November in Seattle feels like a deep breath. The air turns crisp, the city lights glow against the drizzle, and coffee shops buzz with the sound of rain on their windows. It’s a time when Seattle slows down just enough to show its softer side : art, music, markets, and those perfect gray days that make a hot latte taste even better.

Whether you’re drawn to cozy indoor adventures or cool-weather hikes framed by fall colors, November in Seattle is equal parts culture and calm.

See vacation homes in Seattle

Columbus in November at a Glance

Category Events & Highlights Why Go
Food & Drink Seattle Restaurant Week, Coffee Tastings, Urban Craft Uprising Comfort and creativity collide
Music & Arts Earshot Jazz Fest, Symphony, Art Walk The city's creative soul shines
Family & Fun WildLanterns, Aquarium, Pacific Science Center Bright lights and hands-on wonder
Sports & Outdoors Seahawks, Sounders, Arboretum Hikes Energy, nature, and city pride
Holiday Magic Macy's Parade, Winterfest, Tree Lighting Sparkle, warmth, and community cheer

Coffee, Comfort, and Fall Flavor

Seattle in November is a coffee lover’s dream. Local roasters debut their fall blends, and cafés across the city turn warm and inviting. Stop by Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square or Victrola Coffee on Capitol Hill for a perfect start to a gray morning.

Foodies will love Seattle Restaurant Week, where top restaurants offer three-course menus at special prices : a delicious way to taste your way through the city’s culinary scene. And at the Urban Craft Uprising Holiday Show, you can pair artisanal goods with local eats and handmade gifts just as the holiday season kicks off.

Music, Arts, and Creative Energy

Seattle’s artistic heartbeat hums loud in November. The Earshot Jazz Festival wraps up the first week of the month, filling intimate clubs and concert halls with world-class performances.

The Seattle International Comedy Competition keeps laughter echoing across venues citywide, while the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall brings classical warmth to rainy nights. For art lovers, First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square showcases local painters, sculptors, and photographers : proof that creativity shines brightest under cloudy skies.

Theater, Film, and Culture Indoors

It’s show season in Seattle. The 5th Avenue Theatre and Paramount Theatre light up downtown with Broadway hits, while independent venues like ACT Theatre offer thought-provoking local productions.

Film buffs should catch screenings at SIFF Cinema Uptown, where international and indie films rotate weekly. Or spend a day at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) exploring exhibits on music icons, sci-fi legends, and Seattle’s grunge history : it’s part museum, part love letter to creativity.

Outdoors, Fresh Air, and Fall Beauty

When the rain pauses (and it will), Seattle’s outdoors are stunning in November. Discovery Park turns gold and russet under moody skies, while the Washington Park Arboretum shows off fiery maples and misty trails.

If you’re up for a little adventure, head to Snoqualmie Falls : just 45 minutes east : where the water roars at its fullest after autumn rain. Or take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, cozy up in a café, and enjoy views of the skyline rising through the mist on your way back.

Festivals, Markets, and Local Charm

November is market season in Seattle, and every neighborhood has its own flavor. Pike Place Market is buzzing with fall produce, pumpkin pies, and live music under the awnings.

The Seattle Made Market celebrates local craftsmanship : everything from handmade ceramics to eco-friendly clothing. Over in Fremont, the Sunday Flea Market is perfect for vintage hunters and quirky gift seekers.

And if you’re here mid-month, don’t miss the Downtown Holiday Market, where lights, hot cocoa, and local artisans turn chilly evenings into something magical.

Sports, Cheers, and City Spirit

Even with clouds overhead, Seattle’s sports scene stays hot. Seahawks fans fill Lumen Field with energy every weekend, while Sounders FC matches keep soccer season alive with loud chants and green scarves.

Prefer basketball? Catch a Seattle University Redhawks game for a lively, hometown atmosphere. Sports here aren’t just about the scoreboard : they’re a celebration of community and pride that cut right through the drizzle.

Family Fun and Indoor Escapes

Families will find plenty to love indoors this time of year. The Pacific Science Center offers interactive exhibits and planetarium shows, while Seattle Aquarium brings the magic of Puget Sound up close.

At the Woodland Park Zoo, the WildLanterns Festival transforms the grounds into a glowing wonderland of giant illuminated animals : a must-see event that lights up even the darkest nights.

Holiday Warmth and Seasonal Magic

By late November, the city begins to sparkle. The Macy’s Holiday Parade marches through downtown the day after Thanksgiving, kicking off the holiday season with music, balloons, and cheer.

That night, the Westlake Center Tree Lighting Celebration draws crowds for live performances and fireworks, while Seattle Center Winterfest begins its five-week celebration : complete with ice skating, lights, and festive music.

It’s Seattle’s way of proving that even in the rain, joy shines bright.

Day Trips and Pacific Northwest Escapes

If you’re ready to explore beyond the city, November is perfect for cozy getaways. Visit Leavenworth, where the Bavarian-style village begins its Christmas transformation, or head south to Tacoma’s Museum District for a quieter, art-filled afternoon.

And if you crave the sea, drive to Whidbey Island for farm stands, forest walks, and lighthouse views that feel like stepping into a postcard.

Experience Seattle Like a Local With HomeExchange

Seattle isn’t just a city : it’s a rhythm. The sound of espresso machines, rain on rooftops, ferry horns, and laughter spilling from cozy restaurants. With HomeExchange, you can live right inside that rhythm.

Swap homes with Seattle locals and stay in a craftsman near Ballard’s breweries, a high-rise downtown with skyline views, or a family home in Green Lake surrounded by parks and coffee shops.

You’ll shop where locals do, share stories with neighbors, and fall asleep to the sound of soft rain. Because in Seattle, home isn’t about the weather : it’s about warmth that never fades.

Discover how HomeExchange works