What's the best time to visit Portland?
The best time to visit Portland is from June to August when the tourist season is in full swing, and the famous Portland roses are in bloom. During this period, the weather typically ranges from the lower 50s to the upper 80s, offering pleasant, breezy days, although air conditioning may not be common in buildings.
Summer is highly tourist-friendly, with numerous events and outdoor celebrations, including festivals like the Festival of Balloons, the Portland Craft Beer Festival, and the Dahlia Festival.
Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon, is a city that effortlessly blends its natural beauty with a vibrant urban culture.
Surrounded by lush forests, flanked by the Willamette River, and renowned for its eco-conscious mindset, Portland offers a unique experience for travelers seeking a harmonious balance between the outdoors and city life.
As we dive into the best time to explore this charming city, you’ll discover how each season in Portland unveils its own distinctive charm, making it a year-round destination for those with a penchant for the extraordinary. Let us be your guide!
Overall Best Time to Visit Portland in 2024
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The best time to visit Portland overall is between June and August. At this time, the tourist season is at its peak. The famous Portland roses are in full bloom, and locals and visitors are out to celebrate.
During the summer in Portland, the weather ranges from the lower 50s to the upper 80s. It never gets too hot in Portland, and you’ll enjoy some cool, breezy days.
Remember to dress appropriately because most Portland buildings don’t have air conditioning. You may experience a few rainy days, but the rain is typically moderate between June and August.
Like many cities in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is famous for drizzly showers, but most of the wet days occur in the winter months. There’s always something to do in Portland, but the summer is especially tourist-friendly.
Summer in Portland has tons of events and outdoor celebrations, and whether you like draft beer, music, or local plant life, there’s a festival for you.
Attend the Festival of Balloons in June, the Portland Craft Beer Festival in July, or the Dahlia Festival in August. When you visit Portland in the summer, you can enjoy all the outdoor fun in the area.
Go swimming in the Willamette River, hike Mt. Tabor, and check out the Oregon Zoo. Don’t forget to visit the Hoyt Arboretum and see over 60 different species of endangered trees.
Cheapest Time to Visit Portland
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The cheapest time to visit Portland is between November and February. During the winter months, tourism decreases, and you can score deals on hotels and flights.
A round-trip flight to Portland may cost around $400-$500 in the summer months, but you can score flights as low as $300 for a round-trip in January. Hotels can even get down to $75 a night in Downtown Portland.
As one of the northernmost states in the United States, Oregon can get quite chilly in the winter. Portland reaches the mid-30s during the cold months, and you’ll probably see some snowy days.
Because of the low temperatures, not many people visit in the winter. Seize the opportunity and enjoy cheap accommodation in the winter months. You can still have fun in Portland on a budget.
Avoid the cold and plan to spend your afternoons in a cozy coffee shop, or warm yourself up with some of Portland’s best brews in the taprooms. Bundle up in your warmest winter gear for a snowy hike, or drive up to Mt. Hood and go skiing.
You may be wondering how this budget-friendly time compares to the best time to visit. The cheapest time has fewer events and colder weather, but it is still a fun time to visit.
Least Busy Time to Visit Portland
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Overall, the least busy time to visit Portland is in January. Tourism is in the offseason, and the weather encourages most Portlanders to stay inside.
You won’t experience packed crowds at places like the Oregon Zoo or the World Forestry Center, and you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere at the restaurants, museums, and nature parks.
Flight prices depend on where you’re flying from, but costs are typically lower in January. However, this less busy time comes with a downside. Portland isn’t exactly buzzing with activity in January, so there’s much less to do.
The farmers’ markets, a hallmark of Portland, are not open. There are fewer festivals and events, and you might have to spend your vacation indoors.
Follow these tips to have a great time visiting Portland in January.
- Go out to eat on Mississippi Avenue.
- Attend the Portland Folk Festival.
- See a musical at the Keller Auditorium.
- Rent ski equipment and hit the slopes.
- Escape the rain and read a book in the historic Multnomah County Central Library.
Worst Time to Visit Portland
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The worst time to visit Portland is in December. It’s the rainiest month of the year, with over 36 inches of rainfall on average. Even though Portland is drier than Seattle and other Northwestern cities, you’ll experience a downpour of rain showers if you visit in December.
Portland is called the Rose City for a reason. If you visit in January, you’ll miss out on the beautiful roses, dahlias, and other flowers that make Portland a vibrant city.
The city is also famous for its cycling culture, and you won’t be able to cycle through the streets as much in the rain. Another reason to avoid December is the holiday season.
December is part of Portland’s offseason, so you might think hotels and flights would be cheaper around this time.
However, travel increases in December due to holidays and school vacations. Accommodation and travel prices will skyrocket in response to rising demand. Try not to visit Portland in December.
You’ll experience wet, rainy days and end up overpaying for accommodation and flights. However, if you decide to travel to Portland in December, check out these helpful tips below.
- Bring a rain jacket and galoshes.
- See the Christmas Festival of Lights.
- Get some holiday shopping done downtown.
- Indulge in Portland cuisine in the Pearl District.
- Book tickets for the Oregon Symphony.
- Research to get the best deals on flights and hotels.
Portland by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Seattle? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Portland, with temperatures often ranging from 36 to 47°F (2 to 8°C), offers a cozy urban experience. It’s perfect for exploring the city’s renowned bookstores like Powell’s, enjoying the vibrant coffee scene, and visiting the Portland Art Museum.
February
February continues with cool and rainy weather, ideal for indoor activities like exploring the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, enjoying live music in the historic Crystal Ballroom, and sampling craft beers in local breweries.
March
As spring approaches, March brings temperatures from 40 to 55°F (4 to 13°C). This is a great time for strolling through the Portland Japanese Garden, visiting the blooming cherry trees along the waterfront, and exploring the trendy boutiques in the Pearl District.
April
April’s mild weather, with temperatures between 44 to 60°F (7 to 16°C), beckons for outdoor dining in the city’s many food carts and restaurants, biking along the Willamette River, and visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
May
May brings warmer days, from 50 to 66°F (10 to 19°C), perfect for hiking in the nearby Columbia River Gorge, attending the Portland Rose Festival’s events, and exploring the eclectic neighborhoods like Mississippi Avenue.
June
June, welcoming summer with temperatures between 56 to 73°F (13 to 23°C), offers ideal conditions for picnicking in Washington Park, attending the Portland Pride Parade and Festival, and enjoying outdoor concerts.
July
July’s warmth, ranging from 58 to 80°F (14 to 27°C), is all about exploring the city’s farmers’ markets, attending outdoor movies in the park, and enjoying the Oregon Brewers Festival.
August
In August, with temperatures of 58 to 80°F (14 to 27°C), enjoy the thriving arts scene at the Alberta Street Fair, relax in the serene Hoyt Arboretum, and take part in the eclectic PDX Adult Soapbox Derby.
September
Welcoming fall, September, with temperatures from 54 to 75°F (12 to 24°C), is perfect for visiting the vibrant Saturday Market, exploring the vineyards in the nearby Willamette Valley, and attending the Time-Based Art Festival.
October
October’s cooler days, from 47 to 63°F (8 to 17°C), are ideal for witnessing the fall colors in Forest Park, enjoying the Portland Film Festival, and celebrating Halloween in the city’s spirited neighborhoods.
November
November, as the air turns crisper, temperatures from 40 to 52°F (4 to 11°C), is a time for cozying up in Portland’s cafes and pubs, exploring the arts at First Thursday in the Pearl District, and experiencing the unique atmosphere of the city’s independent bookstores.
December
December brings a festive atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 45°F (2 to 7°C). Enjoy the holiday lights in the Grotto, shop for unique gifts at local holiday markets, and celebrate the New Year at one of Portland’s vibrant events or parties.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Portland?
The best time to visit Portland depends on your preferences. There’s something to do every season, whether you’re blazing the trails at Marquam Nature Park in the summer or visiting beer and cider tasting rooms in winter.
However, we think the ideal time to visit Portland is in the summer. When the weather is sunny, you can enjoy all the fantastic events and festivals and truly experience Portland.