Average Weather
Seattle has a reputation for rain, but her annual yearly rainfall is less
than the average for New York City or Washington, DC. Seattle gets around 36
inches of annual precipitation. July is the warmest month with highs
averaging in the mid-seventies. Winter lows drop beneath freezing around
fifteen days a year.
Transportation
Amtrak and long-distance buses serve Seattle. Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport has direct service to numerous international destinations and is well
connected for flights from the rest of the USA. Seattle is also a homeport
for several cruise ships.
Metro Transit operates 180 routes within King County with free service in the
downtown area. Call (206) 553-3000 for information any day, any time.
Airport Express runs a bus service from Sea-Tac to downtown from 5:30 a.m.
until midnight for a cost of $7.50 one-way.
In-Season Costs
Seattle is a focal point for arts in the Pacific Northwest; as such, you
should always book lodgings early for the best deals. Even if you aren't a
ballet buff or a culture vulture, your stay could coincide with the event of
the year for a variety of visitors. To "rest assured," book your room well
before you go. Downtown hotel costs can easily run $200 a day. A
sandwich/salad type meal weighs in at around $15 with dinner in a moderate
restaurant easily climbing to the $30 range.
Day Trips
Over 30 Washington State Parks are sited close enough to Seattle for an
easy day trip. From winter sporting through summer sunning, from hiking to
marine activities, you'll find all things outdoors within an easy drive. Try
http://www.parks.wa.gov for details and directions. Seattle is ringed by ski
resorts and close to the Cascade Mountains.
