October through April is Seattle's wet season. November and December are the wettest months. Frequent rain brings overcast skies, heavy showers, and drizzles. January and February keep the city damp with cold rain, while March and April herald a slow change to drier conditions. Seattle gets far less rain from May to September, which presents sunny days ideal for outdoor activities. The city may be well-known for rain, but its seasonal pattern differs from nonstop wet conditions. Knowing these changes helps both locals and guests get ready for Seattle's annual variations in temperature.

Because of its location and topography, Washington State receives a lot of rainfall. Heavy rainfall, particularly on the western side, is caused by the collision of the Cascade Mountains with moist air brought in by the Pacific Ocean. Instead of severe downpours, cities like Seattle frequently suffer drizzles, which makes the rain seem to never stop. Weather patterns are influenced by the Pacific Northwest's climate, which is cold and damp for much of the year. The eastern part of the state is much drier because of the rain shadow effect caused by the mountains blocking most of the rainfall.

Seattle’s coffee scene is defined by passionate roasters and skilled baristas who are all about quality, sustainability and craftsmanship. The city’s independent coffee culture revolves around ethically sourced beans, small-batch roasting and expert brewing methods. From historic roasters like Lighthouse Coffee to new-age cafes including Elm Coffee Roasters, each shop has its own vibe. From rich espressos to artisanal pour-overs and classic cold brews, Seattle has something for everyone in the caffeine department. The city’s intense relationship with coffee has kept it one of the most revered stops for excellent coffee in the U.S.

Washington provides a variety of climates, thus one can locate a place with conditions fit for their tastes. Eastern Washington cities like Yakima and Walla Walla are great picks if you enjoy warm, dry conditions with lots of sunlight. Western Washington, including Seattle and Olympia, offers a cooler, wetter environment if you want a mild climate with green surroundings. The rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains makes Sequim interesting to those seeking a mix of sun and mild temperatures. Bellingham and other coastal areas have consistent year-round temperatures along with cool ocean breezes. Washington has a climate fit for your way of life whether your tastes are for moderate temperatures, rich surroundings, or seasonal variations.

Starbucks opened in Seattle in 1971 because Seattle had a coffee culture and a port that provided ready access to high-quality beans. Seattle's passion about specialty coffee served as a signal that it was a prime time to bring high-end coffees into a growing marketplace. Seattle also had a rainy climate that made hot coffee a daily requirement. Seattle, with its established coffee culture, was just the spot that Starbucks wanted in order to grow.

The inhabitants of Seattle call themselves "Seattleites," a term based on language tradition in addition to historical tradition in the city. The term is in keeping with other traditional demonyms in following an "-ite" pattern, which makes it a familiar and convenient term. While other possibilities such as "Seattle local" or "Emerald City resident" may occasionally come along, Seattleite is standard. The term is more than just a label, however. The term encompasses the culture of Seattle, ranging from its coffee and outdoor culture to environmental interests. The term unifies people, adding a shared identity that unites past and current residents of Seattle.

Seattle didn’t always have its current name. Settlers in the early 1850s first called the area “New York-Alki,” expressing their aspirations of building a bustling city like New York on the East Coast. Instead, it was named Seattle after Chief Si’ahl, a famous commander of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. While New York-Alki has faded into history, its imprint lives on in local landmarks and the city’s go-for-broke ethos, creating a rich and complex historical and cultural DNA that shapes Seattle today.

Although winters in Seattle are typically mild, freezing temperatures can occur on the coldest days. The coldest month is usually January, when lows frequently fall into the 20s°F range. Even colder weather is occasionally brought in by Canadian Arctic air. Although it is uncommon, snowfall does occur, particularly at higher elevations. Clear sky at night are typically associated with the coldest days, which allows temperatures to drop even further. Although severe winter weather is uncommon in Seattle, cold mornings and even ice roads are typical.

Winters are mild yet wet, with average temperatures between 36°F to 48°F, infrequent snow (only about 5 inches a year), and stagnant air from the frequent rain, resulting in cooler mosaics. Cold conditions are rare during winter months, but low-lying clouds and light rain can make the weather feel more frigid. In order to stay comfortable, locals depend on layers and waterproof clothing. Seattle’s winter may be gray, but it also affords plenty of opportunities for cozy indoor activities, escapes to nearby snowy mountains and festive seasonal events.

Usually the hottest month in Washington State, July is particularly hot in Eastern Washington, where cities like Spokane and Yakima suffer intense summer heat. Because of the Pacific Ocean, Western Washington, including Seattle and Tacoma, stays cooler. August comes right behind, but typically notes somewhat lower temperatures. Variations in temperature over the state are influenced by geography, elevation, and urbanization. Knowing when the heat peaks helps both locals and guests to properly plan outdoor activities, keep hydrated, and control indoor temperature. Knowing seasonal weather patterns keeps people comfortable during Washington's hottest months.

New York and Seattle have rather different weather patterns, although temperature levels over a given time can be similar. Seattle winters are fairly mild, rarely dipping below zero, compared to cold winters in New York, which have frequent snow. New York is more humid and hotter in its summers, compared to Seattle, which is dryer and cooler. Seattle experiences more rain, although New York experiences more variation in its seasons. If avoiding cold winters is a primary concern, Seattle is more likely to be a pleasant place in total.

Seattle residents and visitors feel the pinch with one of the highest sales tax rates in the country. The big reason is Washington State’s nonexistent income tax, which passes the buck on funding to sales tax. Costs are further driven up by local add-ons, public transit investments, and funding for essential services. High sales tax is also hurting businesses, retail, and hospitality. Although policymakers have considered alternatives, change is gradual. Knowing these elements empowers consumers to negotiate expenses in Seattle’s economy.

Seattle is an unaffordable location in which living costs, especially of commodities, houses, and living expenses, increase, making it hard for some residents. While well-paying job opportunities in technology and other fields support a number of residents, others find it hard to sustain rent, grocery, and utility expenses. Some residents enjoy cost savings in public transport, though not all areas are well connected. Small businesses play a positive role in urban living, though costs are on a high scale. Individuals considering a move to Seattle must carefully consider their finances, as opportunities in this location exist in abundance, though a large income is necessary for a convenient living.

Seattle is a non-income tax state, which is a benefit for its workers. Yet, citizens of Seattle continue to pay for other taxes such as the sales tax of nearly 10%, which is among the highest in the country. The cost of living is further influenced by business taxes, property taxes, and other miscellaneous taxes. Sugary beverages and gasoline have additional taxes. Although a non-income tax is a benefit, taxes in Seattle can be substantial nonetheless, depending on spending on taxable commodities and services.

Seattle has elevated its significance as one of the top job markets, appealing to professionals from various industries. Home to major employers like Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing, in addition to a growing presence in healthcare, biotech and startups, the city offers many career opportunities. While competitive salaries mitigate the area’s high cost of living, job hunters should know the area is very competitive. As Seattle is becoming an attractive option for remote workers and remote and hybrid work options are further expanding. This article covers the job market, in-demand industries, and other considerations that can affect job-seekers’ success in Seattle.