calgary1989

My wife and I typically get away just before the Christmas madness starts with all the parties and stuff. Las Vegas has been our destination of choice the last couple of years but we are looking to change it up a bit. Our hotel will be the Fairmont. For anyone who lives in Seattle or has visited there in the early aprt of December, can you guide me on what is the most probable wetaher to expect? We don't plan to do much. Swim at the hotel, walk around a bit, and check out the restaurant scene. is this a bad idea to visit that time of the year?

Orcas

Usually the clouds from the Pacific have fixed themselves to Seattle by December and we sit under (or within)a slate grey blanket, with occasional showers. We have mild temps - Probably the highs and lows will be in the forties. Days are quite short by US standards, but longer than in Calgary. Coats or jackets with hoods are good, as you never know if it will be sprinkling. For what you are thinking of doing, this would be an okay time to visit. You probably won't get to enjoy our great outdoors much due to the overcast, but that doesn't sound like your objective anyways.

calgary1989

thanks for the insight.

Orcas

By the way, you might enjoy going to the Seattle Rep theater while you are here. We've had season tix for the last few years - really good theater, located in the Seattle Center, which is where the Space Needle is. The Hounds of the Baskervilles will be playing.

http://www.seattlerep.org/Plays/1314/HB/Synopsis

Seattle Center has a new Chihuly Glass Museum, which is excellent. Lots to do indoors in Seattle, as well as out.

calgary1989

thanks Orcas . do you suggest thursday to sunday or would friday (arriving early) and leaving late sunday be enough?

happytrailstoyou

Seattle weather will be noticeably milder than Calgary (if that's where you live), and the theater, galleries, museums, etc. will be active. The Fairmont is a good hotel well situated for sightseeing, restaurants, etc.

Whether you arrive on Thursday or Friday depends on how many restaurants you want to try and what activities you want to experience. Here is a link to a good source about what's happening in Seattle: http://www.visitseattle.org/Visitors/Events.aspx

HTtY

PS In early December San Francisco is 10 degrees F. warmer than Seattle.

Orcas

What a great website, happytrails! Thank you!

I always prefer more time than less for a vacation. There's enough to do to keep you occupied, whether you arrive on Thursday or Friday. I looked up a couple of the major arts in Seattle - The Pacific Northwest Ballet will be performing the Nutcracker when you are here. They use Maurice Sendak sets and costumes. The symphony will have a holiday concert. Jazz Alley is a really great jazz venue (isn't advertising that far out but something to keep an eye on). Pike Place Market is open in the winter and is covered. You could go to the Ballard locks and see a movie on the history of Seattle (or the locks) and watch the boats pass through and see if any fish are jumping the ladders. There are also nice ferry rides to nearby islands. Lots to do. And who knows? If you're really lucky, it won't be raining.

Katzgar

you may expect chilly, gray drizzly days.

suze

Just agreeing with everyone else, expect gray and drizzly days. Snow would be extremely usual but has happened occasionally.

The biggest drawback to me is how short the days are that time of year, getting dark by about 4:15pm.

But for a few day getaway and staying at the Fairmont like you describe, I think sounds fun.

Suze in Seattle

calgary1989

great feedback everyone. the threat of rain for what we hope to accoplish for 4 days doesn't deter us. looking forward seeing this city. thanks for all your input.