Best Times to Visit Portland, Oregon
With its famously grey, misty weather, Portland gives destinations like Seattle and Ireland a run for their money on lush, green, rainy climes. However, the city is well-adapted to its environment, with a myriad of things to do and see in all seasons—from festivals and outdoor recreation in the sunny summer months to concerts, literary readings, restaurants, and museums when the clouds roll in during winter and spring.
Here’s a guide to help you decide the perfect time to visit Portland, Oregon.
High Season: June to September
Best Time for Exploring the Outdoors
Everyone’s eager to greet the sun during Portland’s summer season. From June to September, there’s a wealth of destinations for outdoor recreation where you can take advantage of the warm, cloudless weather. Moreover, as summer draws to a close, the city celebrates another great high season with a flurry of festivals well worth experiencing.
However, hiking trails may be more crowded as visitors and locals alike fan out to popular spots in the Columbia River Gorge and on Mt. Hood—not to mention coastal towns like Astoria and Cannon Beach. That said, you’ll also discover plenty of places to find solitude outdoors, from Tryon Creek State Natural Area to the Coast Range west of Portland.
Shoulder Season: March to May, September to November
Best Time for Photographers, Foodies, and Wildflowers
Shoulder season can be a mixed bag in Portland—with a chance of cloudy, rainy weather balanced by milder temperatures. In spring, the city is awash with wildflowers and delicate blooms, compelling you to explore the outdoors, while in fall, festivals, food trucks, and restaurants provide fun transitions from outdoor to indoor life.
In both shoulder seasons, the slightly diffused light and wide range of activities give photographers ample conditions to work with. Additionally, you’ll find slightly cheaper hotel prices and fewer tourists at popular spots like Multnomah Falls.
Low Season: November to March
Best Time for Coffee, Culture, and Concerts
The winter months showcase Portland’s vibrant cultural scene. Coffee shops, concerts, and cultural events like cozy literary readings at Powell’s are excellent ways to dodge rain showers while staying connected to the city’s diverse atmosphere.
Quirky attractions, such as the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and a plethora of independent movie theaters, provide engaging experiences while you keep warm. Furthermore, Portland’s live music scene remains rich, featuring classic venues and new hip spots alike.
January
Portland kicks off the new year with dreary days and possibilities of snow. Reflect on your resolutions with a cup of coffee in the countless cafes or head to Mt. Hood for winter sports.
Key events: Fertile Ground Festival.
February
Although it may be dark and freezing, Portland’s festivals start to ramp up. Expect solid hotel deals, particularly at boutique accommodations.
Key events: Portland International Film Festival, Japanese Mochitsuki Festival, Vietnamese Tet Festival, Chinese New Year Festival.
March
This month offers potential for shoulder season accommodation rates. The weather can be unpredictable, with freezing temperatures and late-season snow possible, but also sporadic sunny days. Almost guaranteed, however, is steady rainfall and stunning displays of trillium blooming late in the month.
Key events: Portland Dining Month, Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.
April
April ushers in a vibrant display of cherry blossoms, azaleas, rhododendrons, tulips, and more. With sunnier days becoming more frequent, outdoor activities become increasingly popular.
Key events: The Japanese Currents film festival, the Portland Saturday Market.
May
Featuring mostly dry days and abundant sunshine, this month is delightful for exploring Portland. Enjoy picturesque views of Mt. Hood or catch an early soccer game. Be sure to secure hotel deals before Memorial Day for the best prices.
Key events: Portland Rose Festival, the Portland Cannabis Cup.
June
Summer commences with a range of outdoor festivals, queer pride parades, and vibrant celebrations in the streets. Long days and wonderful weather make this a fantastic time to savor the city.
Key events: Portland Pride Festival, Pedalpalooza, Portland International Beerfest, Oregon Zoo Summer Concert series, Juneteenth.
July
This peak summer month brings an array of music, films, and beer festivals. Expect higher hotel prices due to increased tourism.
Key events: Oregon Brewers Festival, Waterfront Blues Festival, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, The Big Float, Portland Highland Games, Portland Zine Symposium.
August
The final weeks of summer are marked by the country’s greenest music festival and a community bike ride across Portland’s bridges.
Key events: Bridge Pedal, Pickathon, Portland Adult Soapbox Derby, the Hood to Coast running relay race.
September
As summer concludes, Portland enjoys the last of the warm weather while shifting to indoor activities centered around the city’s numerous restaurants, pubs, breweries, coffee shops, and cozy independent cinemas.
Key events: Feast Portland, Portland Fresh Hops Fest, Art in the Pearl, Rose City Comic Con, El Grito Fiestas Patrias.
October
As the weather turns, it’s time to enjoy indoor events featuring live music and cultural experiences. There are still opportunities to experience outdoor activities, like the annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta.
Key events: The Portland Film Festival, West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, Portland Queer Film Festival.
November
Portland embraces winter with a focus on the city’s literary scene. Take advantage of museum offerings, and remember that the low season means deals for those looking to visit before Thanksgiving.
Key events: Portland Book Festival.
December
As the city prepares for the holiday season, it’s also time to enjoy Portland’s craft beer culture. Portland welcomes the holidays with festive lights and seasonal events, including a variety of beer festivals.
Key events: the Holiday Ale Festival, ZooLights.
