Portland in December
In December, Portland averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 2°C (36°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (216 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Portland. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Portland
December is one of the coolest months in Portland (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (17°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (11°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (9°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Portland
Times shown for Portland local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Portland — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Portland's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Portland in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Portland's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Portland
Portland is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Portland
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Portland in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 47°F | 2°C / 36°F | 170 mm | 21 | — |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | 2°C / 35°F | 147 mm | 20 | — |
| March | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 38°F | 148 mm | 21 | — |
| April | 15°C / 60°F | 6°C / 42°F | 115 mm | 19 | — |
| May | 20°C / 68°F | 9°C / 49°F | 71 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 12°C / 54°F | 55 mm | 12 | — |
| July | 29°C / 83°F | 15°C / 58°F | 9 mm | 5 | — |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 15°C / 60°F | 13 mm | 7 | — |
| September | 24°C / 75°F | 12°C / 54°F | 61 mm | 12 | — |
| October | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 47°F | 143 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 11°C / 51°F | 4°C / 40°F | 175 mm | 20 | — |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 216 mm | 21 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Portland in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Portland in December?
In December, Portland averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in December?
December is quite rainy in Portland, with about 21 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Portland?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Portland in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Portland for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.