Winter in Portland

Yes, it does rain in the winter in Portland. (Not all the time, but plenty.) However, temperatures are mild, and the rain provides 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 some live music and get lost in the aisles of Powell’s City of Books. Plus, if you’re willing to dodge a few raindrops during your visit, you may see some nice savings on hotels.

What to Pack

Pack a coat, fleece, rain-friendly shoes and your ski gear. (As locals will tell you, rain in Portland means snow on nearby Mount Hood.)

Favorite Winter Events

Wine Country Thanksgiving

During Oregon’s premier tasting and cellar-stocking event, more than 150 wineries open their doors to the public, offering samples of favori

Portland’s Holiday Ale Festival

The Holiday Ale Festival, set beneath the region’s largest decorated holiday tree, returns every year with more than 50 big, bold beers designed to keep revelers warm on cold winter nights.

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon's coast every winter and spring. Spot them from these four locations.

Fertile Ground Festival

See Portland's newest theater and dance works every January at Portland's Fertile Ground Festival.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

Portland hosts its own Japanese Mochitsuki Festival, Vietnamese Tet Festival and multiple Chinese New Year events.

Portland Winter Light Festival

Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at the annual Winter Lights Festival.

The One Moto Show

Every February, the One Moto Show draws thousands of bikers and enthusiasts to Portland to celebrate all things motorcycle.

Portland Jazz Festival

The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.

Portland Dining Month

Every March, more than 100 Portland restaurants serve up three courses for just $33 nightly. There's no better time to visit this top culinary destination.

POW Film Fest: Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival

POW Film Fest showcases films by female directors, along with filmmaker workshops and moderated panels, every March in Portland.

Winter Activities

Bundle up and head outside for these beloved wintry pastimes.

Editor's suggestion

Winter Walks in Portland

Trade muddy trails for winter walks along the smooth, paved walkways of Portland's parks, then treat yourself to a warm mug of coffee or tea.

Editor's suggestion

Ice Skating in and Around Portland

Here are your best bets for ice skating in Portland and the region, from year-round indoor rinks to winter-only outdoor options.

Editor's suggestion

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon’s great outdoors offers excellent adventures all year-round. Here are six Portland-area paths perfect for all-weather adventures.

Indoor activities

Prefer to shelter from the elements? Portland’s got you covered.

Step inside

Portland’s Coziest Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Portland winters are usually mild, but the city offers all sorts of welcoming places to warm up. Relax next to one of our favorite fireplaces in Portland.

Eight Coffee Shops Made for Reading

Pick up a winning read at one of Portland’s many independent bookstores and curl up in a cozy corner of one of these eight local coffee shops.

Live Music Venues in Portland

From gritty rock to velvety jazz, Portland’s live music scene offers tunes for all types.

Niche Live Music Venues in Portland

These hidden gems are havens for jazz, punk, bluegrass, funk and more.

Museums & History

Delve into the roots of the Portland region and enjoy the art of yesterday and today.

Indoor Activities for Children

When Portland's weather prevents kids from running around outside, families can choose from dozens of awesome indoor activities.

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell's is a landmark, a great bookstore and a microcosm of the city itself.

Holidays in Portland

Portland Holiday Events

Like an Advent calendar loaded with sugary treats, the days leading up to Christmas in Portland hold an abundance of sweet memories.

Holiday Light Displays in Portland

Portland is full of bright ways to embrace the shorter days of winter; here are some of the stars in the city’s constellation of holiday light displays.

Holiday Shopping Events

Do your holiday shopping for locally made gifts at hip parties, makers' fairs, sprawling sales and garden grounds filled with handcrafted items.