Spring in Seattle is mild with some sunny days, some partly cloudy and some overcast. The temperature is pleasant, with layers and a jacket recommended since springtime weather has a tendency to change throughout the day. The spring growing season comes as early as February when the crocus begin poking up through the winter ground. Flowering trees are abundant, and springtime in Seattle is green and lush.
Animals and Wildlife
A visit to the zoo in the spring gives the possibility of seeing some baby animals. Seattle has Woodland Park Zoo, a 92-acre spread with more than 300 different species of animals to observe and learn about. If you're willing to venture outside of Seattle to experience the free-roaming wildlife at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, Washington, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Seattle, the 725-acre park features more than 200 North American animals such as grizzly bears, wolves and big horn sheep. A large part of the park can be seen by tram as it drives slowly through areas where mountain goats, bison and elk freely roam.
Sports
Mariners baseball begins in early April at Safeco Field. The weather is usually comfortable with some years getting fairly warm in the afternoon. If it does rain, the retractable roof over Safeco Field closes in a matter of a few minutes. Spring skiing and snowboarding are available about an hour's drive east of the city at Snoqualmie Pass. The ski resorts are typically open through Easter weekend. Kayaking and canoeing are an active yet peaceful way to take in the sights of the lakes or certain areas of Puget Sound.
Gardens
Seattle boasts beautiful public gardens that are lush because of the climate. In the botanical gardens in the Arboretum on Lake Union you can explore and enjoy what the spring brings to the 10 gardens there. The only garden with a small entrance fee is the Japanese Garden. Canoes are permitted to meander through the waterways of the Arboretum. Another striking garden in South Seattle is the Kubota Garden, a 20-acre garden that creates a pleasing fusion between Northwest flora and Japanese style.
Spring Festivals
In March, Seattle celebrates with the Moisture Festival, a sort of variety and vaudeville way to celebrate spring. During the month of April, the Tulip Festival is held a short drive north near Mt Vernon, Washington. The Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival happens in mid-April and is truly a delight to the senses. The Seattle Maritime Festival takes place every May on the waterfront. In May, the Seattle Cheese Festival near Pike's Place is for food service and cheese lovers to come and enjoy artisan cheeses from all over the world.
Arts and Culture
The Pacific Northwest Ballet presents professional productions at McCaw Hall throughout the year. The school's annual signature performance is in the spring. One of the largest film festivals in the world is the Seattle International Film Festival. SIFF is held from late May through mid-June and you don't have to be a member to purchase tickets to the films. The public is also welcome to the film's after parties--with ticket purchase--to mingle with the filmmakers and others in the industry.
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