Seattle is in Washington State, 113 miles from the Canadian border. Seattle is famous for its wet climate, with an average of 5.3 inches of rain and 23 cloudy days in January, so what do you do when it rains? Take a tip from the locals and do whatever you’d do if it wasn’t raining--just put on some extra waterproof layers. Seattle’s hilly location means the climate is unpredictable and the weather can change quickly.
Curling
If it’s just too wet outdoors, head for the Granite Curling Club (GCC) to try your hand at a unique winter sport. The dedicated curling facilities at GCC enable beginners to take a lesson at one of its open house events. Here you will receive a detailed introduction to the sport by one of the instructors, followed by a warm-up and safety guidelines. You’ll then head onto the ice for curling instruction and play. Curling season runs from mid-October to April every year.
Snow Sports
January is a great time to hit the slopes near Seattle: The summit at Snoqualmie, showcasing four different ski areas as well as a tubing area, is 47 miles east of downtown. If you don’t want to ski, try a hike through the Seattle countryside with a pair of snowshoes. The Lower Gold Creek Basin (Snoqualmie Pass) is part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and features a broad, snow-filled valley to explore and views of Kendall Peak and Rampart Ridge.
Beaches
January is not exactly sunbathing season, but you can still enjoy an outing to the beach. Check the time of low tide and head to Puget Sound beach for a cold walk, looking for starfish, barnacles and shells that have washed up on shore. If you’re feeling brave, brace yourself and take the annual Polar Bear Plunge. This open water swim takes place every January 1 at Seattle's Matthews Beach Park. Dress up in costume and take the plunge to receive a "Badge of Courage" award.
Seattle Parks
Dress warmly and take a run in Green Lake Park, located in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. The park features a 3-mile path around the glacial lake for running, cycling and inline skating, as well as basketball courts and playgrounds. The lake is popular with wildlife as well as rowers in all seasons. Kerry Park, in the Queen Anne neighborhood, offers one of Seattle’s best spots for a panoramic view of the city and Mount Rainier.
Gourmet Food
Discover Seattle as a gourmet destination on the Savor Seattle "Gourmet Seattle Food Tour." This three-hour walking tour takes you on an adventurous journey into the heart of Seattle’s food scene, paying a visit to Seattle’s top chefs and food artisans, Pike Place Market and a microbrewery. You’ll learn the secrets of Seattle’s healthy, varied cuisine and some tricks of the trade for creating your own delicacies. Slow Food Seattle also highlights healthy food activities, classes and tours throughout the year.
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