We know the question on your mind, Portlanders — when’s it going to cool off, and when will the trees change color?
Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for September, October, and November.
While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what fall will bring.
Reminder: The first day of fall is on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Temperature
Think warmer. This fall, Portland has a 33-40% chance of temperatures being higher than normal. Does flannel work with flip flops? We’re asking for a friend...
Precipitation
Expect less precipitation. Portland has a 40-50% chance of seeing below-normal snow and rainfall amounts this fall. You can probably keep those umbrellas in the closet.
Drought
Drought conditions are expected to persist this season. You can thank El Niño for that.
Catch us pedaling through a fantasy forest all fall long.
Photo by @mettlecycling + @cycleoregon
September
Typically in Portland, September’s temperatures fluctuate between an average low of 53° and an average high of 76°, but you can usually count on a day or two to reach 90°. Expect cool but frost-free mornings, perfect for early, weekend hikes in Hoyt Arboretum. From the month’s start to finish, we’ll lose 1.5 hours of daylight.
October
Trips to the PSU Farmers Market are usually framed by golden leaves in October when the average daily temperatures continue to trend lower toward the 46°-64° range. Rainfall chances continue to climb, but expect this year to be on the lower end of the typical spectrum of 2.6 to 5 inches.
November
Historically, average highs in November drop ~12° to 52°, with an average low of 41°. About once every 10 years, the thermometer stays below freezing the entire day — let’s hope that’s not the case. Regardless, you’ll definitely want to bundle up if you enter a turkey trot.
