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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.
Photo by Nicholas Ledoux on Unsplash
Best time to visit Portland, Oregon, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3-8°C, frequent rain and overcast skies. | low | low |
⚠ Short daylight hours and persistent rain can be discouraging. | |
| February | 4-10°C, rainy with occasional sunny breaks. | low | low |
⚠ Still very wet, but slightly longer days than January. | |
| March | 6-13°C, mixed rain and sun, increasing daylight. | low | low |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of spring and winter conditions. | |
| April | 8-17°C, showery with increasing sunshine. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ A popular time for cherry blossom viewing, so book ahead. | |
| May | 11-20°C, pleasant with occasional showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The city is vibrant with flowers and outdoor events. | |
| June | 14-24°C, generally sunny with rare rain. | high | high |
⚠ Summer crowds begin, and prices start to climb. | |
| July | 16-27°C, dry and sunny with very little rain. | peak | peak |
⚠ Peak tourist season; expect higher prices and more people. | |
| August | 17-28°C, warm and dry with abundant sunshine. | peak | peak |
⚠ Similar to July, but can sometimes experience brief heatwaves. | |
| September | 14-24°C, sunny with cooler evenings and occasional rain. | high | high |
⚠ Shoulder season, offering a good balance of weather and crowds. | |
| October | 9-17°C, crisp air with increasing rain and cloud cover. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainy season begins in earnest, but fall colors can be spectacular. | |
| November | 6-12°C, frequent rain and overcast skies. | low | moderate |
⚠ Increasingly wet and dark, similar to winter conditions. | |
| December | 3-8°C, cold, rainy, and often overcast. | moderate | high |
⚠ Very wet and cold, with limited daylight. Prices are high due to holidays. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
March
Portland Dining Month
Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, showcasing Portland's culinary scene.
May
Portland Rose Festival
A month-long celebration featuring parades, fireworks, a carnival, and the iconic Grand Floral Parade.
July
Oregon Brewers Festival
One of the nation's largest craft beer festivals, held along the waterfront.
February
PDX Jazz Festival
A city-wide celebration of jazz music with performances in various venues.
August
Pickathon
An independent roots music festival known for its eco-friendly practices and diverse lineup.
September
Feast Portland
A premier food and drink festival celebrating the Pacific Northwest's culinary talent and local ingredients.
Insider timing tips
- •The 'dry season' in Portland is surprisingly short, typically from late June through September, with July and August being the driest and sunniest.
- •While summer is peak season, the shoulder months of May and September offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with slightly lower prices.
- •The 'rainy season' starts in October and can last through April, characterized by frequent, but often light, rain and overcast skies rather than heavy downpours.
- •Accommodation prices spike significantly during major summer events like the Rose Festival and the peak tourist months of July and August.
- •Even in summer, evenings can be cool, especially near the coast or in higher elevations, so packing layers is always recommended.
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