Seattle Swimming Spots For a Hot Summer

Seattle enjoys a relatively mild climate, with winters rarely getting colder than about 40 degrees and summers barely skimming the 80s. But sometimes it does get hot — we’re talking 90s — and air conditioning is a rarity.

Luckily, Seattle is surrounded by waterways that, come July and August, hold near-perfect temperatures for swimming. Add some cold drinks and a cool breeze as you dry off in the sun, and you’ve got a perfect strategy for beating the heat.

Alternative weekly The Stranger recently published a comprehensive list of Seattle’s beaches and parks, from small, quiet pocket parks facing a lake to larger swimming beaches with lifeguards and bathroom access.

The Stranger also chipped in with a guide to where to swim in Seattle, from public pools to various lake beaches like Green Lake, Lake Washington and Lake Union.

Adding to this list, there are several spots in the area where you can take a dip. On super hot days, head to Rattlesnake Lake, about an hour east into the Cascade Mountains. Bring a picnic and stay for the day; if you get too hot, the cool water of this scenic lake is just a few steps away.