Best time to visit · Portland · United States
The best time to visit Portland
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: DJ Cane, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Portland is from June to September, when it is dry and sunny, the roses are blooming and the Gorge, Mount Hood and the coast are easy to explore. September is often the sweet spot, with warm weather and fewer visitors. From November to March the city is grey and wet, but prices are lower and indoor attractions are uncrowded.
Key facts
- Best months
- June–September
- Shoulder season
- May and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Coldest month
- December (avg high 8°C (46°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~18 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- November–March
Seasons
Portland has a mild, wet-winter and dry-summer climate: grey, drizzly days from October to May with occasional snow or ice, and warm, sunny, dry summers with occasional heatwaves.
March–May
Spring
Showers, cherry blossoms, rhododendrons and full-flowing waterfalls; it warms and dries out through May.
June–August
Summer
Dry, warm and sunny, with the Rose Festival, outdoor concerts and the busiest season; occasional heat and smoke.
September–November
Autumn
Warm September harvests, autumn colour in October and steady rain by November.
December–February
Winter
Cool, grey and wet with occasional snow or ice; quiet and lower-priced, with ski season on Mount Hood.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 2°C | 18 | 9.1 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 11°C | 2°C | 15 | 10.3 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 14°C | 4°C | 18 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 17°C | 6°C | 16 | 13.5 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 21°C | 9°C | 12 | 14.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 24°C | 12°C | 8 | 15.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 28°C | 14°C | 3 | 15.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 28°C | 14°C | 3 | 14.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 25°C | 12°C | 6 | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 18°C | 8°C | 12 | 10.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 12°C | 5°C | 18 | 9.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 8°C | 2°C | 18 | 8.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Portland Winter Light Festival (usually February) |
| March | Cherry blossoms at the Japanese American Historical Plaza (usually late March); Portland Saturday Market season opens (usually March) |
| April | Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest near Woodburn (usually late March to April) |
| May | Portland Rose Festival events begin (usually late May) |
| June | Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade (usually early June); Portland Pride (usually June or July) |
| July | Waterfront Blues Festival (usually around 4 July) |
| November | Portland Book Festival (usually November) |
| December | Christmas Ship Parade on the Willamette and Columbia rivers (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in November–March, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Portland?
The best time to visit Portland is from June to September, when it is dry and sunny, the roses are blooming and the Gorge, Mount Hood and the coast are easy to explore. September is often the sweet spot, with warm weather and fewer visitors. From November to March the city is grey and wet, but prices are lower and indoor attractions are uncrowded.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Portland?
Usually in November–March. Cold, wet and grey; occasional ice storms or snow can disrupt the city for a day or two.
+What is the rainiest month in Portland?
January, with about 18 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Portland get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F).