Across the year, daylight in Seattle ranges from about 8h 13m in December to 15h 47m in June — a 7h 34m swing that shapes sleep, mood and training rhythms. From roughly November through March, the sun sits too low for much vitamin D production.
The nearest other Live10X city guide is Portland, Oregon, about 145 miles away.
Seattle by the numbers
- County
- King County
- Climate
- Marine west coast
- Elevation
- under 500 ft
- Latitude
- 47.6°N
- Shortest day
- 8h 13m
- Longest day
- 15h 47m
- Vitamin D winter
- November through March
At a glance
Seattle at a glance
- Top local priority in Seattle: morning light exposure in winter.
- Daylight swings from about 8h 13m to 15h 47m across the year — anchor your wake time and get morning light.
- Sunlight is too weak for much vitamin D production from roughly November through March; a blood test shows where you stand.
- Use Discovery Park and the Burke-Gilman Trail for easy, regular outdoor movement.
Climate & lifestyle
What living in Seattle means for your health
Seattle has a marine west-coast climate: mild temperatures most of the year, long gray and rainy stretches from fall through spring, and dry, pleasant summers. The biggest wellness challenges are low winter light — for mood, energy and vitamin D — and staying active through months of drizzle.
- morning light exposure in winter
- vitamin D awareness
- winter light and vitamin D awareness
- protecting sleep and focus from long screen days
Light, sleep & vitamin D
Daylight in Seattle across the year
8h 13m
Shortest day (December)
15h 47m
Longest day (June)
~5 mo
Low-UVB “vitamin D winter”
At about 47.6°N, Seattle sees a 7h 34m swing in day length between the solstices. Winter sunlight is too weak for meaningful vitamin D production for roughly five months a year. That's roughly November through March. Bright morning light helps anchor your body clock, and a simple blood test shows whether your vitamin D is where it should be.
Calculated from latitude using standard solar formulas and published latitude research. How we calculate this
Local wellness trends
Wellness trends in Seattle
Rain-or-shine fitness
Locals in Seattle don't wait for sunshine: rain shells, drizzly trail runs and indoor climbing gyms keep people moving through the wet season.
Executive & founder health
Seattle's tech community drives demand for focus, energy and preventive screening — and for protecting sleep from screen-heavy workdays.
Outdoor-first fitness
Trails and open space around Seattle make zone 2 cardio feel like recreation — the kind of exercise people actually stick with.
Coastal trails & ocean swims
Coastal trail runs and cold ocean swims connect Seattle's residents to the Pacific.
Local health optimization resources
Places to move, recover and eat well in Seattle
- ParkDiscovery ParkGreen space for walks, bodyweight workouts and time in nature.
- Trailthe Burke-Gilman TrailCar-free miles for zone 2 walks, runs and rides.
- LakeGreen Lake ParkLoop trails and open water for walking, paddling and swimming.
Testing
At-home wellness genetic testing
Available throughout Seattle: order online, collect a sample at home and review results with a qualified professional.
Learn more about at-home wellness genetic testingHealthcare
Preventive care & baseline labs
Primary care clinicians in King County can order baseline labs — such as a lipid panel, HbA1c, vitamin D and B12 — useful context for any wellness plan.
Learn more about preventive care & baseline labsNutrition
Farmers markets & local food
Seattle's food scene makes it easier to eat 30+ different plants a week — shop seasonal produce at local farmers markets.
Learn more about farmers markets & local foodRecovery
Sauna & recovery studios
Gyms, spas and recovery studios around Seattle offer sauna and cold plunge — look for clean facilities and clear safety guidance.
Learn more about sauna & recovery studiosSeasonal playbook
A seasonal wellness playbook for Seattle
- October–April: get outside in the brightest part of the day and consider a light box for dark mornings.
- Summer: long, dry, mild days are perfect for big hikes and rides — make the most of them.
- Year-round: invest in good rain gear so drizzle never cancels a walk.
- Winter light: with only about 8h 13m of daylight in December, get outside in the morning and keep indoor lighting bright during the day.
Recommended reading
The most relevant guides for Seattle residents
FAQ
Seattle wellness FAQs
Can I take a wellness genetic test in Seattle?
How can people in Seattle stay energized through the gray months?
Can you get enough vitamin D from the sun in Seattle?
How do seasonal daylight changes in Seattle affect sleep?
What are good places to exercise outside in Seattle?
How can busy professionals in Seattle protect energy and focus?
The bottom line
Living well in Seattle means working with its mild temperatures, gray and rainy winters and dry summers: morning light exposure in winter, vitamin D awareness and winter light and vitamin D awareness. Add the fundamentals — consistent sleep, daily movement, strength training and a whole-food diet — and personalize with the wellness assessment and at-home testing.
