With the perfect location for all things wilderness, the city of Spokane offers nature lovers a jumping-off point for outdoor activities. Tourists can head to the nearby Cascade and Rocky Mountains for skiing and cycling, or check out any of the 76 area lakes and rivers for whitewater kayaking or rafting. Even the city itself offers a chance to commune with nature: The Riverfront Park has a scenic sky ride over the Spokane Falls. Visitors won't want to miss other Spokane attractions such as the world's largest wooden roller coaster or the downtown historic district. And more than 10 local wineries and distilleries offer a relaxing end to an active day. Spokane International Airport, four miles away from the city center, is the home base for flights to Spokane.

With pleasant weather and an abundance of outdoor activities, Spokane is a year-round vacation destination. The most popular time to visit is in the summer and fall, when the weather is warm and an array of activities are available. Winter and spring can be chilly, but low prices and outdoor sports attract visitors.

high season: mid-June to mid--September
low season: mid-September to mid--December
shoulder season: mid-December to mid--June

Weather Information

Spokane experiences four distinct seasons. The most favorable time to visit is in the summer and fall, when the weather is pleasant and dry. Summers are warm, with very little rainfall and temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Fall brings cooler weather, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and the leaves start changing. Winters can be chilly, with temperatures in the 20s and snow, particularly in the mountains. Spring stays fairly cool until July 4, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s.

Crowd Information

The busiest time to visit is in the summer, when the skies are clear and activities are plentiful. Festivals and events also tend to attract large crowds, including GameFest Spokane in April, Bloomsday and Spokane Lilac Festival in May, and Hoopfest in June.

Closure Information

Most hotels, shops, and attractions remain open year-round. However, visitors are advised to avoid driving across the pass in the Cascade Mountains in the winter, as it often closes due to heavy storms.

When to Save

Hotels tend to be most expensive June through September when demand is highest due to conferences, and least expensive January through February.

When to Book

Last-minute accommodations are available year-round, though it’s wise to book at least ten months in advance for major events such as Bloomsday and Hoopfest. Last-minute flights are available to Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but book three weeks in advance to ensure availability.

Information provided by the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau