i

Several businesses in Portland’s Central Eastside rent equipment (like life jackets) for swimming and playing safely in the Willmatte River.

Credit: Aaron Lee

Portland Weather

Every season in Portland brings unique weather conditions and changes to the city's outdoor scenery.

Updated Nov. 17, 2025 5 min read

When is the best time to visit Portland? With four distinct seasons, you’ll find a variety of charming outdoor scenery along with different weather conditions — and while the city is known for being rainy, it just might surprise you.

As for the rain: showers are typically gentle and short-lived, which is why Portlanders have developed a reputation for never carrying umbrellas. (Don’t worry, plenty of Portlanders use umbrellas, and you should bring one if you want!)

1 of 4

Credit: Jon Kraft

2 of 4

3 of 4

Credit: K. Kendall via Flickr

4 of 4

Credit: Aaron Lee, Travel Portland

Another great part of Portland culture is that locals don’t let the drizzle keep them from enjoying the city year-round. In fact, Portlanders know the rain is what nourishes the city’s abundance of public gardens, urban green spaces and wildlife preserves — all of which can be enjoyed no matter what the season.

So whether you’re visiting during the peak of summer or in the middle of winter, every month is a great time to visit PDX — no matter when you come, a trip to Portland is guaranteed to offer uniquely seasonal sights, delicious food and seemingly endless things to do (check out our events calendar to discover more).

Seasonal Weather in Portland

Fall Weather in Portland

Fall in Portland begins with mostly mild weather and partly sunny skies. Toward mid-October, rain showers become more common, and leaves begin changing color (making hikes and outdoor strolls especially beautiful). Temperatures — and rain — both begin falling in earnest starting in November.

What to Pack for a Fall Trip to Portland

For a trip to Portland in the fall, we recommend packing warm layers and a rainproof jacket with a hood. Old-school Portlanders tend to shun umbrellas, but they can come in handy to shield glasses and faces from heavier rain showers. To avoid getting stuck in the mud or soaked by a puddle, it’s worth packing a sturdy pair of rain boots.

Winter Weather in Portland

Winter in Portland is the coolest season of the year, with frequent rain showers and mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures remain mild by North American standards, and significant snowfall is rare within Portland city limits, though it does occur. Visitors should be aware that many businesses close when snow is forecast — the humorous Is It Snowing in PDX? web page displays a “Commence panic!” notice when the flakes fly — so check our Safety in Portland page for more information on weathering winter storms and snowfall in PDX.

The increase in rain and drop in temperature make 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 Winter Trip to Portland

For a wintertime visit to Portland, we recommend packing multiple warm layers, such as a fleece jacket, a sturdy, rainproof coat and waterproof shoes, plus a hat, scarf and gloves. Outdoor adventurers should bundle up with knitted caps and add layers underneath their clothes (especially if they plan to go for a winter hike or play in the snow on Mount Hood).

Spring Weather in Portland

Spring in Portland brings continued rain showers, along with plenty of cloud breaks and dry spells. Temperatures remain mild throughout the season, with the city getting progressively warmer as June approaches. Days often begin slightly rainy, but end with clear skies and sunshine. Due to Portland’s temperate climate, many flowers start blooming as early as March (and are on display at the city’s many verdant public parks and gardens).

What to Pack for a Spring Trip to Portland

For a springtime visit to Portland, we recommend packing layers, and a rainproof jacket is a must. Waterproof boots will come in handy on muddy spring hikes and for splashing through Portland’s puddles.

Summer Weather in Portland

Credit: Travel Portland

Summer in Portland is mostly warm and sometimes hot, with low humidity. Temperatures peak in August with an average daily high of 81 °F (27 °C), before starting to cool in September. Rain is rare, and the evenings are long, with the sun not setting until around 9 p.m. in June and July.

What to Pack for a Summer Trip to Portland

If you’re visiting Portland in the summertime, we recommend packing typical warm weather attire (such as shorts, T-shirts and open-toed shoes) along with a light layer (such as a sweater or jacket) for cooler evenings. Sturdy footwear is also encouraged for those who want to take advantage of the many trails and hiking spots in and near Portland.

Average Monthly Temperatures in Portland

Average Monthly Rainfall in Portland

Average Monthly Snowfall in Portland

Portland receives snow during the winter season, with occasional traces of snowfall in November, an average of an inch per month from December to February, and traces of snowfall in March.

Experience the Seasons

Each season in Portland offers its own unique set of things to do, see and taste.

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.

Bird-Watching in Portland

Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area's dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.

Fall Hikes Near Portland

These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.

Portland’s Best Spots for Fall Color

Autumnal beauty abounds in Portland, and there are plenty of prime places to revel in leaf-crunching relaxation.

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.