Summer in Portland
Portland packs the sunniest season with festivals celebrating the city's music, craft beer, contemporary art and internationally acclaimed culinary scene.
Summer in Portland may be one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Days are long and dry, temperatures are comfortably warm, and the city makes the most of these conditions with outdoor celebrations and exciting things to do running well into September. There’s no better time for hikes, taking a dip in the Willamette River or heading to a nearby farm to pick (and devour) delicious berries. Meanwhile, annual summertime events and festivals include the joyous Portland Pride Parade and Festival in June, the epic Oregon Brewers Festival in July and Pickathon Music Festival in August. Read on for our top picks for things to do, see and experience during a summertime visit to Portland.
Summer Weather
During Portland’s summers, the days are warm (average high 78° F/25° C) with blissfully low humidity. Rain is rare and the evenings are long (the sun doesn’t set until around 9 p.m. in June and July).
What to Pack
If you’re visiting Portland in the summertime, we recommend packing typical warm weather attire (think shorts, t-shirts and open-toed shoes) along with a few layers (like a light jacket) for cooler evenings spent outside.
Favorite Summer Events
Experience the best of summer in Portland at these annual warm-weather events.
Events By Month
Every month of summer in Portland offers its own unique events and experiences.
June Events
Portland's "festival season" warms up every June with the Portland Rose Festival, Portland Pride Parade and Festival, plentiful outdoor concerts and celebrations of craft beer.
July Events
July in Portland is a busy time, with a variety of live music, beer fests and film events to take in.
August Events
Biking across bridges and cheering on soapbox racers are two of many great August events in Portland.
Summer Activities
Make the most of Portland's epic summer season with these local activities.
Make a Splash
Beat the heat like a local by jumping into the nearest river, lake or fountain in Portland.
Swimming Holes Near Portland
Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.
Make a Splash in the Willamette River
The river, which bisects the city into east and west sides, is a virtual aquatic playground, with kayakers, fishers and swimmers enjoying the water.
Portland’s Public Fountains
Cool off with free fun at these kid-friendly fountains in Portland.
Upcoming Summer Events
Enjoy these summertime events and festivals in and near Portland.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday and Sunday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Oregon Brewers Festival
Portland hosts dozens of beer festivals every year, but none compares to the Oregon Brewers Festival. With offerings from 80 craft brewers, the event draws nearly 70,000 attendees to the downtown waterfront every July.