Portland, Oregon is known for its relatively high rainfall compared to many other cities in the United States. The city experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. On average, Portland receives about 36-44 inches (91-112 cm) of rainfall annually. The rainy season typically spans from November through April, with the heaviest rainfall generally occurring in November and December.

In general, Portland experiences rain on approximately 154 days per year. However, it goes without saying that this number varies each year.

The city is particularly known for its drizzly, light rain that can persist on and off over the winter months. The summer months, particularly July and August, are notably drier and see significantly fewer rainy days.

Comparison with Other U.S. Cities

1. Seattle, Washington
   • Similar to Portland, Seattle is known for its rainy weather, although it receives slightly less annual rainfall, averaging around 38 inches (97 cm). Like Portland, the majority of this rain falls during the winter months.
2. Los Angeles, California
   • Los Angeles experiences a Mediterranean climate with significantly less rainfall than Portland, averaging only about 14 inches (36 cm) per year. The majority of this rain falls during the winter months, while summers are typically dry.
3. New York City, New York
   • New York City has a humid subtropical climate and receives approximately 50 inches (127 cm) of precipitation annually, which is more than Portland. However, this precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with no pronounced wet or dry season.

Snowfall

Portland, Oregon, experiences mild winters compared to many other U.S. cities, but it does receive some snowfall. The city’s climate is characterized by wet, mild winters and dry, warm summers, which is typical of a temperate oceanic climate.

Average Snowfall

• Amount: Portland receives an average of 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) of snow annually.
• Occurrence: Snowfall in Portland is not guaranteed every winter, and when it does snow, it tends to be light and does not persist for long periods.
• Timing: When snow does occur, it is most likely to happen between December and February.

Noteworthy Characteristics

• Variability: Snowfall can be quite variable from year to year, with some winters experiencing no snowfall and others seeing several snow events.
• Impact: Even a small amount of snow can have a significant impact on the city due to its hilly terrain and the population’s general unfamiliarity with snowy conditions, often leading to transportation disruptions, especially for busy roads.
• Freezing Rain: Portland can also experience freezing rain, which can create hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks. Not being familiar with this kind of weather can cause traffic accidents and people slipping on sidewalks.