When it comes to damp and chilly, though, not many places in the US can touch Seattle. Averaging only 55 days of sunshine a year, you can pretty well expect to see some form of fog, mist or cloud while you're there. The majority of rain falls between November and April.
Snow is unusual, though when it comes, it comes down heavy.
Summer is the choicest time for a visit, when marine clouds in the morning tend to burn off completely by afternoon. Spring and fall attempt to confuse residents with alternating rain and sun throughout the day. Pioneer Square embraces its somewhat rowdy reputation on Mardi Gras , adding in that special Seattle touch via the annual competitive Spam-Carving Contest. Seattle's main lesbian and gay pride event is the Freedom Day Celebration , which is usually held the last Sunday in June. The Northwest Folklife Festival takes over Seattle Center during Memorial Day weekend, the last weekend in May, when 5000 performers and artists present the music, dance, craft and food of over 100 countries.