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Best time to visit Portland

Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.

Best time to visit Portland, Oregon, United States

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	3-8°C, overcast and rainy	low	low	• Cozy indoor activities • Dramatically low prices ⚠ Expect extended periods of rain and gray skies.
February	4-10°C, frequent rain and occasional sun breaks	low	low	• Fewer crowds at attractions • Early spring blooms in some areas ⚠ Still very wet, but days start to lengthen.
March	7-14°C, mixed sun and rain showers	moderate	moderate	• Cherry blossoms in bloom • St. Patrick's Day celebrations ⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sun and rain.
April	9-17°C, variable with sunny spells and rain	moderate	moderate	• Portland Rose Festival (late April/early May) • Outdoor markets begin to open ⚠ A good shoulder month before the summer rush.
May	12-20°C, generally pleasant with scattered showers	moderate	moderate	• Full bloom of roses • Outdoor festivals and events increase ⚠ Increasingly sunny, but rain is still possible.
June	15-24°C, mostly sunny and warm	high	high	• Start of the dry season • Long daylight hours • Outdoor concerts and events ⚠ The beginning of peak tourist season.
July	17-27°C, warm and dry with abundant sunshine	peak	peak	• Ideal weather for exploring parks and trails • Outdoor dining and beer gardens in full swing ⚠ Peak summer, expect large crowds and higher prices.
August	18-29°C, hot and dry with long sunny days	peak	peak	• Warmest weather of the year • Farmers markets are abundant with fresh produce ⚠ Can experience occasional heatwaves.
September	14-25°C, mild and sunny with crisp autumn air	high	high	• Beautiful fall foliage begins • Harvest season for local food and wine • Lingering warm weather ⚠ Still busy from summer tourism, but weather is superb.
October	10-18°C, cool with increasing rain and fall colors	moderate	moderate	• Peak fall foliage • Halloween events • Cozy coffee shops and bookstores ⚠ Weather becomes more unpredictable, with a higher chance of rain.
November	6-12°C, cool and rainy	moderate	moderate	• Thanksgiving celebrations • Early holiday shopping ⚠ Rainy season begins in earnest.
December	3-8°C, cold, overcast, and rainy	high	high	• Holiday lights and markets • Cozy indoor activities ⚠ Very wet and gray, though festive during the holidays. Prices peak due to holidays.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

May

Portland Rose Festival

A month-long celebration featuring parades, a festival at the waterfront, and a fireworks show.

August

Oregon Brewers Festival

One of the nation's longest-running craft beer festivals, held along the waterfront.

April

Portland Farmers Market at PSU

A large, vibrant market offering local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts (operates year-round but expands significantly in spring).

September

Feast Portland

A premier food and drink festival celebrating the culinary talent of Portland and the Pacific Northwest.

December

Holiday Ale Festival

Features over 50 winter ales, including many exclusive to the event, served outdoors in downtown Portland.

Insider timing tips

•The 'dry season' from July to September offers the most reliable sunshine, but also the highest prices and crowds.
•Shoulder months like April, May, and October provide a good balance of decent weather and fewer tourists, though rain is more frequent.
•Portland's microclimates mean that even on a rainy day, you might find sunnier spots within a short drive.
•Winter (November-February) is characterized by persistent rain and cloud cover, making outdoor activities less appealing but ideal for indoor pursuits and budget travel.
•The city's extensive public transit system, including the MAX Light Rail and streetcar, is efficient for navigating even with occasional rain.