Page last updated: 7 November 2025
Seattle, a city in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its waterfront, Space Needle, and prominent arts, technology, and coffee industries.
How many tourists visit Seattle each year?
Over 40 million international and domestic tourists visited Seattle in 2024.1
- Seattle attracted 41.9 million tourists in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 48% to approximately 21.7 million.
- In 2021, around 27.5 million tourists visited Seattle and this rose in 2022 to 34.7 million visitors.
- The figure climbed to 37.8 million in 2023, though this was still 9% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
- Visitor volume further increased to 40 million in 2024, indicating a 5.8% increase over 2023, but still 4.5% below the pre-pandemic year 2019.
How many people visited Seattle in 2024?
- Seattle welcomed 40 million tourists in 2024, marking a 5.8% increase from the previous year but still below 4.5% in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How many people visited Seattle in 2023?
- Seattle welcomed 37.8 million tourists in 2023, marking an 8.93% increase from 2022 but still below 9.79% in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How much do tourists spend in Seattle every year?
International and domestic tourists spent over $8.8 billion during their trips to Seattle and King County in 2024.
- Tourists in Seattle and King County generated $8.14 billion in expenditure in 2019. However, it decreased to $3.94 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.
- International and domestic tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $5.3 billion spent.
- In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $7.3 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively.
- Visitor spending increased by 7.3% to $8.8 billion in 2024.
How much did tourists spend in Seattle in 2024?
- Domestic and international tourists spent $8.8 billion while exploring Seattle and King County in 2024.
- This represented a 7.3% increase from 2023 and an 8.1% increase from 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How much does it cost to visit Seattle?
- Each visitor to Seattle and King County in 2024 spent an average of about $220 per trip, covering lodging, food, transportation, attractions, and shopping.
How do visitors spend their money in Seattle?
Visitors in Seattle spend most in lodging and dining.
- In 2024, visitors spent $2.7 billion in lodging and $2.1 billion in dining.
- Other sectors include transportation ($2 billion), retail ($1.1 billion) and recreation ($931 million)
Which countries visit Seattle the most?
In 2024, the leading sources of foreign tourists to Washington were from Canada, followed by China, India, the United Kingdom and South Korea.
- Canada led international tourism to Seattle with about 1.74 million visitors.
- China followed with around 106,000 tourists, and India contributed approximately 75,000 visitors.
- The United Kingdom and South Korea contributed 64,000 and 57,000 visitors, respectively.
How long do visitors spend in Seattle?
- Tourists to Seattle typically stayed for 3 to 5 days visiting and exploring the wonders of Seattle in 2024.
Why do tourists visit Seattle?
- The primary reason for tourists visiting Seattle is to visit friends and family, accounting for 41% of total visitors.
- This is followed by sightseeing at 11% and business, conference and convention at 10%.
Where is Seattle?
- Seattle is located in the state of Washington, on the southeastern shore of Puget Sound, approximately 100 miles (160 km) south of the Canadian border and about 90 air miles east of the Pacific coastline.
- The city’s geographic coordinates are approximately 47.6080° N latitude and -122.3352° W longitude.
Economic Impact – Seattle Tourism Statistics 2024
- Visitors spent $8.8 billion in Seattle and King County in 2024, marking a 7.3% increase from 2023 and an 8.1% increase compared to 2019.
- Tourists contributed $839 million in state and local taxes in 2024, up 6.2% from 2023, equating to a $904 tax offset per household, nearing the $965 peak of 2019.
- Tourism supported approximately 68,000 jobs in Seattle and King County in 2024, reflecting a 4.9% rise from 2023 and a 15.2% increase from 2019 levels.
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer months, from June to August:
- Weather: You’ll enjoy warm, sunny days with temperatures around 75°F (24°C) and little to no rain.
- Activities: It’s ideal for outdoor adventures, festivals, and exploring attractions like the Seattle Japanese Garden and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Highlights include Seattle Pride and the Seafair Festival.
- Crowds and Costs: Summer is the busiest season, so expect more tourists and higher accommodation rates.
Washington Travel Resources
How popular is Seattle as a tourist destination?
- Top U.S. Destination for Summer Travel 2024: Kayak named Seattle the most popular U.S. destination for summer travel in 2024.
- Best Place for Outdoor Activities: Niche.com recognised Seattle as the best place for outdoor activities in April 2024.
- Most Walkable City: Condé Nast Traveler ranked Seattle as the fourth most walkable city in the U.S. in January 2024.
- Top 25 Best Places to Travel in 2024: AFAR included Seattle in its list of the 25 best places to travel in 2024.
- North America’s Leading Tourist Board 2023: The World Travel Awards honoured Visit Seattle as North America’s leading tourist board in August 2023.
- Top Three Safest U.S. Cities: Gallup ranked Seattle among the top three safest U.S. cities in July 2023.
Is Seattle safe for tourists?
- Crime Rates: Seattle’s overall crime rates are lower than many other major U.S. cities. A 2023 Gallup poll ranked Seattle as one of the top three safest cities in the U.S.
- Most reported crimes are property-related, such as theft and car break-ins, rather than violent crimes
What should visitors do in Seattle?
- Explore Iconic Landmarks: Visit Pike Place Market for its lively atmosphere, fresh produce, and quirky attractions like the Gum Wall. Head to the Space Needle for panoramic views, and immerse in art at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Dive into Culture: Discover pop culture at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), explore marine life at the Seattle Aquarium, and enjoy hands-on learning at the Pacific Science Center.
- Enjoy the Outdoors: Take in stunning skyline views at Kerry Park, stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park, or hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic adventure.
- Discover Unique Neighborhoods: Experience Capitol Hill’s buzzing nightlife and coffee culture or explore Ballard’s seafood markets, breweries, and the fascinating Ballard Locks.
- Join Events and Festivals: Attend Seattle’s year-round events, from music and food festivals to art walks, showcasing the city’s rich cultural diversity.
What Is the number one tourist attraction in Seattle?
The number one tourist attraction in Seattle is Pike Place Market. In 2023, it welcomed approximately 5.4 million visitors, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year.
Overview of Pike Place Market
- Experience: Known for its light atmosphere, local vendors, fresh produce, and unique shops, Pike Place Market is a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals. It features iconic sights such as the fish market and the original Starbucks.
- Community Hub: The market not only serves as a shopping destination but also fosters a strong sense of community, making it a cultural landmark in Seattle.
USA Travel Statistics Resources
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- South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
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- Texas Statistics (incl. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
- Utah Statistics
- Washington Statistics
- Yellowstone National Park Statistics
