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Running in Seattle

Rain gear is your best friend, but Seattle rewards runners with stunning mountain views, forested trails, and a fiercely outdoor culture year-round.

Temp Range

35°F to 85°F — mild year-round

Running Culture

Very strong — rain doesn't stop anyone

Best Season

June–September (surprisingly sunny)

Seasonal Gear Guide

Winter (Dec-Feb)

35-50°F

Mild, frequently rainy, rarely freezing

What to wear:

Waterproof running jacketLong sleeve base layerRunning tightsCap to keep rain off face

💡 Seattleites run year-round in the rain — a good waterproof jacket is the only thing separating you from the locals.

Spring (Mar-May)

45-60°F

Rainy but warming, occasional sun breaks

What to wear:

Light rain jacketLong or short sleeveShorts or caprisWaterproof shoes optional

💡 Cherry blossom season in late March/April makes the UW Quad run unmissable.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

60-80°F

Sunny and dry — Seattle's best-kept secret

What to wear:

Short sleeve or singletRunning shortsSunscreenSunglasses

💡 Seattle summers are stunning and relatively cool. Hit the Burke-Gilman trail or run to Kerry Park for skyline views.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

45-65°F

Rain returns, crisp and colorful

What to wear:

Light layersRain jacketRunning tights or shortsReflective gear for shorter days

💡 The rain returns in October. Embrace it — the trails in Discovery Park are gorgeous in fall colors.

Popular Running Routes

Green Lake Loop

2.8 mi

Seattle's most popular running loop — flat, paved, always busy on weekends

Burke-Gilman Trail

27 mi

Multi-use trail from Ballard to Kenmore — run any stretch, flat and scenic

Discovery Park Loop

2.8 mi

Forested trails with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains

Seward Park Loop

2.4 mi

Lakeside trail on Lake Washington, great for tempo runs

Seattle Running Tips

  • •Embrace the Rain: A quality waterproof jacket is the most important piece of gear you can own here. Skip the umbrella, it's not how locals do it.
  • •Hills are Everywhere: Seattle is hilly. Use them for strength training — Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and the trails in Discovery Park will build serious leg strength.
  • •Trail Access: You're minutes from serious trail running at Tiger Mountain, Cougar Mountain, and the Issaquah Alps — bring trail shoes.
  • •Running Clubs: Seattle Running Club, West Seattle Runners, and various Fleet Feet group runs are welcoming to all paces.

Seattle Essential Gear

Waterproof Running Jacket

$100-180

Trail Running Shoes

$120-160

Reflective Running Vest

$20-40

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