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— When to Visit
Four seasons, four Washingtons.
Washington rewires itself every quarter. Time your trip to what you love — mid-July wildflowers, October larches, February powder days, or April cherry blossoms in the UW quad.
Jul
Peak wildflower
Feb
Best snow
May
Fewest crowds
Photo: US National Park Service
Spring (Mar–May)
Cherry blossoms, Skagit tulip fields, and low-elevation waterfalls at full roar. Passes still snowy — plan lowland trails and city days.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
Prime time. Long, dry days; alpine meadows in bloom mid-July to mid-August; ferry lines longest — book vehicle reservations ahead.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Golden larches in the North Cascades and Enchantments, smaller crowds, storm-watching begins on the Pacific coast.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
World-class powder at Baker and Crystal, cozy Leavenworth village nights, and clear-day Rainier views from Seattle rooftops.