Seattle or Vancouver in August?
On climate data, Seattle comes out ahead overall in August. See the per-criterion details below.
SeattlePhoto: Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 4.0
VancouverPhoto: Xicotencatl · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in August
| Criterion | Seattle | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 23 °C | 20 °C |
| Average daily low | 13 °C | 13 °C |
| Sea | 12 °C | 16 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 5 rainy days (est.) ★ | 9 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 77 % | 78 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Seattle is about 3 °C warmer by day.
- Seattle is drier, with about 4 fewer rainy days.
- The sea at Vancouver is about 5 °C warmer.
Seattle or Vancouver in August: the short answer
In August, Seattle comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Seattle 75/100 vs Vancouver 66/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on August as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Seattle averages a climate score of 38/100, Vancouver 30/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in August, side by side
The average daily high is about 23 °C in Seattle and 20 °C in Vancouver — warmer in Seattle. Average daily lows are around 13 °C versus 13 °C.
On rain, Seattle sees about 5 rainy days in August and Vancouver about 9 — drier in Seattle. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In August the water is about 12 °C at Seattle and 16 °C at Vancouver — warmer for swimming at Vancouver. Neither Seattle nor Vancouver reaches the ~21 °C swimming threshold in any month. Peak sea warmth is August for Seattle and August for Vancouver.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Seattle records roughly 172 rainy days and Vancouver about 196 — the drier of the two overall is Seattle. At their sunniest, Seattle reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (July) and Vancouver about 8 (July). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Seattle is at its best in July, August and September, while Vancouver peaks in July and August. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the August scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Seattle scores higher in August (Seattle 62 vs Vancouver 52).
City breaks: Seattle scores higher in August (Seattle 98 vs Vancouver 91).
Active & hiking: Seattle scores higher in August (Seattle 86 vs Vancouver 84).
Family: Seattle scores higher in August (Seattle 67 vs Vancouver 53).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In August, Seattle leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Seattle carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.