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

Credit: NASHCO Photo

Spring in Portland

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

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

Credit: NASHCO Photo

Rain showers, blooming flowers and lots of only-in-Portland things to do hit the calendar every spring in Portland. The city bursts into bloom, as gorgeous rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry trees and roses come into full flower in parks, gardens and yards all over town. Amidst spring showers, sun-breaks and dry days are common, though, and spring visitors are rewarded with lovely vistas, bountiful outdoor adventures and the city’s signature event, the Portland Rose Festival, which runs from late May through early June. Read on for our top things to do, see and experience during a springtime visit to Portland.

Questions About Portland in the Spring

How much does it rain in Portland during spring?

There is a 34% chance of being rained on in the springtime in Portland with most showers happening in the morning with a tendency to slow down in the afternoon. These showers bring along the gift of spring flowers. So, bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella to enjoy this beautiful season.

When do cherry trees bloom in Portland?

100 cherry trees grace the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Typically associated with Japanese culture and history, these Akebono trees were donated in 1990 by the Japanese Grain Importers Association. In Portland, their blooming cycle is typically in March and April with peak blooms usually happening around the last week of March through the first week of April.

What is the average springtime temperature in Portland?

In the spring Portland usually stays pretty mild with temperatures averaging in the mid to high fifties Fahrenheit (around 14°C) in March and steadily warming up to high sixties Fahrenheit (around 20°C) in June.

Spring Weather

Rain showers continue in spring, along with plenty of cloud breaks and dry spells. Spring days often start rainy and end up with clear blue skies and sunshine, with the city getting progressively warmer as June approaches. With such a temperate climate, many flowers start blooming in Portland in early March.

What to Pack

For a springtime visit to Portland, we recommend packing layers and a light rain-proof jacket. Old-school Portlanders tend to shun umbrellas, but they can come in handy to shield glasses and faces from heavier showers. Waterproof boots will come in handy on muddy spring hikes and for splashing through Portland’s puddles.

Events, Spring

Editor's Pick

Dec. 27–31, 2023

Whale Watching Week

Sites Along the Oregon Coast

People from all over come to the Oregon Coast for Whale Watching Week, where they can learn about the gray whales that migrate past the Oregon coast each year. For more than 30 years, trained volunteers have helped visitors watch whales at 24 sites in three states along the Pacific Northwest coast. The Oregon Parks…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Saturday, Mar. 16, 2024

Dinner in the Field at Elk Cove Vineyards

Elk Cove Vineyards $145

Field and Vine Events are known for farm-to-table family-style dining and are teaming up with Elk Cove Vineyards and enjoy an incredible dinner in their beautiful tasting room. This estate was founded in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell and has been proudly family owned since. Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon’s oldest and…

Food & Drink

Wine

Editor's Pick

Sunday, Mar. 24, 2024

Worst Day Of The Year Ride

Lucky Labrador Brew Pub – Hawthorne $29.95 – $64.95

The Worst Day of the Year Ride is a costumed bike ride benefiting the Community Cycling Center. On Sunday, March 24 — regardless of the weather — grab your friends, don your costume, and jump on your bike to honor this historically terrific day. After scoffing at the elements, participants return to the Lucky Labrador…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Sports

Editor's Pick

Apr. 12–21, 2024

Fertile Ground Festival

Virtual Free

Local art enthusiasts know Fertile Ground Festival is where you go to see Portland’s newest performance works first. Produced by the nonprofit Portland Area Theater Alliance (PATA), this festival returns to Portland every January. Fertile Ground is distinct from other cities’ “fringe” fests because it only features local producers and non-juried, waving creators through an…

Editor's Pick

Art & Design

Fertile Ground

Festival

Performing Arts

Saturday, Apr. 20, 2024

Dinner in the Field at Lange Estate Winery

Lange Estate Winery & Vineyards $145

Field and Vine Events are known for farm-to-table family-style dining and are teaming up with Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards and enjoy an incredible dinner in their beautiful tasting room. Lange Estate, founded in 1987, is considered one of the pioneers of Oregon wine. With a clear vision for new world production, Lange has become…

Food & Drink

Wine

Editor's Pick

May 17–18, 2024

UFO Festival

McMenamins Hotel Oregon Cost Varies

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests and expert speakers.

Editor's Pick

Festivals

For Kids

Spring

Weird

$Photo of the \"Under the Same Sky\" mural in downtown Portland$

Things to Do in Portland Today

Today is a beautiful day to explore all that Portland has to offer. This page lists the best Portland events, festivals, concerts, tours and exhibitions that are happening today.

$Portland\'s steel bridge spanning the Willamette River at sunset$

Things to Do in Portland Tomorrow

Are you going to be in town and looking for something to do tomorrow? There are so many fun things to do in Portland and tomorrow is the perfect day to explore.

Things to Do in Portland This Weekend

Looking for what to do in Portland this weekend? This page lists the best Portland events, festivals, concerts, tours and exhibitions that are happening this weekend.

Spend Spring Break in Portland

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

Plan it

People attending an outdoor market, Portland Saturday Market

March Events

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

Pioneer Courthouse Square filled with event flags

April Events

Spring in Portland brings festivals dedicated to wine, tulips and tunes.

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.

the facade of a large Irish pub with groups of people eating and drinking out front

St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate all things Irish, including beer, food and live music, at these beloved Portland pubs — on St. Patrick's Day, or any time of year.

a tractor sits among rows of blooming tulips on a farm

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.

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.

Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Shop for handmade crafts, snack on traditional recipes and enjoy entertainment straight from Guadalajara at this popular Cinco de Mayo festival.

$a display of cards, stickers, pins, and votive candles for sale. the items carry slogans like \"support local artists,\" \"feminist,\" \"body positive\" and \"resist.\"$

Crafty Wonderland

Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.

UFO Festival in McMinnville

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests and expert speakers.

family on bikes stop in green bike lane, one pointing up with building towering behind them in cityscape

Portland Sunday Parkways

This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.

native american woman on colorfully decorated horse waves in parade

Portland Rose Festival

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

a tray of craft cocktails from High Horse Restaurant in the Bidwell Marriot Hotel

Negroni Week

You can do good while sipping delicious twists on a classic cocktail during Portland's Negroni Week, when proceeds benefit dozens of charities.

Portland Beer Week

Portland Beer Week spotlights Portland’s breweries, high-quality brews and vibrant beer culture.

Two pride parade participants on a motorcycle with a rainbow pride flag

Portland Pride

Every summer, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.