10. Seattle Aquarium Experience

Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Location: 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
Tickets: Adults $39.99, Children $29.99
Timed entry tickets available

The Seattle Aquarium provides fantastic indoor entertainment when November weather turns nasty. I’ve watched the playful sea otters for hours—they’re incredibly active and entertaining.

The underwater dome gives you a 360-degree view of Puget Sound marine life, including rockfish, salmon, and sharks. Touch tanks let you interact with sea stars and anemones, and the Window on Washington Waters exhibit showcases the incredible biodiversity of our local waters.

11. Ballet & Opera at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall

Season: November through May
Showtimes: Typically 7:30 PM weekdays, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM weekends
Location: 321 Mercer St, Seattle Center
Tickets: $35-$200 depending on performance and seating

Marion Oliver McCaw Hall hosts Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera performances that transform November evenings into cultural experiences. I attended The Nutcracker here last November—it’s magical how the production captures holiday spirit.

The venue’s architecture complements Seattle Center beautifully, and its modern acoustics make every performance sound incredible. Arriving early lets you explore the Seattle Center area, which starts getting decorated for the holidays in late November.

12. Ferry Trips to Bainbridge Island & Bremerton

Bainbridge Island Ferry: 35-minute crossing, departs every hour
Bremerton Ferry: 60-minute crossing, departs every 90 minutes
Cost: Walk-on passengers $9.65 each way
Departs from: Seattle Ferry Terminal, 801 Alaskan Way

Pacific Northwest ferry trips offer stunning views regardless of the weather. I take the Bainbridge Island day trip monthly—the Olympic Mountains backdrop never gets old.

Bremerton is a fascinating Naval town where you can tour the USS Turner Joy and explore maritime history.

Both destinations feature charming downtowns with cafes, galleries, and restaurants. November’s dramatic clouds and occasional sun breaks create stunning Puget Sound vistas from the ferry deck.

A large Washington State ferry moving across the water with the Seattle skyline visible in November.

13. Museum Exploration During Free Days

Free First Thursday: Seattle Art Museum, Nordic Heritage Museum, Museum of Pop Culture
Hours: Extended hours 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on free days
Locations: Various
Regular admission: $20-$35

Seattle museums showcase the region’s diverse heritage perfectly. The Nordic Heritage Museum celebrates Scandinavian culture with fascinating exhibits about immigration and traditions.

Museum of Pop Culture is a music and sci-fi lover’s paradise, with exhibits on Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and more. Seattle Art Museum houses impressive collections ranging from Native American art to contemporary installations.

The Wing Luke Museum in Chinatown-International District tells Asian Pacific American stories through immersive exhibits. November’s first Thursday offers free admission to many museums—I plan my monthly museum marathons around this date.

14. Seattle Seahawks Home Games at Lumen Field

Season: September through January
Game Times: Typically 1:05 PM or 5:20 PM Sundays
Location: 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Tickets: $75-$300+ depending on opponent and seating

Seattle Seahawks home games create an electric atmosphere that makes you forget November’s chill. Lumen Field’s “12th Man” crowd is legitimately one of the loudest in the NFL—I’ve experienced the stadium shake during crucial plays.

The covered seating protects from rain, and the energy during home games is unmatched. Tailgating in the parking lots starts hours before kickoff, with fans grilling despite the weather. It’s pure Seattle spirit: enthusiastic, loyal, and unbothered by a little rain.

15. Holiday Wine Fest & Northwest Chocolate Festival

Holiday Wine Fest: Mid-November weekend
Hours: Friday 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Tickets: $35-$55 for tasting tickets

The Holiday Wine Fest Seattle November is where I complete my holiday wine shopping each year. Wineries from Bainbridge to New Zealand showcase their best bottles, with complimentary tastings and special festival pricing.

The Northwest Chocolate Festival happens simultaneously in some years, making it a paradise for chocolate aficionados.

I’ve met cocoa farmers, attended workshops on chocolate-making techniques, and sampled artisan chocolates from over 20 countries. Both festivals are perfect Seattle indoor activities, rainy season events that celebrate the finer things in life.

An entrance to the Northwest Chocolate Festival held inside a convention hall in Seattle in November.

Seattle November Events & Festivals Calendar

November brings Seattle holiday season events that transform the city’s character. I’ve marked my calendar each year with these recurring favorites that make November special beyond the typical things to do in Seattle this weekend, Stranger listings.

Early November:

Día de los Muertos celebrations at multiple locations (November 1-2)
Seattle Restaurant Week (late October through early November)
Seahawks home games continue throughout the month

Mid-November:

Earshot Jazz Festival performances (runs through early November)
Seattle International Comedy Competition venues across Washington
Various food and wine festivals, weekend events

Late November:

Thanksgiving preparations and community dinners
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo opens (runs through January)
Seattle Christmas Market begins (November 20 onward)
Holiday shopping, craft fairs citywide

Free things to do in Seattle this weekend abound during November’s first Thursday museum days and Seattle Center cultural festivals.

Budget Planning for November Travel

Seattle in November offers significant advantages for budget-conscious travelers. I’ve noticed hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peaks, making affordable hotel deals Seattle in November some of the year’s best values.

November Cost Breakdown

Expense Category	Budget Range
Hotel (per night)	$80-$150
Meals (per day)	$40-$80
Attractions	$30-$60
Transportation	$10-$30
Daily Total	$160-$320

Money-Saving Tips:

Visit museums on free first Thursdays
Use public transportation (ORCA card $8 per day)
Eat at Pike Place Market vendors for fresh, affordable meals
Book accommodations south of downtown for lower rates
Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants (3:00-6:00 PM typically)

Transportation Tips for November

Seattle’s public transportation system works brilliantly during November’s wet weather. I rely on the Link Light Rail, which connects Sea-Tac Airport to downtown and several neighborhoods. An ORCA card ($3 per ride, $8 day pass) provides unlimited access to buses, light rail, and streetcars.

A monorail train traveling on an elevated track between buildings in downtown Seattle in November.

November Transportation Considerations:

Traffic increases as holiday shopping begins
Earlier sunset (around 4:30 PM) means planning for darkness
Ferry schedules reduce slightly from summer frequency
Street parking becomes easier to find as tourism drops
Ride-share services remain reliable year-round

I recommend avoiding driving if possible—parking downtown costs $25-$40 daily, and Seattle’s hills plus rain create challenging conditions for unfamiliar drivers.

Seattle in November Itineraries

Perfect 1-Day Seattle November Experience

Morning: Start at Pike Place Market (9:00 AM), watch fish throwing, grab coffee at the original Starbucks. Browse seasonal produce and crafts until 11:00 AM.
Midday: Walk to Seattle Public Library (20 minutes), explore architecture, warm up. Lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring a seasonal menu.
Afternoon: Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass and Space Needle (2:00-5:00 PM). The late afternoon light creates beautiful photography opportunities despite November’s early sunset.
Evening: Dinner in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, possibly catch an Earshot Jazz Festival performance or a Seattle International Comedy Competition show.

3-Day Seattle November Weekend

Day 1: Downtown attractions (Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, waterfront), evening at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall for ballet or opera.
Day 2: Coffee shop tour in Capitol Hill, museum visits (use free First Thursday if timing works), dinner at one of Seattle’s diverse restaurants (Kamonegi, Mekong Village, or Italian options).
Day 3: Ferry trip to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton (morning departure), return afternoon, explore Seattle Center area, attend evening event or performance.

Week-Long November Seattle Adventure

This extended itinerary includes everything above plus: a day trip to Snoqualmie Pass for early-season skiing, Seahawks game experience, multiple neighborhood explorations (Ballard, Fremont, Georgetown), wine tasting in Woodinville (30 minutes north), and attendance at multiple Seattle November events like Holiday Wine Fest or Northwest Chocolate Festival.

FAQs

Q: What should I pack for Seattle in November?

Waterproof jacket, comfortable waterproof boots, layers (sweaters, long sleeves), umbrella, and warm socks. Temperature fluctuates, so layering is essential.

Q: Does it snow in Seattle in November?

Rarely in the city itself. Seattle in November temperature stays above freezing, meaning rain is far more common. However, surrounding mountains receive significant snowfall, perfect for winter sports Seattle activities.

Q: Is November a good time to visit Seattle?

Absolutely! Seattle in November offers affordable hotel deals, fewer crowds, authentic local experiences, and the beginning of holiday festivities. The Seattle in November weather requires preparation, but the city’s indoor attractions shine during this season.

Q: What’s Seattle in November end like?

Seattle in November end transitions into full holiday mode. Christmas markets open, WildLanterns begins at the zoo, and Thanksgiving weekend shopping events dominate. It’s one of the most festive times in the city.

Q: Are there free things to do in Seattle in November?

Yes! First Thursday museum free days, Pike Place Market exploration, Seattle Public Library visits, Olympic Sculpture Park, Center for Wooden Boats, and various cultural festivals at Seattle Center cost nothing to attend.