Best time to visit Portland

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Portland

Best time of year to visit Portland

Although the Rose City is attractive all year round, the peak season from June to August is the best time to visit Portland. It shows sunny weather, clear blue skies, and street fairs galore. Explore the Oneonta Gorge or take part in the World Naked Bike Ride—a bevy of outdoor activities are here for you. Just make sure you book your room in advance. The fall sees a gradual drop in temperatures and tourist flow. September in Portland still can be quite busy, but October is pure heaven for bargain hunters. Winter in the city means the weather at its chilliest and rainiest but also excellent deals on accommodation. Choose White River West Sno-Park if you’re a passionate winter sports lover. Pack some layers and rain gear if you’re coming to Portland in spring as it comes with rising temps and occasional rain. March through May also means fantastic flower blooms, so don't miss Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn.

15 THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND (SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 05)

Northern Lights

Northern Lights

late August–mid-April • nature

Top spots in Oregon to see the amazing aurora borealis

Oregon Fall Colors

Oregon Fall Colors

late September–early November • nature

From the Pacific Coast to the Cascade Range, there's a lot to see in Oregon every autumn

Thor's Well

Thor's Well

all year round • nature

A seemingly bottomless sinkhole on the coast of Oregon

Ramona Falls

Ramona Falls

May–October • nature

A beautiful waterfall on the west side of Mount Hood

Abiqua Falls

Abiqua Falls

January–February | April–October • nature

A hidden gem of Oregon is especially beautiful in winter

Oneonta Gorge

Oneonta Gorge

June–mid-October • activity

A picturesque hike where the river is the trail

McKenzie Pass

McKenzie Pass

July–October • activity

Wildly contrasting landscapes make this pass unique

Sahalie and Koosah Falls

Sahalie and Koosah Falls

March–October • nature

Two of the seven best waterfalls in the Cascades and Eugene area

Opal Creek

Opal Creek

April–October • activity

A beautiful destination with dozens of waterfalls along the hiking trails

Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls

all year round (best in May–October) • nature

A gorgeous plunge waterfall, flowing from basalt cliffs

Cape Falcon

Cape Falcon

May–October • activity

Spectacular coastal views just two hours away from Portland

Tumalo Falls Hike

Tumalo Falls Hike

June–October • activity

Picturesque falls in West Oregon are especially impressive during the summer

Mt Hood

Mt Hood

mid-May–early October • activity

A snowy peak with eleven glaciers is seen from miles away

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain

June–October • activity

A peak with an unusual name provides a perfect view of Mount Hood

Halloween in Portland

Halloween in Portland

mid-September–October  • event

Celebrate Funtober in Portland with festivals, competitions, and haunted events

38 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Dahlia Festival

Dahlia Festival

out of rangeSeptember 1–2, 2023 • event

The largest dahlia festival in the United States

Oregon State Fair

Oregon State Fair

out of rangeAugust 25–September 4, 2023 • event

Don't miss the signature attraction in Oregon

World Naked Bike Ride

World Naked Bike Ride

out of rangeAugust 12, 2023 • event

How to attract attention to dependence on pollution-based transport? The naked bike ride is an answer from Portland

Portland Winter Light Festival

Portland Winter Light Festival

out of rangeFebruary 2-10, 2025 • event

A major winter festival in Portland showcases cutting-edge technology

Tigard Festival of Balloons

Tigard Festival of Balloons

out of rangeJune 21–23, 2024 • event

A colourful festival of hot air balloons in Tigard, close to Portland

Lincoln City Kite Festival

Lincoln City Kite Festival

out of rangeJune 22-23, 2024 • event

See some of the most colourful and creative kites in the world

Oregon International Air Show

Oregon International Air Show

unconfirmedMay 18-19, 2024 • event

The largest air show of the West Coast

Oregon Renaissance Faire

Oregon Renaissance Faire

out of rangeJune 1-16, 2024 (weekends only) • event

Enjoy three weekends in the company of knights, wizards, faeries, dragons, witches, goblins, elves, and all kinds of fairytale characters

Witch Paddle on the Willamette River

Witch Paddle on the Willamette River

unconfirmedOctober 28, 2023 • event

Wizards and witches storm the Willamette River during Halloween

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival

out of rangeMay 26–June 11, 2023 • event

The second largest floral parade in the USA and the largest single-day event in Oregon

4th of July

4th of July

out of rangeJuly 1–July 4 • event

Patriotic weekend is packed with fun events for all ages

Oregon International Air Show at McMinnville Airport

Oregon International Air Show at McMinnville Airport

out of rangeSeptember 29–October 1, 2023 • event

The historical air show adds a new location

Clackamas County Fair & Canby Rodeo

Clackamas County Fair & Canby Rodeo

out of rangeAugust 15–19, 2023 • event

Enjoy the animals, shows, foods, and multiple attractions at Clackamas County Fairgrounds

Cherry Blossoms in Portland

Cherry Blossoms in Portland

out of rangemid-March–mid-April • nature

Portland has a bunch of beautiful places with cherry blossoms. Read on to make your bucket list richer!

Oregon Brewers Festival

Oregon Brewers Festival

out of rangeJuly 27–29, 2023 • event

One of the most popular beer festivals on the West Coast

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeJanuary 21–February 18, 2024 • event

Take part in the festivities in Portland's Lan Su Garden during the day or enjoy its glowing lanterns at night

Portland International Auto Show

Portland International Auto Show

out of rangeFebruary 22-25, 2024 • event

The largest auto show of the Pacific Northwest

Oregon Truffle Festival

Oregon Truffle Festival

out of rangeFebruary 10 • event

One of the best food festivals in the United States

Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn, Oregon

Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn, Oregon

out of rangeMarch 22-May 5, 2024 • event

One of the most photographed spring destinations in Oregon

Lebanon Strawberry Festival

Lebanon Strawberry Festival

out of rangeMay 30-June 2, 2024 • event

An annual community celebration of the favourite local crop

White Pass Winter Carnival

White Pass Winter Carnival

out of rangeMarch 2-3, 2024 • event

One of the most popular winter events in the Cascades

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights

out of rangeNovember 24–December 30, 2023 • event

A must-see Portland Christmas season attraction

Wild Hare Music Fest

Wild Hare Music Fest

out of rangeJuly 18-20, 2024 • event

Country music and camping a short drive from Portland

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

out of rangeOctober 22, 2023 • event

One of the most funny Halloween festivals in Oregon

Hummingbirds in Oregon

Hummingbirds in Oregon

out of rangeMarch–August • nature

Prepare your backyard properly and stand a chance to observe eight types of hummers in Oregon

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

The city offers numerous ways to welcome the New Year

Portland Fall Colors

Portland Fall Colors

out of rangemid-October–early November  • nature

Explore one of the largest municipal parks in the United States and more

Rose City Comic Con

Rose City Comic Con

out of rangeSeptember 6-8, 2024 • event

Portland's premier pop culture convention

Elephant Garlic Festival

Elephant Garlic Festival

out of rangeAugust 9-11, 2024 • event

Celebrate the harvest with food, music, and fun activities for the whole family

Columbia Gorge Marathon

Columbia Gorge Marathon

out of rangeOctober 22, 2023 • event

One of the most scenic marathons in U.S.A.

Portland Jazz Festival

Portland Jazz Festival

out of rangeFebruary 16–March 2, 2024 • event

The annual celebration of the rich local jazz scene

Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

out of rangeAugust 24, 2024 • event

Feel like a real Celt at this amazing Middle-Ages festival

Silverton Christmas Market

Silverton Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 22-December 31, 2024 • event

Over 1 million Christmas lights plus snowless tubing, vendors, and music

Christmas Lights in Portland

Christmas Lights in Portland

out of rangelate November–December • event

Immerse yourself in holiday magic during long winter nights

Teddy Bear Toss

Teddy Bear Toss

out of rangeearly December • event

Bring stuffed toys to hockey matches to support a heart-melting charity activity

White River West Sno-Park

White River West Sno-Park

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

Spectacular views of Mount Hood and lots of snow activities

Bite of Oregon

Bite of Oregon

overSeptember 1–4, 2017 • event

The largest food festival in the state of Oregon

Portland Marathon

Portland Marathon

out of rangeOctober 1, 2023 • event

A historical race offers a grand tour of Portland's landmarks

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