Autumnal trees frame the epic St. Johns Bridge in North Portland.

Credit: Ian Sane, via Flickr

Portland Weather

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

Updated Aug. 31, 2021 4 min read

With four distinct seasons, Portland’s outdoor scenery and weather conditions transform every few months. Though the city’s weather is perhaps best known for being rainy, showers are typically gentle and short-lived — and locals don’t let that keep them from enjoying the city.

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 year-round. So whether you’re visiting during the peak of summer or in the middle of winter, 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).

Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Weather

What is the weather like in Portland, Oregon?

Portland has a moderate climate, with dry, warm summers and cool, wet winters that bring rain but little snow. The mild weather in Portland makes it easy to enjoy the city’s neighborhoods and outdoor areas year-round.

What is the coldest month in Portland?

The coldest month in Portland is December, when the average daily low is 35 °F (2 °C) and the daily high is 46 °F (8 °C) . January and February are very similar, averaging 36–47 °F (2–8 °C) and 36–51 °F (2–11 °C) respectively.

What is the hottest month in Portland?

The hottest months in Portland are July and August, with an average daily high of 81 °F (27 °C). Summer weather extends throughout September and often into the first weeks of October.

How should I dress for Portland Oregon weather?

It’s always good to pack layers for a trip to Portland, no matter when you’re visiting. All year, bring a light, waterproof jacket and sturdy, comfortable shoes. In summer, you’ll need lightweight clothes plus layers for cooler evenings. In spring and fall, throw in some warmer layers, and pack warm sweaters, hats and gloves for winter visits. Mount Hood offers excellent skiing less than 2 hours from Portland, so bring your winter gear if it’s on your list.

Does it rain more in Portland or Seattle?

Portland’s average annual rainfall is 36 inches, while Seattle’s annual rainfall is 37.49 inches, so it rains less in Portland than in Seattle.

Contrary to popular opinion, neither Seattle nor Portland is the rainiest U.S. city; in fact, they’re not even in the top ten! New Orleans ranks first, with 62.7 inches; and Miami, Birmingham, Memphis, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Houston and Atlanta all receive more than 49 inches of rain per year. Source: TripSavvy.

Is Portland sunnier than Seattle?

Portland averages 144 sunny days annually, while Seattle averages 152, so it is sunnier in Seattle than in Portland. Both Northwest cities have lots of partially sunny (or partially cloudy, depending on your perspective) days and are well below the national average of 205 sunny days per year. Source: BestPlaces (Portland, Seattle).

Average Monthly Temperatures in Portland

Average daily low and high temperatures recorded 1940–2019 at Portland International Airport (PDX) by the National Weather Service.

January: 36–47 Fahrenheit (2–8 C)
February: 36–51 Fahrenheit (2–11 C)
March: 40–57 Fahrenheit (4–14 C)
April: 43–61 Fahrenheit (6–16 C)
May: 49–68 Fahrenheit (9–20 C)
June: 54–74 Fahrenheit (12–23 C)
July: 58–81 Fahrenheit (14–27 C)
August: 58–81 Fahrenheit (14–27 C)
September: 53–76 Fahrenheit (12–24 C)
October: 46–64 Fahrenheit (8–18 C)
November: 41–53 Fahrenheit (5–12 C)
December: 35–46 Fahrenheit (2–8 C)

Average Monthly Rainfall in Portland

Rainfall amounts recorded in downtown Portland by the National Weather Service.

January: 6.1 inches (15 cm)
February: 4.6 inches (12 cm)
March: 4.5 inches (11 cm)
April: 3.4 inches (9 cm)
May: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
June: 1.7 inches (4 cm)
July: 0.6 inches (2 cm)
August: 0.7 inches (2 cm)
September: 1.5 inches (4 cm)
October: 3.4 inches (9 cm)
November: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
December: 6.9 inches (18 cm)

Seasonal Weather in Portland

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 rain-proof jacket. Waterproof boots will come in handy on muddy spring hikes and for splashing through Portland’s puddles.

Spring in Portland

Springtime in Portland brings plenty of showers and new growth, along with only-in-Portland activities and celebrations of beer, food, fiestas and flowers.

Go To Spring

Summer Weather in 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.

Summer in Portland

In the summertime, Portland pulls out all the stops, with festivals celebrating craft beer, music, contemporary art and the city’s culinary scene.

Go To Summer

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 rain-proof jacket. 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.

Fall in Portland

As the trees change color and the weather cools, Portland’s calendar fills with cultural, wine and autumnal events.

Go To Fall

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. 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, rain-proof coat and waterproof shoes. For outdoor adventurers, bundle up with knitted caps and add layers underneath your clothes (especially if you plan to play in the snow on Mount Hood).

Plan

Winter in Portland

Portland's arts and culture scenes are in full swing during the long nights of winter when the city comes to life with special activities events.

Go To Winter

person walking under trees full of cherry blossoms at Waterfront Park

Best Spots for Spring Flowers

Find your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.

people on the Wildwood Recreation Site Wetland Boardwalk Trail.

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

a tattooed bartender in a Hawaiian shirt sets a cocktail on fire

Only-In-Portland Summer Drinks

Treat yourself to creative cocktails, caffeinated milkshakes, creamy cold brew and other quintessentially Portland bevvies with our insider’s guide to Portland’s best summer drinks.

Man and woman sit at table with dishes of food

Refreshing Summer Snacks in Portland

Stay energized and hydrated with tropical acai bowls, octopus ceviche and organic frozen yogurt.

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.

A city park in autumn with yellow leaves on the large trees and the ground

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.

a man drinks a glass of dark beer with a toasted marshmallow perched on the rim

Only-In-Portland Fall Drinks

Stay cozy with creative autumnal beverages like spicy drinking chocolate and gingerbread chai from Portland restaurants, bars and cafés.

a woman walking on a pathway Irving Park

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.

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.

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