Weather trends you need to snow ❄️

Bundle up for our winter 2024 weather forecast for Portland

A Portland street car makes its way through snowy conditions with the arch of the Fremont Bridge in the near background
Who needs a one-horse open sleigh when you have Portland Streetcar? | Photo by Steve Morgan
We know the question on your mind, Portlanders — when’s it going to snow again? 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 December, January, and February. 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 winter will bring.

Reminder: The first day of winter is Wednesday, Dec. 21.

🌡️ Temperature

Think cold. This winter, Portland has a 33-40% chance of temperatures being lower than normal, although the city sits very close to the line where that figure could jump to 40-50%.

🌨️ Precipitation

Expect slightly more precipitation. Portland has a 33-40% chance of seeing higher-than-average snow and rainfall totals this winter.

A map of the US shows probabilities for above and below average temperatures

Does all that blue make you feel blue?

Map via NOAA

☃️ December

Generally, December is the coldest month of the year in Portland, with temperatures ranging between an average low of 34.7° and an average high of 44.1°. Snow records have already fallen this month — 0.1" was measured at the airport on Dec. 4 — but typical accumulation is just a meager 0.28". We’re still crossing our fingers for a white Christmas.

❄️ January

In January, the average high and low temps are between 46.2° and 35.2°. Your dry skin may beg to differ, but the average relative humidity in January is 83%, with just over 18 days and 4.33" of rainfall expected. If you tend to enjoy the warm orb in the sky, you might want to plan a vacation — with an average of 4.1 hours of sunshine a day, January has the least sunshine of the year.

February

Average temperatures fluctuate between 47.5° and 35.8° throughout February, which makes it an ideal time to enjoy indoor events like the Portland Jazz Festival or FAN EXPO Portland. You may have love in your eyes, but you won’t have to worry about the sun — the average UV index of 2 poses a low threat to health.

The most wonderful time of year to get out and explore the city is…

A. Spring
B. Summer
C. Fall
D. Winter
WEATHER YOU LIKE (OR NOT)

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, Dec. 7
  • Minidoka Swing Band Concert | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 12-1 p.m. | Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland | Free | Formed in remembrance of the Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II, this band connects audiences to a time when those incarcerated used music to uplift and feel that they belonged.
  • Dough - Comedy Show | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 8-10:30 p.m. | Mississippi Pizza Pub, 3552 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland | $5 | With its party atmosphere, hilarious host banter, and curated line-ups featuring the best of Portland comedy, you’ll have to laugh at even the cheesiest jokes during this show.
Thursday, Dec. 8
  • Middle School Social Justice Online Book Group | Thursday, Dec. 8, Thursday, Jan. 5 | 7-8 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Kids in grades 6-8 are invited to discuss contemporary themes of social justice through recent literature, while meeting new friends and sharing great books.
Friday, Dec. 9
  • Cracked Pots Holiday Show 2022 | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | 500 NW 14th Ave., Portland | Free | Join the fourth annual pop-up gift shop featuring a variety of art made with recycled materials.
  • Portland’s Winter Ale Fest | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Pine Street Taproom, 126 SW Second Ave., Portland | $40 | These are the ales to end all ails, and to end the year in a festive manner.
Saturday, Dec. 10
  • Portland Audubon’s 42nd Wild Arts Festival | Saturday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Viking Pavilion at Portland State University, 930 SW Hall St., Portland | $0-$13.50 | Flock to the Northwest’s premier show and sale of nature-related art and books, with proceeds benefiting Portland Audubon’s education and conservation efforts.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
WHAT'S NEXT WEDNESDAY

Still shopping for a hunter or angler this holiday season?

Sportsman's Box Black Friday
This is the perfect gift for anyone in your life who loves hunting, fishing + all things outdoors. | Photo provided by Sportsman’s Box
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CHOOSE A GIFT FOR YOUR SPORTSMAN

Weather
  • 45º | Morning clouds that clear later | 10% chance of rain
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 7:37 a.m.
  • Set: 4:26 p.m.
Award
Open
  • Northeast Portland’s new bakery, Milk Money, is causing quite the buzz. At 4943 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., farmers market veteran Jess da Silva sells delicious scones, macarons, cookies, and croissants. The pies are particularly palatable, and one standout recipe features sea salt and wildflower honey, sourced from the owner’s own bees. 🐝 (Eater Portland)
  • The best is yet to cone. Eugene-born ice cream brand Cosmic Bliss will open its first scoop shop tomorrow in Portland’s Pearl District. Fans of the dairy and non-dairy (but 100% gluten-free) flavors can also expect ice cream sandwiches and shakes at 207 NW 10th Ave. 🍦 (Eater Portland)
Try This
  • There’s more to Mount Hood than just shredding the slopes. If you’re not into winter sports, there are plenty of activities with alpine appeal. Book yourself a spa day at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, or check out the natural history exhibits at Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum. (Portland Monthly)
Cause
  • Two Portland entrepreneurs, Adewale Agboola and Cyrus Coleman, are attempting to raise $2 million in order to renovate Old Town’s Horizon Enterprise Building into a space where BIPOC artists can create and feel welcome. Their vision includes a full production studio, jazz club, art gallery, podcast room, painting space, and more. 🎷 (KGW)
Community
  • For the first time in three years, Home Forward, Oregon’s largest provider of affordable public housing, is accepting applications for 33 waitlists at various subsidized properties across Portland and Gresham. The deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 14, and final selections will be made using a lottery. 🏘️ (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Closing
  • You have until Sunday, Dec. 18 to get a bagel at Kenny & Zuke’s downtown Portland location before it’s gone. The deli will soon close its flagship location in the Ace Hotel and move across the river to a new shop on North Williams Avenue. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Eat
  • Kann you believe it? One of 15 restaurants selected across the US, Kann made Eater’s list of “Best New Restaurants 2022.” Gregory Gourdet may be known for his James Beard Award and time on “Top Chef,” but Portlanders know him as the owner of this sensational Haitian restaurant. (Eater)
Featured Deal
  • Nau is hosting a special in-store event Thursday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m,-1 p.m. at their flagship store in Portland’s Pearl District (NW 11th + NW Everett). Enjoy complimentary coffee and Pips donuts while you shop seasonal gear. *
Shop
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Welcome back the light and live revelry 💃

Portland Revels’ musical solstice celebration

Two men in Moorish garb and one man in medieval leather sit around a chess table
Performances in 2021 were offered digitally, free of charge. | Photo by David B. Kinder
Since 1994, Portland Revels’ performances have brought light and joy to audiences even in the darkest times, transporting them around the world by exploring the music and cultures of Scandinavia, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

After a two-year hiatus, the group’s wintertime production returns in person with “Midwinter Revels: Andalusian Night – A Celebration of the Solstice” for one weekend only — Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 18. All shows will be ASL interpreted, too.

This year brings a brand-new, family friendly experience, featuring songs, stories, and dance from the vibrant and diverse communities that lived side-by-side in 14th-century Andalusia, Spain. You’ll see lush costumes and gorgeous scenery, and be invited to participate in the fun. A special one-hour Revels story for children ages 2-7 will also be held Thursday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Dec. 30.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ben.

Editor’s pick: Do you get your holiday shopping done early, or wait until the last minute? I tend to land in the first category, but I’m sweating because I haven’t crossed a single name off my list.

The good thing is, scrolling Instagram is part of my job — there are so many local ideas for presents, I started putting them all in one place.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We celebrated our first birthday by looking back at our favorite PDXtoday stories.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Terri Kiesenhofer | Advertise with us.

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