Last updated: January 18, 2025
Oregon's climate is characterized by a diverse array of Köppen-Geiger classifications, including Csb, BSk, Dsb, and Csa. This variety results in distinct seasonal temperature fluctuations, with a minimum recorded temperature of -29°C (-19°F) in February, which contrasts starkly with an extreme maximum of 48°C (119°F) reached in June. The state's average temperature hovers around 11°C (52°F), reflecting its unique geographical and atmospheric conditions. This climatic diversity not only shapes the state's ecosystems but also influences its agricultural practices and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Oregon experiences significant seasonal temperature variation throughout the year, showcasing a stark transition from winter to summer. In the coldest months, January and February, temperatures plunge to extreme lows of -29°C (-19°F), with average highs only reaching around 21°C (70°F). As spring approaches, March and April witness a gradual warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 7°C (44°F) and 9°C (49°F) respectively, while maximum temperatures can reach 33°C (92°F) by late April. The summer months of June, July, and August present the most intense heat, peaking with maximums around 48°C (119°F) in June and consistently high averages of 20°C (68°F), showing that this period can be quite sweltering. As autumn sets in, a cooling trend begins, marked by October and November's decreasing temperatures, where nighttime lows drop to -22°C (-8°F), although the daytime maximums remain relatively mild. December ushers back winter's chill, closing the year with average highs similar to the beginning of the year, underscoring Oregon's dynamic and fluctuating climate patterns.
Oregon's diverse climate is evident through the contrasting temperature ranges in its cities. In Eugene, temperatures vary from a chilly minimum of -12°C (11°F) in January to a sweltering maximum of 44°C (111°F) in June. For more detailed insight into Eugene's climate, check out the monthly temperature in Eugene. In Bend, extremes are even more pronounced, with temperatures dropping to -24°C (-11°F) in January and peaking at 41°C (107°F) in June. To explore Bend's climate further, visit monthly temperature in Bend. Meanwhile, Portland experiences a cold minimum of -14°C (7°F) in January and an exceptionally warm peak of 47°C (118°F) in June. For detailed temperature trends in Portland, see monthly temperature in Portland.
Oregon's precipitation patterns reflect a clear seasonal cycle, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the winter months. January and February are the wettest times of the year, receiving 158 mm (6.2 in) and 174 mm (6.9 in) of precipitation respectively, often accompanied by over 15 days of rainy weather each month. As spring arrives, March and April see a gradual decline in rainfall, with 128 mm (5.0 in) in March and 111 mm (4.4 in) in April, and fewer rainy days, illustrating a transition towards drier conditions.
The summer months of June, July, and August are notably dry, with July experiencing minimal precipitation at just 5 mm (0.2 in) and only 0-1 rainy days, creating a stark contrast to the winter's deluge. However, this dryness begins to wane in September, with precipitation returning to 58 mm (2.3 in) as fall sets in, followed by October and November's increases, at 92 mm (3.6 in) and 142 mm (5.6 in) respectively. December closes the year with considerable rainfall of 170 mm (6.7 in), maintaining Oregon's reputation for a wet winter while defining the state's rich ecological diversity through its variable precipitation trends.
In Oregon, sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal trend, with a steady increase from the winter months into summer. January experiences a modest 99 hours of sunshine, but by February, this figure rises to 138 hours, signaling the onset of longer days. The progression continues through March and April, where sunshine hours reach 213 and 248 hours respectively. This incremental rise marks the transition towards a brighter spring, culminating in May, where sunny days significantly increase to 309 hours, further foreshadowing the imminent summer.
The peak of sunshine occurs in the summer months, particularly in July, when Oregonians enjoy an impressive 389 hours of daylight, compared to 350 hours in August. This summer peak contrasts sharply with the shorter days of the fall and winter seasons, as September provides 281 hours of sunshine and further decreases to 228 hours in October. The year closes with a drop in sunlight, with just 154 hours in November and 127 hours in December, making these months some of the least sunny. Overall, this seasonal sunshine pattern not only enhances outdoor activities during the warmer months but also highlights the varying climate experiences inherent to Oregon's diverse geography.
The ultraviolet (UV) index in Oregon exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern that reflects the varying intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. Beginning with a moderate UVI of 3 in January, the index rises gradually as spring approaches, reaching UVI 5 in February and peaking sharply to UVI 8 in March. By April and May, the UV index escalates significantly, hitting UVI 10 and UVI 11 respectively, marking the transition into the sunnier months where skin protection becomes increasingly important. June stands out as the zenith of UV exposure in Oregon, with a maximum index of UVI 12, signaling a heightened risk for overexposure on bright days.
As summer wanes into autumn, the UV index begins to taper off. July maintains a high UVI of 11, followed by August at UVI 10. However, with the arrival of September, there’s a noticeable decline, decreasing to UVI 9. October further reduces UV exposure to UVI 6, before dropping to UVI 4 in November and UVI 3 in December, indicating lower risks for skin damage during the winter months. This seasonal variability in the UV index emphasizes the importance of sun safety practices during the peak summer months while allowing for more lenient sun exposure as the year progresses toward winter.
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In Oregon, daylight duration showcases a clear seasonal rhythm, with significant variations throughout the year. Starting with about 9 hours of daylight in January, the days gradually lengthen as winter transitions into spring. By February, daylight extends to 10 hours, and this upward trend continues through March, where it reaches 11 hours. The arrival of April brings further increase to 13 hours, and by May, Oregonians enjoy nearly a full 14 hours of daylight, setting the stage for the longest days of summer as June brings a peak of 15 hours of sunlight.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to wane, though the decline is gradual. July maintains the 15 hours of daylight before tapering slightly in August to 13 hours. As September unfolds, daylight decreases further to 12 hours, signaling the shift towards shorter days. October and November see a continued reduction, dropping to 10 hours and 9 hours, respectively, while December marks the year's shortest days with only 8 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern not only affects daily activities and outdoor pursuits but also reflects Oregon's unique climatic progression through the seasons.
Ashland, United States, experiences a varied climate with temperatures ranging from cold winters to warm summers. During winter months, temperatures can drop to as low as -14°C (7°F) in January, with average highs reaching up to 15°C (60°F). Summer brings warmer weather, with July experiencing average highs of 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is highest in the early part of the year, with up to 136 mm (5.4 in) in February, decreasing significantly during the summer, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) in July. Sunshine hours peak in July at 404 hours, contributing to the city's overall radiant summer atmosphere. For more detailed information, visit the Ashland climate page.
Astoria, situated in the Pacific Northwest, experiences a temperate climate marked by distinct seasonal changes. Winters are typically wet, with significant precipitation in January and December, reaching up to 207 mm (8.1 in), while average temperatures stay mild, around 6°C (44°F). As the months transition to spring and summer, rainfall decreases notably, with July and August being driest, averaging 14 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation. Summer temperatures peak modestly, with maximums often in the 27°C-32°C (81°F-90°F) range, accompanied by abundant sunshine, particularly in July's 356 hours. For a deeper insight into Astoria's climate, visit Astoria climate.
Bandon, located in the United States, experiences a mild coastal climate characterized by moderate temperatures year-round. Winters, from January to March, have average temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and are accompanied by substantial precipitation, peaking in February with 244 mm (9.6 inches) of rain. Summer months, particularly July and August, are drier with minimal rainfall around 8 to 9 mm (0.3 to 0.4 inches) and temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F). The region enjoys a significant amount of sunshine from May to August, with July receiving the highest at 381 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit the Bandon climate page.
Bend, located in the United States, experiences a varied climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Winter temperatures can drop to extremes of -24°C (-11°F), while summer months can see highs up to 41°C (107°F), particularly in June. Precipitation is more frequent and heavier in the winter months, with January receiving about 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while the summer is quite arid, exemplified by July's mere 7 mm (0.3 in) of rainfall. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with July being the sunniest month offering 409 hours of sunshine. For more details, see the Bend climate.
Brookings, United States, experiences a mild climate with temperatures ranging from an average low of 2°C (36°F) in January to a high of 32°C (89°F) in September. Rainfall is heaviest from November to March, peaking at 301 mm (11.8 in) in January, while the summer months see significantly less, with July receiving just 1 mm (0.0 in). The city enjoys abundant sunshine during the summer, with July boasting 397 sunshine hours, gradually decreasing to 109 hours in the cloudy winter of January. Variability in temperature and precipitation makes the climate dynamic, providing a distinctive contrast between the wet, cooler winters and the drier, sunnier summers. Learn more about the Brookings climate.
Cannon Beach, located on the Oregon coast, experiences a moderate maritime climate with cool, moist winters and mild, dry summers. The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures around 8°C (46°F), while the warmest months are July and August, averaging around 15-16°C (59-60°F). Precipitation is heaviest in the winter months, peaking at 272 mm (10.7 in) in December, and significantly decreases during the summer, with July and August each receiving only 20 mm (0.8 in). Sunshine hours increase from a winter low of 90 hours in January to a summer high of 358 hours in July, offering plenty of daylight for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit the Cannon Beach climate page.
Cascade Locks, located in Oregon, exhibits a diverse climate with pronounced seasonal variations. Winters are cold and wet, with temperatures dropping as low as -17°C (1°F) in February and substantial precipitation peaking at 302 mm (11.9 in) in December. As spring progresses into summer, temperatures rise significantly, reaching highs of 42°C (108°F) in June, while rainfall diminishes drastically, hitting a low of just 9 mm (0.4 in) in July. Summer months are marked by abundant sunshine, peaking at 401 hours in July, enhancing the warm, dry conditions. For more details on the local climate, visit Cascade Locks climate.
Depoe Bay, located along the Oregon coast, experiences a diverse climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant seasonal variation in precipitation and sunshine. Winters are cool, with average temperatures around 8°C (46°F) in December and January, and high precipitation levels, peaking at 292 mm (11.5 in) in December. Summers are milder and comparatively dry, with average temperatures in July and August around 15°C (59°F) and minimal rainfall—just 9 mm (0.4 in) in July. Sunshine hours increase dramatically from 89 hours in January to a peak of 363 hours in July, providing a contrast to the wetter months. For more detailed information, you can visit Depoe Bay climate.
Eugene, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. January, one of the coldest months, sees average temperatures around 5°C (42°F) with significant precipitation of 152 mm (6.0 in). In contrast, July is the warmest month, averaging 20°C (69°F), and receives minimal rainfall of just 2 mm (0.1 in), accompanied by ample sunshine totaling 394 hours. The transitional months like April and October offer mild conditions, with average temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and 11°C (53°F), respectively. For more details on the climate in Eugene, refer to this Eugene climate link.
Florence, United States, features a climate marked by mild temperatures and significant variations in precipitation and sunshine throughout the year. Winters are cool, with average temperatures around 7-8°C (45-46°F) and notable rainfall, peaking at 225 mm (8.9 in) in December. As spring approaches, temperatures rise, and precipitation decreases, with May reaching an average of 13°C (55°F) and only 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain. Summer is characterized by warm, dry conditions, with July and August seeing the highest sunshine hours at 369 and 339, respectively, and minimal rainfall of 3-4 mm (0.1-0.2 in). The fall gradually cools and becomes wetter, with temperatures dropping and precipitation increasing, culminating again in a wet November. For more detailed information on the climate in Florence, visit Florence climate.
Garibaldi, United States, experiences a temperate climate featuring mild winters and cool summers. Average temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in January to 15°C (59°F) in July and August, with minimum temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing in winter months. Precipitation is prominent during the winter, peaking at 301 mm (11.8 in) in December, while summer months see much less rainfall, with July receiving only 16 mm (0.6 in). Sunshine hours increase significantly from winter to summer, reaching a peak of 355 hours in July. For more detailed information on the Garibaldi climate, explore the link provided.
Gold Beach, located in Oregon, experiences a mild climate characterized by moderate temperatures and substantial seasonal rainfall. Winters are relatively wet, with significant precipitation peaking between January and March (up to 331 mm or 13.0 in), while the summer months are notably drier, receiving as little as 2 mm (0.1 in) in July. Average temperatures range from 9°C (49°F) in January to 14°C (57°F) in August and September, with maximum temperatures in September reaching up to 25°C (78°F). Sunshine hours vary throughout the year, from a low of 108 hours in January to a high of 397 hours in July, indicative of longer, sunlit days during the summer. For more detailed information, visit the Gold Beach climate.
Hood River, United States, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures range from -20°C (-4°F) to 16°C (61°F), with high precipitation, particularly in January and February, receiving up to 178 mm (7.0 in) of rain. Summers are warmer, with temperatures peaking at 44°C (112°F) in June but experiencing minimal rainfall, especially in July, which records just 2 mm (0.1 in). The region enjoys a significant amount of sunshine year-round, with the highest in July at 408 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit the Hood River climate page.
Joseph, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. From January to December, temperatures fluctuate widely, with average lows ranging from -23°C (-9°F) in the winter months to 0°C (33°F) in July and August. Average highs reach up to 34°C (94°F) in the summer, providing a warm ambiance for residents and visitors. Precipitation peaks in February with 158 mm (6.2 in), while July is significantly drier with just 11 mm (0.4 in). Sunshine hours vary, with the sunniest period in July, offering 407 hours of sunlight, creating vibrant summer days. For more details on Joseph's climate, visit the Joseph climate.
Lincoln Beach, United States features a varied climate with mild winters and moderately warm summers. Temperatures range from minimums of -2°C (29°F) in February to maximums of 25°C (77°F) during the summer months of June and September. Precipitation is significant in winter, peaking at 292 mm (11.5 in) in December, while summer months like July and August experience minimal rainfall of just 9 mm (0.4 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in) respectively. Sunshine hours increase toward summer, from 89 hours in January to a peak of 363 hours in July, providing plenty of daylight for beach activities. For more detailed information, please visit the Lincoln Beach climate.
Lincoln City, located on the Oregon coast, experiences a mild maritime climate characterized by cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) in January to 15°C (59°F) in August. Precipitation is heaviest in the winter months, peaking at 292 mm (11.5 in) in December, and significantly decreases towards the summer, with July being the driest month at just 11 mm (0.4 in). The city enjoys varying hours of sunshine throughout the year, with maximum sunlight during July averaging 359 hours and a minimum in January with 87 hours. These weather patterns create a unique environment, ideal for travelers and residents who appreciate a coastal climate with distinct seasonal variations. For more detailed information, visit the Lincoln City climate page.
Manzanita, United States, experiences a mild climate characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from about 8°C (46°F) in the colder months of January and February to around 15°C (59°F) during the summer peak in July and August. Precipitation is highest in the winter, peaking at 312 mm (12.3 in) in December, and lowest in the summer, with only 18 mm (0.7 in) in July. The area enjoys increasing sunshine from spring to summer, reaching 355 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit the Manzanita climate.
Newport, United States, experiences a mild climate with moderate seasonal variations and significant rainfall, especially from November to March when precipitation exceeds 190 mm (7.5 in) monthly. Temperatures remain cool year-round, with winter months averaging 8°C (46°F) and summer months reaching an average of 15°C (58°F), while the maximum temperature seldomly surpasses 25°C (77°F) in the warmest months. The summer months are notably drier, with July and August receiving less than 15 mm (0.5 in) of rain, coinciding with the highest sunshine hours, peaking at 363 hours in July. This climate offers a unique blend of rain and sun, contributing to the lush landscapes visible in the region. For further details, visit Newport climate.
Pacific City experiences a mild, moist climate with notable seasonal variations. Winters are cool with average temperatures around 8°C (46°F) in January, accompanied by high precipitation, reaching 285 mm (11.2 in) in December. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in the mid-summer months of July and August, which also see the least rainfall at 13 mm (0.5 in) and 15 mm (0.6 in), respectively. Summers are generally dry and warm, with temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F) and sunshine reaching 359 hours in July. Heading into autumn, rainfall increases again, creating a lush, vibrant landscape. For more detailed information, visit the Pacific City climate.
Portland, United States experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from as low as -14°C (7°F) in January to highs of 47°C (118°F) in June. The city sees significant seasonal rainfall, with wet months from November to February receiving over 150 mm (6 in) and drier months in July and August receiving less than 10 mm (0.4 in). Sunshine duration peaks in summer, reaching 374 hours in July, while winter months like December see much less sunlight, only around 115 hours. This combination of mild summers and rainy, cooler winters creates a vibrant and dynamic climate for the city. For more detailed information, visit Portland climate.
Rockaway Beach, United States, experiences a mild coastal climate with distinct seasons and varying weather conditions throughout the year. Winters are cool and wet, with December and January being the rainiest months, receiving 301 mm (11.8 in) and 270 mm (10.6 in) of precipitation, respectively. Summers are drier with significantly less rainfall, particularly in July and August, which have the least precipitation at just 16 mm (0.6 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in). The average temperature ranges from 7°C (44°F) in the cooler months to 15°C (59°F) in the warmer months. Annual sunshine hours peak in July at 355 hours, highlighting the pleasant summer climate. For more detailed information, refer to the Rockaway Beach climate.
Rogue River in the United States experiences a diverse climate with notable seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -11°C to 16°C (13°F to 62°F) and significant precipitation totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) along with limited sunshine of 103 hours. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually increase with April averaging 10°C (50°F), and rainfall decreases to 88 mm (3.5 in), while sunshine hours climb to 263. Summers can be hot, reaching up to 42°C (107°F) in August, with minimal precipitation around 5 mm (0.2 in) and abundant sunshine peaking at 404 hours in July. Autumn sees a return to cooler temperatures and moderate rainfall, while sunshine diminishes. For more detailed information on the climate, visit the Rogue River climate page.
Saint Helens, United States, experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -14°C (7°F) to 14°C (58°F), accompanied by substantial precipitation of 205 mm (8.1 in). In contrast, July's temperatures rise significantly, with a high of 37°C (99°F) and minimal rainfall at just 9 mm (0.3 in). Sunshine increases from 88 hours in January to a peak of 374 hours in July, before gradually reducing to 115 hours by December. For more detailed information, you can visit the Saint Helens climate page.
Seaside, United States, experiences a mild maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures and significant seasonal changes in precipitation. Winters are cool with average temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 13°C (56°F) and high rainfall, peaking at 272 mm (10.7 in) in December. Summers are mild and relatively dry, with temperatures reaching up to 25°C (77°F) in June and low precipitation, particularly in July and August with only 20 mm (0.8 in). Sunshine duration increases from 90 hours in January to a peak of 358 hours in July, contributing to pleasant summer conditions. For more details, visit the Seaside climate.
Sisters, United States experiences a diverse climate with significant seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Winters are cold, with average temperatures around 0°C (33°F) and lows reaching -24°C (-11°F), accompanied by December and January precipitation of 93 mm (3.7 in). As spring arrives, temperatures rise, with April averaging 7°C (45°F) and sunshine peaking from May to July with up to 409 hours in July. Summers are warm, seeing temperatures as high as 42°C (108°F) in June, accompanied by minimal rainfall, particularly in July and August which receive only 6 mm (0.3 in) and 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, respectively. For more detailed information, visit the Sisters climate page.
Sunriver in the United States experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cold, often subzero winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping to as low as -24°C (-11°F) while July marks the warmest period, reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is highest in the late winter months, peaking at 114 mm (4.5 in) in February, while the summer months from June to August see significantly less rainfall, particularly July which only records 10 mm (0.4 in). The region enjoys substantial sunshine, especially from May to August, with July boasting the most sunshine hours at 409. For more details, visit the Sunriver climate page.
Tillamook, situated in the northwestern United States, experiences a diverse climate with significant seasonal variation in temperature and precipitation. Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from -8°C (18°F) to 15°C (60°F) and high rainfall peaking at 278 mm (11.0 in) in December. As spring and summer approach, temperatures warm considerably, reaching an average maximum of 34°C (93°F) in July, accompanied by reduced rainfall, especially in July and August with only 9 mm (0.4 in) and 7 mm (0.3 in) respectively. Sunshine hours peak during the summer months, with July seeing up to 359 hours, perfect for outdoor activities. For more detailed information on the Tillamook climate, explore additional resources.
Yachats, United States, experiences a mild climate with temperatures varying throughout the year. Winters are cool with average temperatures around 8°C (46°F) in January and December, while summers offer a warmer climate, especially in July and August with averages of 14°C (57-58°F). The region sees significant rainfall during winter months, peaking in December at 271 mm (10.7 in), but experiences drier conditions in the summer, highlighted by just 7 mm (0.3 in) in July. Sunshine is abundant in the summer, reaching its zenith at 364 hours in July, contributing to the pleasant coastal atmosphere. For more detailed information, please visit the Yachats climate.
In summary, Oregon's climate is defined by its striking seasonal variations, encompassing temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The state experiences considerable temperature fluctuations from frigid winters to scorching summers, with distinctive rainfall patterns that sustain its rich biodiversity. Sunshine duration and UV exposure peak during the summer months, emphasizing the importance of sun safety during this period while allowing for more moderation in the colder months. Finally, the rhythmic changes in daylight duration further enhance the unique experience of living in Oregon, influencing not only outdoor activities but also the state's vibrant ecosystems. This comprehensive understanding of Oregon's climate highlights its diverse environmental characteristics and underscores the interplay between climate factors that shape daily life in this beautiful region.