three people mid-jump into a river
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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.

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

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 Spring

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 Summer

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. 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).

Winter in Portland

Skip the hibernation and visit the City of Roses this winter instead for gorgeous hikes, aromatic fireside hot chocolate, an abundance of holiday lights, and perhaps even a rare snowy park sledding moment.

Go To Fall

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.

Plan

Spring in Portland

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

Go to Spring

Experience the Seasons

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

colorful wildflowers with a snowy mountain in the distance on a beautiful day

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.

a flock of Canadian geese take flight at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

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.

a pathway with railings in nature

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.

Maple trees with red leaves frame a light green bridge

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 towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice

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.