Portland, Oregon offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. This makes June to August the best time to visit Portland because of the warm weather that visitors can enjoy. This is a popular time to visit, so it is important to book your accommodations in advance, and be prepared for higher room rates than at other times of the year. Rates are less expensive in the spring and the city is less crowded, but expect some rain and cooler temperatures. The fall is similar in terms of crowds and room rates, and winter is popular for skiers and snowboarders at nearby Mount Hood.


Getting to Portland, Oregon

Getting to Portland, Oregon

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January is one of Portland’s coldest months with an average low temperature of 36°F (2°C). Although it is the middle of winter, Portland does not experience much snowfall. Rain, however, is frequent with the city averaging 5 inches (124 mm) of rainfall. Average high temperatures are 47°F (8°C).

In February, temperatures increase slightly to average highs of 51°F (11°C). Low temperatures remain consistent with the previous month. February is the month with the most snowfall of 2 inches (5 cm).

March is the last month of Portland’s winter and signifies the start of the temperature’s steady climb upward. High temperatures are 57°F (14°C). Snowfall stops completely.

Portland weather in April: As spring settles in Portland, average high temperatures begin to breach the 60s in April. This is the best time to visit gardens and arboretums in Portland as the winter rains lessen considerably and turn into light spring showers. Average high temperatures reach 61°F (16°C).

In May, high temperatures hover at about 68°F (20°C) while low temperatures can fall to 49°F (9°C).

June brings temperatures in the mid 70s with approach of summer. Precipitation decreases to 2 inches (43 mm), meaning less rain, but not necessarily more sunshine. Average highs and lows range between 74°F (23°C) and 54°F (12°C).

July is one of the warmest and driest months in Portland. Average high temperatures can climb to 81°F (58°C) and precipitation drops to just under 1 inch (17mm). This is the ideal time to start planning outdoor activities and summer barbecues.

Portland weather in August: Temperatures and precipitation levels remain exactly the same in August, tying with July as the warmest and driest month in Portland. The nearly non-existent rainfall makes it a great time to explore the city’s forests, beaches, and rivers.

In September, temperatures start to cool again as average highs fall to 76°F (24°C). Rain showers increase in frequency to an average precipitation rate of 2 inches (37 mm) signaling the end of summer. Average low temperatures in September are 53°F (12°C).

October brings even more rain to Portland, increasing the precipitation average to 3 inches (76 mm). With the fall season underway, average high temperatures continue a steady decrease to the mid 60s.

November is the rainiest month in Portland with 6 inches (143 mm) of average rainfall. Temperatures decrease even further. Low temperatures fall to 40°F (5°C). High temperatures average 53°F (12°C).

In December, short bouts of snowfall arrive for the coldest month in Portland. Despite being the coldest month all year, Portland’s winters are not too extreme with average low temperatures of 35°F (2°C) and average high temperatures of 46°F (8°C).

Best months for day trips to Oregon’s waterfalls and to experience other gorgeous sights and landscapes are July and August. The summer months are also the best time to see Oregon’s Painted Hills and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Despite the frequent showers, spring is largely regarded by locals as the best time to visit vineyards and to the large crowds of summer.


Getting to Portland, Oregon - Continued

Getting to Portland, Oregon - Continued

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The Portland International Airport is an award-winning airport that is served by domestic and international airlines. There are over 400 flights daily and the airport has free wifi, many restaurants and tax-free shopping. By train, Amtrak connects San Diego with Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland before continuing to Seattle. The Portland International Airport is an award-winning airport that is served by domestic and international airlines. There are over 400 flights daily and the airport has free wifi, many restaurants and tax-free shopping. By train, Amtrak connects San Diego with Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland before continuing to Seattle.


Getting From the Airport

Getting From the Airport

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There are several ways to get from the Portland International Airport to downtown Portland. The MAX light rail Red Line is a great way to make the trip since it only takes a little over 30 minutes, the fares are very reasonable and it is easy to roll your luggage on to the train. Taxis are available and a one way trip into Portland takes 20 to 40 minutes and the fare is approximately $35. The Downtown Airport Express by Blue Star is easily found outside of baggage claim. This shuttle runs every 30 minutes and the fare is $14 one way and $24 round trip. There are also hotel shuttles.


Travel Portland Visitor Information Center

Travel Portland Visitor Information Center

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The Travel Portland Visitor Information Center is located at 701 SW Sixth Avenue in downtown Portland. This information center is found across from Nordstrom at Pioneer Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown. Pioneer Courthouse Square is bordered by SW Yamhill Street, SW 6th Avenue, SW Morrison Street and SW Broadway. The information center is conveniently located near a MAX light rail stop. The volunteers are friendly and experienced and can help visitors plan their itineraries so that they can see the major sights of Portland. The information center offers many maps, brochures and event listings that will help visitors enjoy their time in Portland.


Getting Around by Light Rail

Getting Around by Light Rail

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With 84 stations and 52 miles of track, the MAX light rail is Portland’s world-class public transportation system and a popular way to get around the city. Trains runs approximately every 15 minutes during the day including weekends, but note that trains runs less frequently in the early morning, midday and evening. MAX consists of five lines all of which run through the downtown area of Portland: The blue line, green line, orange line, red line and the yellow line. Popular places to visit while using MAX include Old Town Chinatown, Washington Park, Union Station, Moda Center, and it can be used to travel to the airport.


Getting Around on foot, Taxi, Car, by bike

Getting Around on foot, Taxi, Car, by bike

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There are several other ways for visitors to explore Portland and one popular way is on foot. Portland has a small downtown area, and the city blocks are half the size of standard city blocks. There are lots of public spaces to explore and there are relatively few steep inclines. Portland is compact, so using the services of taxis is convenient and not expensive. Renting a car is another option, but because Portland is so small and is easy to get around on foot, a car can be a nuisance especially when looking for parking. Instead of a car, why not try a bike? There are 315 miles of bikeways in Portland!


Restaurants

Restaurants

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Portland offers a huge variety of dining experiences. Many of the ingredients are locally sourced including wild mushrooms and Oregon truffles, organic fruit and vegetables, and nuts like hazelnuts and walnuts. Wines from Willamette Valley compliment meals, and wood-burning stoves are popular and produce fantastic pizzas. Some of the restaurants are in the downtown area, but many of the most popular restaurants are in the neighborhoods surrounding downtown. There are also some family-friendly restaurants that welcome children. Coffee is big in Portland so there are many coffeehouses and cafes. Along with this goes all the wonderful bakeries and pastry shops. Portland is also famous for its street food carts.


Shopping

Shopping

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Portland is a great place to shop for more than one reason. First, there is no sales tax in Oregon, which results in lots of shoppers coming down from Washington. The most upscale shopping is found around Pioneer Courthouse Square where there are shops such as Apple, Macy’s, Microsoft, NIKETOWN, Nordstrom, Pioneer Place Mall, Tiffany, and lots of boutiques. There are several other shopping areas to check out such as the Nob Hill/Northwest and the Pearl District, which offer art galleries, boutiques and home-furnishing stores. Some of the stores include Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Urban Outfitters. Antiques can be found in the Sellwood neighborhood.


Neighborhood Guide

Neighborhood Guide

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Portland is made up of many interesting and unique neighborhoods. Downtown has been well-planned: It is attractive, compact, pedestrian-friendly and is full of fountains, historic districts, hotels, parks, public artwork and restaurants. In Northwest Portland, you’ll find Chinatown including Chinatown Gate, Lan Su Chinese Gardens and many shops and restaurants. The Pearl District is a new and recycled neighborhood full of art galleries, boutiques, brewpubs, cafes, parks, restaurants and residential areas. Northeast Portland includes several neighborhoods including Irvington, the Alberta Arts District, and the North Mississippi District. In Southeast Portland the neighborhoods are Hawthorne, Laurelhurst, Westmoreland and Eastmoreland, and Sellwood with its antique shops.


Getting Married in Portland, OR

Getting Married in Portland, OR

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Getting married in Portland is popular and easy to do. After getting your marriage license, pick a venue and get the party started! There are so many elegant and unique venues to choose from in and around Portland. The West End Ballroom in Portland is an affordable venue that accommodates up to 200 people. The Eastside Exchange Ballroom and Cascade Rooftop affords unforgettable views of Portland and the surrounding areas. Lan Su Chinese Garden accommodates up to 250 people and is an exquisite venue for a romantic wedding. Hotel deLuxe is an elegant yet affordable venue that accommodates up to 150 people.


Where to Stay

Where to Stay

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Portland accommodations range from upscale downtown hotels to campsites located near the city. Most of Portland’s hotels are located in the downtown area of the city where there are plenty of museums, restaurants and shops. The Lloyd District is near the downtown area and is the home of the convention center and great shopping and entertainment spots. Jantzen Beach is close to Portland’s neighborhoods, and there are hotels here with stunning river views. Other lodging in Portland includes garden cabins, pet-friendly hotels, and historic rock ‘n’ roll hotels. For nature lovers, Portland offers several nearby campsites such as the Lost Lake Campground at Mount Hood.

More ideas: The Nines Hotel


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