Search Winter in Portland
When wintry weather arrives, Portland offers plenty of things to do and ways to while away the cool days and long nights.
Yes, it does rain in the winter in Portland. (Not all the time, but plenty.) However, the rain and cooler temperatures provide the perfect excuse to do as locals do and indulge in Portland’s legendary culinary scene, sample craft beers from our 75+ breweries, drink a few extra cups of locally roasted coffee, check out live music performances, and get lost wandering aisles of Powell’s City of Books. (Plus, if you’re willing to dodge a few raindrops during your visit, you may see some serious savings on hotels.) Several locally beloved events return every winter, including the vibrant Portland Winter Light Festival (which fills the city with dozens of huge light installations and special events); the epic PDX Jazz Festival; and multiple art, film, music and theater festivals (like Fertile Ground Festival, Cascade Festival of African Films and the Winter Blues Music Festival).
Winter in Portland Quick Facts
What is the coldest month in Portland?
Does it snow in Portland?
Does it rain every day in the winter in Portland?
Winter Weather
Winter in Portland (December 21–March 19) is the coolest season of the year, with frequent rain showers and mostly cloudy skies (significant snowfall is rare within Portland city limits). The drop in temperature makes for great conditions at Mount Hood, where locals love to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or just cozy up to a fireplace with a warm drink in hand.
What to Pack
For a wintertime visit to Portland, we recommend packing a coat, fleece jacket, and rain-friendly shoes (and if you’re a skier or snowboarder, don’t forget your gear since rain in Portland means plenty of snow on Mount Hood).
Events in Portland Today, Tomorrow and This Weekend
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.
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.
Favorite Winter Events
These locally beloved events and festivals return every winter in Portland.
Events By Month
Every month of winter in Portland offers its own unique array of events and experiences.
December Events
Favorite December events in Portland include light displays, holiday shopping, seasonal traditions and a beer festival.
January Events
From theater to roller derby, Portland kicks off the year with an eclectic assortment of events.
February Events
February is the perfect month to take in fine Portland food, film, music and more.
Indoor Activities
Prefer to shelter from the elements? Portland’s got you covered.
Winter Events
Portland comes to life every winter with festive events and activities around the city.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Portland Latin American Film Festival
The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVI Season at the Hollywood Theatre, with a mix of seven feature films, documentaries, and short films from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and the USA. Please visit the event website for information on additional screenings. PDXLAFF is a cultural promoter under…
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail together for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Come meet some of Portland’s best makers and creators. The Portland Night Market is a FREE quarterly event and open to all ages. See the latest health…
Christmas Ship Parade
The Christmas Ship Parade began in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Today, the Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets, with displays that are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river. The boats, 14 to 65…
Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market
Meet the makers. Over 250 artists will be selling their goods at the Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market. In an effort to control the crowds, there will be timed admission throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday in addition to the usual ticketed Friday Night Pre-Show Party. So everyone attending the event…
Gospel Christmas
Bring joy to your holiday season with the 23rd annual performance of this beloved concert, featuring the region’s premier gospel singers alongside your Oregon Symphony. Special Concert Artists Charles Floyd, Conductor Gary Louis Hemenway, Choral Director Northwest Community Gospel Chorus Oregon Symphony
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