Washington State has some of the most stunning and fascinating places to visit anywhere in the United States. From the glorious coastline to the breathtaking national parks to the bustling cities, it is impossible to get bored while staying here. You will find it all here — city, small-town charm, mountains, beaches, Canada to the north, and Oregon to the south. If you want one-of-a-kind things to do in Washington, our in-depth Washington state visitors guide can help you learn everything you need to know before you visit Washington (beyond the same old suggestions of Pike Place Market!).
Washington
State in United States, North AmericaUpdated
- Overall9/10
- Best forAdventure seekers, Budget travelers
- PeakJan–Apr
- CurrencyUSD
Washington has the Pacific Coast, Cascades, rain forests, and Seattle — and most visitors only scratch the surface at Pike Place.
At a glance
Currency$ USDCode: USD
Time zonePacific Time (PT)
Languages
- English
Setting
- Pacific Northwest
- Mountain ranges
- Rainforests
- Volcanic peaks
Population8M7,958,000 residents
VisaDocuments: For domestic U.S. air travel, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted ID such as a valid passport
How Washington scores
9/10OverallExcellent
Weather7/10
Value for money7/10
Food & cuisine3/10
Culture & arts6/10
Cultural experience8/10
Nature & outdoors7/10
Adventure4/10
Nightlife7/10
Shopping8/10
Family friendly5/10
Romance2/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall88/100High rating
Women travellers85/100
LGBTQ+ travellers80/100
Theft75/100
Medical care92/100
Physical harm88/100
Political freedom88/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: April, May, June, July, August, September and October.
- January: -4 to 2.2 degrees Celsius, 177.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- February: -3.9 to 3.1 degrees Celsius, 138.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- March: -1.3 to 7.2 degrees Celsius, 102.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- April: 1 to 11.1 degrees Celsius, 62 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- May: 5.9 to 17.7 degrees Celsius, 34.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- June: 9.6 to 21.8 degrees Celsius, 37.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- July: 13.1 to 27.6 degrees Celsius, 8.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- August: 13.9 to 28 degrees Celsius, 12.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- September: 10.3 to 22.2 degrees Celsius, 37.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 4.4 to 13.7 degrees Celsius, 118.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- November: -0.4 to 6.4 degrees Celsius, 167.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- December: -4.1 to 2 degrees Celsius, 204.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cold, rainy January in Washington: winter rain and mountain snow make broad travel less flexible. Crowds: January in Washington is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- February
- Cold, rainy February in Washington: winter rain and mountain snow make broad travel less flexible. Crowds: February in Washington is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- March
- Cold, some rain March in Washington: cooler, wetter transition weather narrows mountain and outdoor plans. Crowds: March in Washington is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Cool to mild, occasional rain April in Washington: spring or early autumn can be rewarding with rain and snowpack planning. Crowds: April in Washington is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings.
- May
- Cool to mild, occasional rain May in Washington: spring or early autumn can be rewarding with rain and snowpack planning. Crowds: May in Washington is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- June
- Mild to warm, occasional rain June in Washington: national parks, islands, mountains, Seattle, wine country, ferries, and road trips are most reliable in drier weather. Crowds: June in Washington is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- July
- Warm to hot, mostly dry July in Washington: national parks, islands, mountains, Seattle, wine country, ferries, and road trips are most reliable in drier weather. Crowds: July in Washington is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- August
- Warm to hot, mostly dry August in Washington: national parks, islands, mountains, Seattle, wine country, ferries, and road trips are most reliable in drier weather. Crowds: August in Washington is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- September
- Mild to warm, occasional rain September in Washington: national parks, islands, mountains, Seattle, wine country, ferries, and road trips are most reliable in drier weather. Crowds: September in Washington is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- October
- Cool to mild, some rain October in Washington: spring or early autumn can be rewarding with rain and snowpack planning. Crowds: October in Washington is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Cold, rainy November in Washington: cooler, wetter transition weather narrows mountain and outdoor plans. Crowds: November in Washington is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- December
- Cold, rainy December in Washington: winter rain and mountain snow make broad travel less flexible. Crowds: December in Washington is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Peak season
- March
- February
- January
- April
Off-peak
- September
- August
- July
- June
Know before you go
About
Washington State has some of the most stunning and fascinating places to visit anywhere in the United States. From the glorious coastline to the breathtaking national parks to the bustling cities, it is impossible to get bored while staying here. You will find it all here — city, small-town charm, mountains, beaches, Canada to the north, and Oregon to the south. If you want one-of-a-kind things to do in Washington, our in-depth Washington state visitors guide can help you learn everything you need to know before you visit Washington (beyond the same old suggestions of Pike Place Market!).
Best time to visit
July through September provides the warmest, driest weather across Western Washington and opens high-elevation Cascade hiking trails. October brings vibrant autumn foliage and Eastern Washington wine harvests.
Season by season
Summer (June-Sept):
Weather: 25-30°C, sunny
Highlights: Festas de Lisboa
Best For: Rooftop bars
Spring (March-May):
Weather: 15-22°C, blooming
Highlights: Jacaranda trees
Best For: Walking
Fall (Oct-Nov):
Weather: 18-24°C, pleasant
Highlights: Chestnuts
Best For: Museums
Winter (Dec-Feb):
Weather: 10-15°C, rainy
Highlights: Christmas lights
Best For: No crowds
Crowds
Washington, D.C. peaks in March-April for cherry blossom season and in summer (June-August) for tourists and conferences; National Mall and museums get very crowded then, while late fall and winter (November-February, except for holiday periods) are the quietest.
Getting there and around
Getting there
Fly into Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) for closest access, or Dulles (IAD) and BWI for more options. Amtrak serves Union Station from major East Coast cities. The Metro system connects airports and suburbs to downtown.
Top experiences in Washington
Olympic National Park
Over nearly one million acres, Olympic National Park protects three distinct ecosystems: glacier-capped peaks, wild Pacific beaches, and temperate old-growth rainforests like the Hoh Rain Forest. Visitors can hike Hurricane Ridge, explore coastal tide pools, and soak in natural hot springs at Sol Duc.
Mount Rainier National Park
Rising 14,411 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano crowned by 25 major glaciers and vast subalpine wildflower meadows. Scenic trails throughout Paradise and Sunrise offer breathtaking vistas of glacier valleys and rushing waterfalls.
Pike Place Market & Seattle Waterfront
Operating continuously since 1907, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is one of America’s oldest public farmers’ markets. Perched over Elliott Bay, it features energetic fishmongers, artisanal bakeries, craft stalls, and the original Starbucks store.
San Juan Islands
Accessible by Washington State Ferries, this Salish Sea archipelago is world-renowned for resident orca whale watching, sea kayaking, charming harbor communities like Friday Harbor, and peaceful island cycling routes.
Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located at Seattle Center, the 605-foot Space Needle offers 360-degree views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier from its revolving glass floor. Adjacent, Dale Chihuly’s striking blown-glass exhibits blend lush botanicals with monumental glass sculptures.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Where to stay
The Edgewater Hotel
2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Seattle’s premier waterfront luxury hotel built directly over Elliott Bay, known for rock-and-roll heritage, rustic Pacific Northwest decor, and sweeping Olympic Mountain views.
Memmo Alfama – Design Hotel
Tv. Merceeiras 27, 1100-348 Lisboa, Portugal
Hidden in the narrow streets of Alfama. It was the first boutique hotel in the old district. The red infinity pool matches the red rooftops of the old town. It offers an authentic yet modern experience.
Valverde Hotel
Av. da Liberdade 164, 1250-146 Lisboa, Portugal
A townhouse hotel on the grand Avenida da Liberdade. It feels like a private residence. The decor is eclectic and stylish. It has a lovely inner courtyard with a swimming pool, a rare oasis in the center.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- Olympic National Park — Glaciers, wild coastlines, and Hoh Rain Forest
- Mount Rainier — Iconic 14,411-foot volcanic peak with alpine wildflower meadows
- Pike Place Market — Historic Seattle market with fresh seafood and local artisans
- San Juan Islands — Premier orca whale watching and coastal sea kayaking
- Space Needle & Chihuly — Distinctive architecture and vibrant blown-glass installations
- North Cascades Highway — Dramatic mountain passes and turquoise alpine lakes
Best activities
- Hike through the moss-draped canopy of the Hoh Rain Forest, spot orca pods off San Juan Island, watch the flying fish at Pike Place Market, drive the scenic North Cascades Highway, and taste world-class Cabernet in Walla Walla wine country.
Local experiences
- Feast on wild Dungeness crab along the rugged coast, ride a Washington State Ferry across Puget Sound at golden hour, harvest fresh oysters along Hood Canal, and hike Mount Storm King above Lake Crescent.
Photography tips
- Golden Hour: Sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (highest view).
- Iconic Shots:
- Tram 28 on a hill.
- The Belem Tower at high tide.
- The view from Santa Justa Lift.
- The pink street (Rua Nova do Carvalho).
- The geometric floor of Praça do Rossio.
- Technique: Lisbon is the 'City of Light' due to reflection from the river and white cobblestones. It is very high contrast.
Timing
- Peak Season (July-Aug):
- Very busy, hot
- Shoulder Season (May-June, Sept-Oct):
- Best light and temp
- Low Season (Nov-Feb):
- Rain, but cozy
Keeping it authentic
- Washington State combines Coast Salish indigenous maritime traditions with early pioneer logging and aviation history, maturing into a global technology and environmental conservation leader. Its authentic spirit is rooted in specialty coffee, farm-to-table cuisine, craft cideries, and a deep reverence for the outdoors.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Washington State’s cultural heritage is shaped by a convergence of Indigenous stewardship, frontier ambition, and global trade. The ancestral lands of Coast Salish, Yakama, and Colville peoples are rich in traditions that persist in languages, salmon fisheries, and ceremonial gatherings like the Canoe Journey. Seattle’s rise as a 20th-century industrial and aerospace hub brought international migration, visible today in diverse neighborhoods and the preserved architecture of Pike Place Market. The state also houses the San Juan Islands’ American Camp and English Camp—remnants of the peaceful “Pig War” border standoff between the U.S. and Britain. While Washington has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its natural and cultural landmarks like Mount Rainier and the historic town of Port Townsend remain nationally significant.
