Dress in Layers

• Seattle has a relatively mild climate, but evenings can be cool and breezy, even on warm summer days. The weather can be unpredictable too, at times alternating between rain showers and sun breaks repeatedly throughout the day. The best preparation is to dress in layers that can be peeled off and added back on according to the whims of the daily weather pattern. For example, a T-shirt topped with a long sleeved shirt, a light fleece pullover and a rainproof jacket provide both warm- and cool- weather options without adding bulk. Hats, gloves and light wool socks may provide additional comfort on colder winter days, but long underwear is rarely necessary.
  
  

Don't Let the Rain Stop You

• It's no secret that Seattle gets a lot of rain, about 38 inches per year on average. However, the wet weather doesn't stop residents from getting out and enjoying the city's parks, cultural attractions and scenic beauty. It shouldn't stop visitors either. Seattle fashion is rain-based and practical: rainproof jackets with hoods, waterproof shoes and comfortable, layered clothing. While umbrellas may be useful in a downpour, they often don't work well on blustery days and locals tend not to use them in everyday drizzle. As long as you are properly clothed, the rest is all attitude. Stormy skies, frequent rain and fresh, clean air are part of the Seattle experience, so embrace it. Fortunately, the Seattle landscape also includes plenty of coffee shops where you can warm up and dry off in between seeing the sights.
  
  

Think Twice before Jaywalking

• Standing at a crosswalk anywhere in Seattle, you may notice that few, if any, pedestrians will step into the street before the traffic signal indicates it is their turn. There is a reason for this. Seattle police have historically taken a hard stance against jaywalking, sometimes even staking out heavily populated crossing points to issue tickets to offenders. This has sometimes resulted in angry clashes between police and members of the public who aren't aware of the rigid local enforcement of jaywalking laws. Since getting a ticket or being drawn into an argument with law enforcement could negatively impact your visit, it is best to cross only in crosswalks and stay curbside until the pedestrian signal gives you the go ahead.
  
  

Use Public Transportation

• Parking in Seattle can be limited and expensive, especially in densely populated neighborhoods such as downtown, Capitol Hill and the University District. Fortunately, most areas popular with visitors are easily accessible by public transportation, which is affordable and reliable. Metro Transit buses have routes all over Seattle and neighboring suburbs. Fares are not collected within most of the downtown area; ask your bus driver if your destination is within the free ride zone. The historic Seattle monorail is another option for travels between downtown's Westlake Center and Seattle Center, home to attractions such as the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center. Washington State Ferries make the scenic journey from Colman Dock on the downtown waterfront to nearby Bremerton and Bainbridge Island. A water taxi also provides seasonal passenger service from downtown to West Seattle and Vashon Island. Seattle's recently built light rail shuttles passengers south from downtown through SODO and Rainier Beach to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.