The best time to visit Portland, Oregon, is in the summer, between June and August. These months offer the warmest weather to allow you to make the most of the city’s plentiful outdoor activities.
Although the weather in Portland is at its best in summer, Oregon’s biggest city is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. The temperatures are usually mild, allowing you to spend more time outside enjoying the vibrant culture.
In the winter months, however, temperatures drop. Winter brings more rainfall to the city, which could put a dampener on your plans. Like Seattle to the north, Portland is well known as a rainy city which leaves many travelers avoiding visiting outside the summer season.
Not sure when to go to Portland? Plan your trip strategically with this complete Portland weather guide, including an overview of the seasons and the details of each month.
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Oregon Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Weather in Portland
By season
Spring
Looking for a city break without the crowds? If you don’t mind the risk of showers, spring could be the ideal time to visit Portland, OR. Spring is shoulder season, giving you the chance to snap up some great deals on accommodation and avoid the queues at the city’s top tourist attractions.
Spring days in Portland often start rainy and clear up in the afternoon. If you plan your days well, you can avoid the rain and still tick off all the things you want to see in the city.
One big bonus: Portland comes alive in spring with colorful azaleas and cherry trees blooming. Wander the parks and gardens and spot the famous roses that have given Portland its nickname, “City of Roses.”
From March to June, the average highs increase from 40°F to 68°F. Wear layers to keep you comfortable for all weather, and make sure to pack a good waterproof jacket. If you plan on hiking, expect to get muddy.
Summer
Portland thrives in the summer, with dry days and warm temperatures. Make the most of glorious hikes at comfortable temperatures.
With averages around 78°F and low humidity, summer is the perfect time to embrace the city’s outdoor culture. The summer is brimming with festivals and events, so you’ll be doing plenty of socializing al fresco.
With so much to do, you can expect the tourists to swarm to Portland at this time of year. Book your accommodation in advance and expect increased rates at the best hotels in Portland. Big events and crowds may make it take a little longer to get around, too.
Long days with late sunsets are perfect for long summer nights on the terrace. Pack a light jacket, as the evenings can get a little chilly. Wear your favorite summer outfits, but remember that fewer buildings here have air conditioning than on average, so you might still need some layers.
Fall
If you love the atmosphere of the fall, Portland might be the perfect city break. With 1.4 million trees in the city, you can expect a collage of autumnal tones and the crunch of leaves under your feet. The stunning foliage begins to change to vivid shades of red, orange, and purple.
Wrap up in your coziest hiking gear, and make the most of the dry, sunny days while you can. Temperatures stay mild until November as rain showers gradually become more frequent. In early fall, you’ll find temperatures of around 65°F to 70°F. By the end of the season, averages drop to around 58°F.
Summer may be over, but fall in Portland is still in full swing. It’s a top time for the city’s arts scene with booming theatres and galleries. There are also plenty of unique seasonal events set against the backdrop of the golden trees.
Winter
Winter in Portland is wet, with around 6 inches of rain at the height of the season. If you want to visit Portland for outdoor adventures, it’s not an ideal time of the year.
Temperatures plunge to 35°F in December, but it’s rarely cold enough to snow. Pack lots of warm clothes and anything you own that’s waterproof. You’d think that the bad weather would inspire hotels to drop their prices, but they remain high in the lead-up to the festive season.
While not a white winter wonderland like other US cities, you can still have a lovely time in Portland during the colder months. Make the most of the cozy hospitality in craft breweries and social coffee shops.
There are lots of arts and light festivals in winter that’ll leave the whole city twinkling. Should the cold nights leave you craving comfort food, you’ll find plenty of it while exploring Portland’s renowned culinary scene.
By month
January
If you’re visiting Portland in January, prepare to get wet. It’s one of the coldest and rainiest months of the year, so plan to spend a lot of time indoors.
January is a cheaper time to visit, however, with many hotels dropping their prices for the post-festive slump. Some attractions have shorter opening hours, so you should check if they’re open before visiting.
January is Portland Music month, offering a great opportunity to check out the local rising talent. Thanks to the large East Asian and Southeast Asian populations, Portland will also be full of colorful lanterns and traditional performances for the Lunar New Year.
February
Don’t expect any respite from the cold in February. Average temperatures range from 36°F and 47°F. The rain reduces slightly to 4.6 inches per month; if you’re lucky, you might get a few hours outside. There are signs that spring is coming, with the famous Portland roses coming out of hibernation in late February.
The Portland Winter Light Festival brings some joy to the winter drizzle. Impressive light installations and glowing sculptures pop up throughout the city. Grab a hot chocolate and a raincoat, and see how many you can find!
March
Signs of spring start to appear in March. Temperatures rise from 40 to 57°F, but the rain continues to pour about 4.5 inches per month. Take your first spring hike of the year and see the stunning Portland flowers start to bloom.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with lots of parties and live music. Or join 35,000 people and take part in the Shamrock Run.
If you want to escape the rain, March is Portland dining month. Eat 3-course meals at discounted prices in some of the city’s top restaurants.
April
Want to experience Portland’s spring blooms without the crowds? April is still a little rainy, with an average rainfall of around 3.4 inches, but all the rain helps the flowers to thrive.
In April, the city is warming up, with most days reaching the low 50s. Dress for unpredictable weather, including sunny days and sudden showers.
Take a day trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm for their annual tulip festival. With a short 45-minute drive outside the city, you’ll be treated to 40 acres of fields filled with tulips.
May
If you like exploring without the heat, visit in May when Portland’s outdoor lifestyle is finally starting to set in. Clearer skies and temperatures of up to 68°F create lots of opportunities for beautiful spring hikes. It still gets cold at night in May so pack warm clothes for going out in the evening.
Join in the lively festivities for Cinco De Mayo. May is also the start of the much-loved Portland Rose Festival. Running since 1907, it’s now the official festival of the city. Enjoy the parades, jump on a carnival ride, watch the fireworks, or just sit back and smell the roses!
June
In June, things really heat up in Portland. Average temperatures sit between 54 and 74°F, making June the ideal time to get active and enjoy the city.
June also marks the start of Portland’s festival season, and alfresco life is in full swing. Browse farmer’s markets, take part in colorful carnivals, and drink craft beers in the sunshine.
The weather in Portland can still be unpredictable in June, and the temperature drops when you’re out of the sun. Make sure to pack for all weather and bring lots of layers. Nobody wants to miss out on the outdoor fun because they got too cold!
July
July is one of the warmest months of the year in Portland. Enjoy long sunny days by the surrounding lakes and rivers.
With an average of only two days of rain, you can make plans knowing the weather is less likely to disrupt your adventures. Expect everywhere to be busier. If summer crowds aren’t your thing, you should wait until later in the season.
If you love beer, check out the Oregon Brewers Festival. It’s the biggest beer festival of the year in Portland, taking place on the waterfront of the Willamette River. Sample some of the best craft beers in the region while admiring the Portland skyline.
August
August is the hottest month of the year in Portland and the peak month for tourism. Portlanders and regular visitors know how to make the most of great weather.
Pleasant temperatures and low humidity make August a prime month for explorers. The city is flooded with hikers, bikers, and outdoor lovers.
Expect to pay top rates for hotels in August. But with an electric atmosphere, stunning parks, and late dinners on the patio, the premium costs are worth it. A packed events schedule will give you something fun to do nearly every day of the week.
September
If you want good weather with fewer crowds, September is a fantastic month to visit Portland. Schools have gone back, taking away the peak of the tourism season.
The weather in September is still great, with temperatures staying around 53 to 75°F. The city is buzzing, with Portlanders out making the most of the last days of summer.
With some of Portland’s biggest events happening in September, expect to be busy; arts, food, and brew festivals are happening almost every day!
October
If you want to come to Portland in October, you’ll need to be a little spontaneous. Your trip could be hours of sunshine—or it could be days of pouring rain.
In October, locals throw themselves into the fall. You won’t feel like you’re missing out if the weather forces you inside.
Seasonal events and the changing colors of the leaves give Portland a cozy feel. Get into the fall spirit with corn mazes and pumpkin patches, or wait out the rain in cute coffee shops.
November
The temperature in Portland drops into November, bringing with it lots of wind and rain. Temperatures are in the low 50s, and the leaves are still falling, so it’s a great time to wrap up and enjoy a crisp walk.
With only 9.5 hours of sunlight, Portlanders are getting ready for nights curled up with a good book. Get in the mood at the Portland Book Festival. You can pick up all your winter reads at the book fair or attend talks with your favorite authors.
December
For bad weather, December is a sure winner. It’s the coldest, wettest, and windiest month of the year.
If you can’t cope with the rain, December is one of the worst times to visit Portland. Still, it’s a magical time for the city. The historic districts are lit up with holiday lights, and the rivers are glowing from the Christmas ship parade.
The colder weather is a good excuse to take a trip to nearby Mount Hood and fit some skiing in, indulge in some tax-free holiday shopping, or delve into Portland’s foodie scene.
