Does it snow in Portland?

Known as The City of Roses, Portland, the largest and most populous city in the U. S. state of Oregon, has for many years held the title of the town with the best urban planning in the Pacific Northwest.

The latter is not a surprise since Portland is one of the cities with the best environmentally conscious public policies, which is why the city feels like a natural refuge.

Beyond the thousands of trees, shrubs, and flowers that decorate the city, Portland also has other natural attractions on the outskirts of the town, such as Forest Park, Washington Park, and the imposing Multnomah Falls.

Thus, if you are traveling along the Pacific Coast of the United States and want to enjoy a few days of relaxation in an authentic natural sanctuary, then Portland is the right place. Parks, waterfalls, forests, rivers, zoos, and much more await you in Portland.

Snow in Portland? ❄

Due to its proximity to the North Pacific Ocean and the prevailing climate in the city (warm-summer Mediterranean climate [Köppen, Csb]), Portland exhibits a snow season generally limited to the winter months. Therefore, snowfalls only occur between December and March.

As far as snow distribution is concerned, it is affected by the variation in elevation of the city and the urban heat island effect. For that reason, the suburbs and neighborhoods near West Hills and Mount Tabor can enjoy a light dusting of snow during winter, unlike downtown Portland, where snow rarely touches the ground.

The climate of Portland ⛅

PORTLAND WEATHER

According to the Köppen climate classification, Portland exhibits a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb) throughout its 144.98 sq mi land area.

Like the climate of most cities near the North Pacific coast, Portland's climate is characterized by humid and cloudy seasons with slightly extreme temperatures, except for summer, which is rather hot, dry, and sunny.

As for the rain, this weather phenomenon generally falls as a drizzle on at least 155 days per year, generating an average annual rainfall of close to 37 inches in Portland.

Even though being a relatively high number, Portland does not exhibit severe or stormy weather. Indeed, the Portland drizzle rarely evolves into thunderstorms.

Summer weather characteristics

• Highest record temperature: 116 °F / 46.6 °C (June 28^th, 2021).
• Mean maximum: 94.07 °F (34.4 °C).
• Average high: 78.8 °F (26 °C).
• Average low: 56.4 °F (26 °C).
• Mean minimum: 49.25 °F (9.5 °C).
• Average precipitation per summer month: 1.05 inches (2.6 cm).
• Average precipitation days per summer month (≥ 0.01 inches): 5.73.
  

Winter weather characteristics

• Lowest record temperature: −3 °F / -19.4 °C (February 2^nd, 1950).
• Mean maximum: 61.53 °F (16.4 °C).
• Average high: 50.68 °F (10.3 °C).
• Average low: 37.23 °F (2.9 °C).
• Mean minimum: 26.58 °F (-3 °C).
• Average precipitation per winter month (inches): 4.61 inches (11.7 cm).
• Average precipitation days per winter month (≥ 0.01 inches): 17.75.

Precipitation and other weather characteristics

• Average annual precipitation: 36.91 inches (93.7 cm).
• Average precipitation days (≥0.01 in or 0.25 mm): 155.8.
• Average annual snowfall: 4.3 inches (10.9 cm).
• Average frost per year (times): 32.

When does it snow in Portland? 🌨

Does it snow in Portland in November? 

Yes, it might snow in November. However, the chances of this phenomenon happening in November are extremely low, and if it did happen, on average, the snowpack would barely reach a millimeter thick.

Does it snow in Portland in December?

Yes, it does! Once winter sets in, the snowfalls get heavier in Portland.

Does it snow in Portland in January?

Yes, it does! January is the snowiest month in Portland. During this month, little more than four centimeters of snow is expected on average. 

Does it snow in Portland in February?

Yes, it does! Indeed, snowfall levels are very similar to the previous month.

Does it snow in Portland in March?

Yes, it might snow in March. Although, as in November, the chances of snowfall in March are very low.

How much does it snow in Portland? 🌨

Next, we present an informative table on different climatological parameters of Portland, which includes the average snowfall per month expressed in inches:

The above data comes from climatic data provided by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and corresponds to the Portland International Airport (PDX).