There’s no getting around the fact that it rains a lot in Oregon. But that’s precisely what makes this state so impossibly lush and its trees so impressively tall (at least on the western side of the Cascades). The only time of year when if probably won’t rain on you is the summer. This is the brief window of weather that everyone in Oregon waits for, and it rarely disappoints. From June through September the temperature hovers around 77°F, with night lows of 56°F. It can still rain in the summer, but not that often.
The rest of the year is mild and wet. The Pacific Ocean helps keep the climate temperate on the western slope of the Cascades. December through March have daytime highs around 50°F, with a few snowfalls each winter. Spring is a very unpredictable season, while fall can be very pleasant in the early weeks. The one downside to the rain in Oregon is that it often lingers as a misty spray for days on end.
On the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains it’s a totally different situation. The mountains block all of that rain, creating a virtual desert environment. The annual temperatures tend to be colder in the winter and slighter warmer in the summer, with little precipitation. The winter in Bend averages 40°F, which is also when most of the precipitation falls, often as snow.
Best Time to Visit Oregon
On the western side of the Cascades there is only one season that really shines. The summer months run from June to the end of September, when temperatures are absolutely perfect and the skies reliably blue. This is when everything blooms and grows in the Oregon valleys. The beaches spring into life and festivals seem to happen every weekend.
On the eastern side of the Cascades summer is also the prime time for a visit, especially if you want to enjoy the mountains and rivers of the Cascades. Fall is also a beautiful season around Bend and other towns in the east, while winter brings snow to the ski resorts. The only time you can find really good deals on hotel rooms is during the spring months in Bend and the winter to spring season on the western side of the state.