Does it snow in Oregon?

Listed as the ninth largest state in the United States, the state of Oregon is undoubtedly a worthy example of the prevailing beauty and wild nature of the Pacific Northeast of the United States.

Although in cultural and historical (and even modern) terms, there are plenty of iconic places in Oregon worth visiting. Believe us! The incredible diversity of Oregon's landscapes will make you a true nature lover. It is not for nothing that Oregon is one of the natural tourist attractions on the West Coast of its country.

Visit Oregon and discover its rugged coastlines, lush forests, towering volcanic mountains, and its characteristic steep river gorges. We assure you that Oregon's natural attractions will blow your mind!

Especially if you visit its tourist attractions during the fall or winter due to these seasons endow Oregon's landscapes with even more enchanting features.

Snow in Oregon? ❄

Given its geographic location, its particular geological structure, and its sheer size, it's no wonder snowfall is a constant feature of Oregon winters.

Despite its status as a coastal state, Oregon experiences heavy winter snowfall (even during part of the fall and spring) in more than half of its territory (especially in the northern and northeastern counties of the state).

The climate of Oregon ⛅

OREGON WEATHER

Oregon enjoys significant ecological diversity due to multiple factors such as its global location, its proximity to the North Pacific Ocean, its geological structure, and its large size.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Oregon presents different variants of climates throughout its territory. Next, we expose which ones and where to find these variants of Oregon weather:

• In the coastal strip, the climate is cool and humid.
• In the Willamette Valley, the climate is semi-oceanic since its summers are hot and dry.
• In the plateau that covers the inland areas, the climate is arid-continental.
• In the low-lying valleys of Oregon inner, the climate is Mediterranean since the winters are mild enough and the summers are warm and sunny.
• In the Cascade Range, temperatures are low, so snowfall is heavy and recurrent.

Oregon temperature

Region: coastal strip

• Cities: Astoria, Tillamook, Newport, Brookings.
• The oscillation of the average temperature between winter and summer: 42.8 °F / 6°C (December) | 60,8 °F / 16 °C (August).
• Average maximum temperature (year): 58.4 °F (14.7 °C).
• Average minimum temperature (year): 44.6 °F (7 °C).

Region: Willamette Valley

• Cities: Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
• The oscillation of the average temperature between winter and summer: 35.6 °F / 2 °C (December) | 84,2 °F / 29 °C (August).
• Average maximum temperature (year): 64.4 °F (18 °C).
• Average minimum temperature (year): 43.8 °F (6.6 °C).

Region: central-eastern

• Cities: Baker City.
• Altitude: 1000 meters above sea level.
• The oscillation of the average temperature between winter and summer: 19.4 °F / -7 °C (December) | 87.8 °F / 31 °C (August).
• Average maximum temperature (year): 62.2 °F (16.8 °C).
• Average minimum temperature (year): 33 °F (0.6 °C).

Region: inland (low altitude)

• Cities: Medford.
• Altitude: 400 meters above sea level.
• The oscillation of the average temperature between winter and summer: 32 °F / 0 °C (December) | 91.4 °F / 33 °C (August).
• Average maximum temperature (year): 43.1 °F (6.2 °C).
• Average minimum temperature (year): 68 °F (20 °C).

Precipitation

Region: coastal strip

• Cities: Astoria, Tillamook, Newport, Brookings.
• Annual precipitation (rain): 66.9-70.8 inches (1700-1800 mm).

Region: Willamette Valley

• Cities: Salem.
• Annual precipitation (rain): 39.3-47.2 inches (1000-1200 mm).

Region: Cascade Range

• Counties: Hood River and Clackamas.
• Annual precipitation (rain): 86.6 inches (2200 mm).
• Annual precipitation (snow): 269.6-551.1 inches (6,85-14 m).

Region: central-east

• Cities: Hermiston, Baker City, Bend, and Ontario.
• Annual precipitation (rain): 11.8 inches (300 mm).

When does it snow in Oregon? 🌨

Does it snow in Oregon in October?

Yes, it could snow in October. Nevertheless, as these are the first snowfalls of the year, it is only possible to observe them in a few Oregon cities. In neither case does snowfall exceed one inch of accumulation per day.

Does it snow in Oregon in November?

Yes, it could snow in November. Unlike the previous month. In November, snowfall is possible in almost every county in Oregon, even those close to the coast.

Does it snow in Oregon in December?

Yes, it does! The average snowpack increases between two to five times its size (measured in inches) compared to November.

Does it snow in Oregon in January?

Yes, it does! January is the month with the heaviest snowfall in Oregon. It's no wonder the average snowpack exceeds ten inches in cities like Moro and Hood River.

Does it snow in Oregon in February?

Yes, it does! However, the snowfalls will not be as intense as in the previous two months. Specifically, the average snow accumulation decreases by around 50% in most cities.

Does it snow in Oregon in March?

Yes, it could snow in March. Once the winter ends, the snowfall drastically decreases, disappearing in cities such as Portland, McMinnville, Roseburg, Newport, and Astoria.

Does it snow in Oregon in April?

Yes, it could snow in April. It's possible to see snowfall greater than 0.5 inches in cities like Lakeview, Klamath Falls, Enterprise, and Bend, and less than that number in Burns, Baker City, Fossil, Moro, Condon, La Grande, Canyon City, Madras, and Prineville.

Does it snow in Oregon in May?

Yes, it could snow in May. Although it seems incredible, Lakeview (Lake County) averages 0.4 inches of snow accumulation this month.

Where does it snow in Oregon? 🌨

Taking the month of January as a reference because it is the one that exhibits the highest levels of snowfall during the winter, we present below a table in which we directly answer the question in this section (Where does it snow in Oregon?):

How much does it snow in Oregon? 🌨

Next, we expose a comparison chart of the average snow accumulation throughout a sliding 31-day period (centered on the day in question) in thirty-nine cities of Oregon: