Average Weather
Seattle has a reputation for rain, but her annual yearly rainfall is less than the average for New York City or Washington, DC. Seattle gets around 36 inches of annual precipitation. July is the warmest month with highs averaging in the mid-seventies. Winter lows drop beneath freezing around fifteen days a year.

Transportation
Amtrak and long-distance buses serve Seattle. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has direct service to numerous international destinations and is well connected for flights from the rest of the USA. Seattle is also a homeport for several cruise ships.

Metro Transit operates 180 routes within King County with free service in the downtown area. Call (206) 553-3000 for information any day, any time. Airport Express runs a bus service from Sea-Tac to downtown from 5:30 a.m. until midnight for a cost of $7.50 one-way.

In-Season Costs
Seattle is a focal point for arts in the Pacific Northwest; as such, you should always book lodgings early for the best deals. Even if you aren't a ballet buff or a culture vulture, your stay could coincide with the event of the year for a variety of visitors. To "rest assured," book your room well before you go. Downtown hotel costs can easily run $200 a day. A sandwich/salad type meal weighs in at around $15 with dinner in a moderate restaurant easily climbing to the $30 range.

Day Trips
Over 30 Washington State Parks are sited close enough to Seattle for an easy day trip. From winter sporting through summer sunning, from hiking to marine activities, you'll find all things outdoors within an easy drive. Try http://www.parks.wa.gov for details and directions. Seattle is ringed by ski resorts and close to the Cascade Mountains.