Seattle, Washington | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

🏙️ Welcome to Seattle, WA!

Seattle, nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, is a dynamic city known for its stunning natural beauty, innovative tech scene, and rich cultural landscape. With a population of over 700,000, it offers a blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Seattle's diverse neighborhoods, world-class healthcare facilities, and iconic landmarks like the Space Needle make it an exciting destination for travel nurses seeking both professional growth and lifestyle enrichment.

🌦️ Weather Overview: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Seattle experiences a temperate marine climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Here's what you can expect throughout the year:

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Notes
January	47°F	38°F	Cool and wet; occasional snow
February	50°F	39°F	Slightly warmer; continued rainfall
March	54°F	41°F	Beginning of spring; increasing sunshine
April	58°F	44°F	Mild temperatures; blooming flora
May	64°F	49°F	Pleasant and drier; ideal for outdoor activities
June	69°F	54°F	Start of summer; longer daylight hours
July	75°F	57°F	Warmest month; minimal rainfall
August	75°F	58°F	Continued warmth; great for festivals
September	70°F	53°F	Cooling down; beautiful fall colors
October	60°F	47°F	Crisp air; increasing rainfall
November	52°F	42°F	Chilly and wet; shorter days
December	47°F	38°F	Cold and rainy; festive holiday season

Seattle receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 37 inches, with November being the wettest month. Snowfall is rare, averaging around 6 inches per year.

💰 Cost of Living

Seattle's cost of living is approximately 49% higher than the national average, reflecting its status as a major metropolitan area. Housing costs are particularly high, with the median home price around $850,000, and a two-bedroom rental averaging $2,500 per month. While expenses are significant, travel nurses often find that competitive salaries and abundant job opportunities help offset the higher costs.

🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For travel nurses seeking short-term, furnished accommodations:

Furnished Finder – Seattle: Offers a variety of furnished monthly rentals tailored for travel professionals.
Airbnb – Seattle Monthly Stays: Provides fully furnished rentals with flexible lease terms suitable for extended stays.
Zillow – Furnished Apartments: Features listings for apartments and homes, some of which may be furnished.

Availability may vary seasonally, so it's advisable to secure housing well in advance.

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities:

Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown: Offers spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.
Staybridge Suites Seattle – Fremont: Provides modern accommodations with kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location.
Extended Stay America – Seattle – Northgate: Features cozy rooms with home-like amenities and a complimentary breakfast.

These hotels offer convenient options for short-term stays with the comfort of home-like amenities.

🚐 RV Park Options

For travel nurses traveling with RVs:

Lake Pleasant RV Park: Offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and a peaceful setting near Seattle.
Seattle/Tacoma KOA Holiday: Provides spacious sites with amenities like a pool, playground, and proximity to Seattle.
Blue Sky RV Park: Features large RV sites, a heated pool, and family-friendly activities.

These parks offer peaceful settings for those preferring RV accommodations.The Dyrt

🎡 Fun Things to Do in Seattle

Space Needle: Visit Seattle's iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Pike Place Market: Explore the historic market with fresh produce, unique shops, and the famous fish-throwing vendors.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Experience stunning glass art installations by Dale Chihuly.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Discover exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture in a uniquely designed building.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM): Enjoy diverse art collections and rotating exhibitions in the heart of downtown.

🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

🌄 Mount Rainier National Park (2 hrs)See Washington’s most iconic peak up close! Hike alpine trails, spot wildflowers in summer, and snowshoe in winter.
⛱️ Whidbey Island (2 hrs with ferry)A peaceful getaway with quaint seaside towns, beaches, lighthouses, and fresh seafood.
🛶 Olympic National Park (2.5–3 hrs)From rainforests to mountain peaks to rugged coastline, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an outdoor adventurer’s dream.
🍷 Leavenworth, WA (2 hrs)A charming Bavarian-style town in the mountains with great food, hiking, river tubing, and winter festivals.
🧀 Portland, OR (3 hrs)Hop down to Oregon’s largest city for great food trucks, Powell’s Books, and a hip indie art scene.
🛥️ San Juan Islands (via ferry/air)Ideal for kayaking, whale watching, and relaxing Pacific Northwest vibes — perfect for a long weekend.

🧭 Summary

Seattle, Washington is the perfect place for travel nurses who want it all — city life, nature, culture, and coffee ☕. Whether you’re grabbing sushi in Capitol Hill, hiking the Cascades on your day off, or strolling the waterfront at sunset, Seattle delivers a fulfilling work-play balance like few other cities.

✅ Why Travel Nurses Love Seattle:

Tons of hospital options and specialties at world-class facilities (Swedish, UW Medical, Virginia Mason, etc.)
Scenic surroundings including mountains, lakes, and the Puget Sound
Progressive culture with strong communities and vibrant arts
Walkable neighborhoods with great dining and public transit
Amazing weekend trips to national parks, islands, and other West Coast gems
Cool summers, cozy winters, and lots of cozy cafés

Whether you're a foodie, nature-lover, museum-goer, or ferry-hopper, Seattle offers a rewarding and unforgettable travel nurse experience 🌧️🩺🏞️

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.