SPRING – (March, April, May)
Spring in Portland means that the city is in full bloom. The winter showers bring colorful flowers and cherry trees to the parks and the sun is out more than the previous gloomy months. When packing for springtime in Portland, it’s all about layers. While the sun may be out during the afternoons, it can still get a bit nippy in the mornings and evenings.
If visiting from warmer climates (such as the southwest), you may find the spring temperatures are still a bit cold. To be best-prepared pack sweaters, t-shirts, a light raincoat, scarves, jeans, and boots. The average temps during these three months range anywhere from 57 F to 68 F. The later into the spring, the warmer it will be so you can adjust accordingly.
SUMMER – (June, July, August)
Summer is when Portland sees most of its visitors. There is very little rainfall and the days are long and full of sunshine. This makes packing pretty easy. Forego the rain gear and stick with t-shirts, dresses, shorts, and sandals. And of course, don’t forget plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses.
Although Portland is not seaside, there are many parks with river access and waterfalls that are worth enjoying during your stay. Because of this, bringing a swimsuit is also not a bad idea. The trails to the river may be a bit muddy so this is when having those mesh slip-on water shoes will come in handy.
As for temperatures, you’ll find that they range anywhere from 74 F to 81 F. There are times where temps can approach the mid to high 90’s, however, this is rare.
WINTER – (December, January, February)
While there is something to be said about Portland’s sunny summers, there is something even more special about its misty green forests during the winter. Snowfall is rare meaning you won’t have to worry about packing too many bulky pieces. A durable waterproof winter coat, sweaters, leggings, jeans, and boots should suffice. If you want to accessorize, beanies, scarves, and gloves are a great way to keep you warm while also keeping you fashion-forward.
During these three months, the average temperatures range anywhere from 45 F to 50 F.
Don’t expect to see a lot of snowfall during the winter – in fact, Portland only sees about an average of 4.5 inches a year. But, if you are looking to ski or snowboard, you can make your way one hour east to Mount Hood where the average high is 35 F.