Navigate Portland’s Seasons: The Ultimate Monthly Guide to Oregon’s Weather

Portland, Oregon, is often celebrated for its lush greenery, vibrant culture, and unexpected weather unpredictability—nowhere is this more evident than in its seasonal shifts. Every month reveals a distinct climate rhythm, from winter’s cool damp rolls to spring’s tender blooms and summer’s golden sunlight, all punctuated by autumn’s brisk change. Understanding Portland’s weather month by month transforms how residents and visitors experience the city—guiding everything from wardrobe choices to outdoor event planning.

This Portland Oregon Weather Monthly Guide offers a precise, expert overview of temperature patterns, precipitation trends, and practical tips, so you can plan your time under the iconicță sky with confidence.

January: Portland’s Quiet Coastal Winter

January marks the deepest chill of Portland’s annual cycle, when the city becomes a soft, mist-laden coastal desert. Temperatures comfortably hover between 38°F and 46°F (3°C to 8°C), with occasional cold snaps occasionally dipping below freezing.

Rainfall is frequent and steady, averaging 5.6 inches across the month—often in short, steady showers rather than thunderous downpours. - Average high: 45°F (7°C) - Average low: 37°F (3°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.6–0.8 inches The Pacific Northwest’s maritime influence keeps skies often overcast, though breaks in fog can bring fleeting sunlight. Wind whispers through lawns and along the Willamette River, gesturing to layered clothing and warm boots.

While sunshine remains scarce—Portland averages just 5.1 hours of daily sun—what emerges is a hauntingly serene beauty, ideal for quiet reflection beneath evergreens. Travelers should expect damp days but welcome the chance to enjoy cozy cafés and intimate cultural events indoors.

February: Winter’s Transition and Early Resilience

February in Portland carries winter’s lingering grip, yet hints of spring begin to stir.

Temperatures remain cool, fluctuating between 37°F and 48°F (3°C to 9°C), with occasional frost fading as snow retreats. Total precipitation remains steady, typically around 4.8 inches, though rainfall becomes more intermittent and lesser percentages fall as rain versus snow—rarely accumulating significant accumulation on higher ground. - Average high: 48°F (9°C) - Average low: 37°F (3°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.6 ounces Sunlight increases slowly, peaking at roughly 5.2 hours per day, offering gifts of light that encourage outdoor walks.

While winter storms still shape streets and skies, February’s milder tone invites tentative enjoyment of open spaces. Visitors often note the snow-in-December legacy still lingering on nearby mountains, while Portland itself prepares for the soil thaw that precedes spring’s lush resurgence.

March: Rain’s Transition, Sneed to Celebriate

March ushers a pivotal shift in Portland weather—a clear signal that spring is emerging from winter’s grasp.

Temperatures gradually climb from 38°F to 51°F (3°C to 11°C), with daily highs reaching mid-50s by month’s end. Rainfall begins to wane, averaging 3.7 inches—down from January’s peaks but still frequent, mostly in gentle, lingering showers. Cloud patterns grow scattered, allowing patches of blue to reappear, fostering optimism.

- Average high: 51°F (11°C) - Average low: 39°F (4°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.4 inches This month rewards preparation with both resilience and renewal: umbrellas remain essential, but lighter layers work alongside excitement. March’s shifting skies coincide with the first hints of blooming cherry blossoms and greening parks, marking a turning point in Portland’s seasonal narrative.

April: Spring’s Awakening and Lush Renewal

April transforms Portland into a verdant tapestry, where weather nurtures rapid growth and vibrant color.

Temperatures stabilize between 44°F and 58°F (7°C to 14°C), creating ideal conditions for outdoor life. Precipitation declines steadily—falling to an average of 2.5 inches—favoring blooming gardens, budding trees, and the city’s famed urban forestry. - Average high: 58°F (14°C) - Average low: 44°F (7°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.2 ounces Rainfall remains low but consistent, supporting gardens, parks, and local agriculture.

Sunshine returns in earnest—boasting over 6.5 hours daily—with whole days stretching from dusk to dawn, ideal for picnics and exploring the Portland Saturday Market or Waterfront Park. April’s warmth and growing daylight invite extended exploration, cementing its place as a preview of summer’s arrival.

May: Summers’ Soft Beginning and Blooming Possibility

By May, Portland’s maritime climate begins its steady shift into summer, though it retains the coastal temperance that defines the region.

Temperatures climb gradually—from 48°F nights creeping into mid-60s (15°C to 18°C) days—while total precipitation further tapers to around 2.1 inches. Rain now arrives as brief, passing showers, rarely lasting more than an hour. - Average high: 62°F (17°C) - Average low: 51°F (11°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.1–0.3 inches The sky softens: morning fog lifts early, revealing clearer midday skies that promise warmth without intensity.

The city’s famous greenery flourishes—public gardens burst with color, and the Columbia River Gorge glows under steady, but gentle, sun. This month offers a bridge between spring’s renewal and summer’s full potential, ideal for activities like wandering Forest Park or enjoying late-season bloomers before peak heat.

June: Summer’s Gentle Arrival and Extended Daylight

June marks Portland’s formal entry into summer, a season defined by long, inviting days and warming waters.

Daily highs settle comfortably between 65°F and 72°F (18°C to 22°C), with lows remaining mild—rarely dipping below 55°F (13°C). Total rainfall shrinks further, averaging just 1.3 inches, most falling as light drizzle or brief afternoon showers. - Average high: 70°F (21°C) - Average low: 58°F (14°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.1 inch With sun exceeding 9 hours per day, June offers nearly a full day of daylight to explore the city’s famed hiking trails, riverfront districts, and historic neighborhoods.

Coastal breezes temper midday warmth, while sun-drenched landscapes invite outdoor dining, biking, and evening strolls along the Pearl District. Though humidity remains low, the steady warmth fuels full experience of Portland’s outdoors.

July: Peak Summer Conditions and Autumnal Thrills

July represents Portland’s traditional summer apex—hot days, sunny skies, and humidity held in check by Pacific winds.

Temperatures consistently climb to a high average of 72°F (22°C), occasionally breaching 75°F (24°C) on heat waves, with mornings steady but afternoons warm. Total precipitation dips to as low as 0.8 inches—rarity for the month—and delivered mostly as sporadic, intense afternoons. - Average high: 72°F (22°C) - Average low: 58°F (14°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.1 ounces Days stretch toward 10–11 hours of sun, inviting all-out engagement with Portland’s waterfront, indoor oases like Powell’s Books, and regional vineyards.

Though rare, heat advisories may arise, urging early mornings for outdoor activities. July’s climate creates a canvas for local festivals, farmers markets, and the city’s love of al fresco life under the unrelenting Pacific sun.

August: Warmth, Clarity, and Subtle Shifts

August retains summer’s warmth but begins its subtle transition toward autumn, with days slightly cooler and coastal breezes briskening in early mornings.

Highs remain steady at 71°F (22°C) on average, slowly dining in on 70°F territory by month’s end, while lows cool minimally—averaging 57°F (14°C). Rainfall decreases to a household average of 0.9 inches, scattered in brief afternoon showers. - Average high: 71°F (22°C) - Average low: 57°F (14°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.3 ounces While summer’s peak intensity wanes, August offers golden afternoon light perfect for photography and leisure bike rides along the Eastbank Esplanade.

The city’s famed microclimates deepen—rain-shadow zones dry early, while nearby mountain areas cool faster, a reminder of Portland’s diverse terrain. August proves a bridge: warm and inviting, but quietly foreshadowing change.

September: Autumn’s Gentle Palette and Gradual Cooling

September signals autumn’s quiet invitation, blending lingering warmth with early crispness.

Temperatures cool steadily—from a summer high of 72°F to an average high of 61°F (16°C to 16°C)—while nighttime lows dip from 53°F to 40°F (12°C to 4°C). Total rainfall remains low, averaging 2.0 inches, delivered in brief, occasional showers. - Average high: 61°F (16°C) - Average low: 40°F (4°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.2 ounces This month rewards preparation: layers adapt well to fluctuating mornings, while October’s first chill lingers just beneath the surface.

September skies remain luminous—sun holds steady near 6.5 hours daily—symphonic with shifting foliage in Forest Park and Washington Park. The city pulses with seasonal festivals, harvest fairs, and the creative energy that defines Portland’s spirit.

October: Fire Apple Skies and Early Cooling Winds

October brings autumn’s full aesthetic to Portland, marked by vivid leaf color, crisp days, and a contemplative atmosphere.

Temperatures range from 55°F highs to 37°F lows, trends continuing a steady drop. Total precipitation falls gently—averaging 1.8 inches—frequent in light drizzle rather than storms. - Average high: 55°F (13°C) - Average low: 37°F (3°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.3 ounces Sunlight remains bright but shorter—6.5 to 6.0 hours on average—as evening draws in earlier.

The city’s canopy explodes in red, gold, and amber, especially along the Willamette River and in mature urban forests. October’s weather aligns with Portland’s cultural identity: introspective, creative, and deeply connected to nature’s cycles. Whether hiking, cycling, or sipping local coffee in a sunlit plaza, residents and visitors share a quiet appreciation for autumn’s transient beauty.

November: Damp, Cool, and Deeply Seasonal

November completes Portland’s weather annual journey, greeted with cool, often overcast skies and increased damp. Temperatures settle steadily—highs averaging 51°F (11°C), lows averaging 34°F (1°C). Precipitation spikes to 3.4 inches on average, delivered through frequent, moderate rainfall and occasional brisk wind.

- Average high: 51°F (11°C) - Average low: 34°F (1°C) - Daily precipitation: 0.5 inches Days are short—skyward sun dips early, giving just 4.5 hours daily at peak—while clouds act as gentle filters, softening the light. November’s humidity wraps cities and forests in mist, nurturing resilient indoor culture from bookstores to craft breweries. Though storms shape rhythms, this month invites stillness, reflection, and appreciation for winter’s deepening presence—marking a quiet, enduring cycle.

December: Winter’s Respite and Snow-kissed Hlichen

December closes Portland’s weather loop with a muted winter stillness—cool, damp, and often cloudbound. Temperatures hover around 38°F to 46°F (3°C to 8°C), cold mornings edging toward afternoons just above freezing. Total precipitation averages 5