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Walk, bike, or take a pedicab along the river in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Credit: NASHCO Photo

Spring in Portland

Portland celebrates spring with food, festivals, fiestas and flowers.

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Walk, bike, or take a pedicab along the river in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Credit: NASHCO Photo

Every spring in Portland, rain showers, blooming flowers and lots of only-in-Portland things to do hit the calendar. The city bursts with gorgeous rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry trees, and roses that come into full flower in parks, gardens and yards all over town. Amidst spring showers, sun breaks and dry days are common.

Questions About Portland in the Spring

How much does it rain in Portland during spring?

Portland has a 34% chance of being rained on in the springtime, with slightly better odds for dry afternoons. However, these showers ensure the gift of spring flowers, so bring a light rain jacket or umbrella and enjoy this beautiful season.

When do cherry trees bloom in Portland?

The 100 cherry trees that grace the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Tom McCall Waterfront Park can be expected to bloom each March and April, often reaching peak blooming season during the last week of March and first week of April. Typically associated with Japanese culture and history, these Akebono trees were donated in 1990 by the Japanese Grain Importers Association.

What is the average springtime temperature in Portland?

Visitors can expect average Portland temperatures to range from the mid- to high fifties Fahrenheit (around 14°C) in March and steadily warm up to the high sixties Fahrenheit (around 20°C) in June.

What should I pack for a spring visit to Portland?

Layers and a light rain-proof jacket are the winning wardrobe for spring in Portland. Old-school Portlanders tend to shun umbrellas, but they come in handy when the occasional heavy shower arrives. Waterproof boots are recommended for spring hiking as rivers and streams reach peak flow.

Should you forget any key items, Portland’s outdoor gear selection is unmatched with Columbia Sportswear, Filson, Nike and Danner all calling the Northwest home.

Spring Things to Do in Portland

While the Spring Break mindset of getting outside and having fun hits the entire city in spring, Portland Public Schools typically takes Spring Break during the last week of March. Outdoor activities abound, as do celebrations and festivals.

We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day before the Portland Rose Festival blossoms into a weeks-long event with the Grand Floral Parade, Dragon Boat Races, CityFair, and so much more.

Favorite Spring Outdoor Activities

Don't let rain showers keep you from enjoying this verdant season in Portland.

All Outdoors
colorful wildflowers with a snowy mountain in the distance on a beautiful day

Spring Hikes Near Portland

These spring hikes near Portland offer wildflowers, bird-watching and breathtaking scenery — learn how to find them and what to bring along on your trek.

an aerial view of a whale watching center and the surrounding town

Whale Watching Week

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon's coast every winter and spring — this handy guide to whale watching on the Oregon Coast covers prime spots to see migrating whales, top whale-watching charters, when to go and more.

cherry blossoms burst from the trees with a bridge, blue sky and wisps of clouds above

Where to Find Portland Cherry Blossoms

Sakura blooms take over the waterfront each spring; here’s how to enjoy the best of Portland’s cherry blossom season.

youth drum line of marching band in red costumes and hats walk along bridge in parade

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, races, fireworks and plenty of roses.

people browsing through an outdoor market

Portland Farmers’ Markets

Enjoy fresh, local produce, meals and treats at every Portland farmers' market location.

people smiling on a sunny day in front of bunches of flowers while someone off screen is handing them a bundle of cut flowers in a plastic bag

Portland Saturday Market

Open every weekend from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.

The iconic Portland Saturday Market opens in March. The SheBrew Festival showcases the women of craft beer, cider and mead with a brewing competition and tasting event. The JUICE Drum and Bass Festival celebrates 20 years in March 2025.

Ticket to Dine encourages you to try new restaurants during March to win prizes. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival celebrates the exceptional in April, as does the Oregon Book Awards.

Things further heat up with the weather in May, with the arrival of the Portland Farmers Market, the One Moto Show and Bricks Cascade — the Northwest’s largest Lego convention.

Events, Spring

Events by Month

Each month of Spring in Portland offers its own unique selection of events and things to do.

FULL CALENDAR
People attending an outdoor market, Portland Saturday Market

March Events

Shop, imbibe, dance and cheer your way through the last of winter with these March events in Portland.

a field of wildflowers

April Events

April in Portland means heading outside to enjoy gorgeous blooms and epic views, along with plenty of cultural offerings.

person buying fresh produce from a farmers market vendor

May Events

From farmers’ markets to fiestas, there’s plenty to do in Portland in May.

Upcoming Spring Events

Enjoy these springtime events and festivals in and near Portland.

All Events

Spend Spring Break in Portland

Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.

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