Early spring · Weather & things to do
Portland in March
Portland warms up: highs climb to 53°F (12°C), from 49°F in February, with lows of 39°F (4°C) and about 7.0 in (178 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 49/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 53°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 7.0 in (178 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 37 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What March feels like
It's cool, with highs near 53°F (12°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 39°F (4°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.0 in (178 mm) across the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 78%.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are June – September.
- Comfort holds steady from February (47 → 49/100).
- Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 53°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes7.0 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Portland in March
With 7.0 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Multnomah Falls
Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet, 30 minutes east in the Columbia River Gorge.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring.
Multnomah Whiskey Library
Leather-and-wood whiskey bar with 1,500+ bottles and a rolling cart service.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 7.0 in of rain.
Powell's City of Books
A full city block of new and used books across color-coded rooms.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 7.0 in of rain.
Pine State Biscuits
Southern biscuit sandwiches; the Reggie Deluxe with fried chicken and gravy is the classic.
Why now Easy to slot in when March's rain moves in.
Screen Door
Southern comfort food; known for fried chicken and waffles.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter March days.
Nearby in March
- Cannon Beach in March~67 mi · highs 51°F, 8.3 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Astoria in March~72 mi · highs 51°F, 8.3 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Yachats in March~109 mi · highs 51°F, 6.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Snoqualmie Pass in March~145 mi · highs 38°F, 7.8 in rain or snow · 9°C (15°F) cooler by day, wetter
These averages also cover Downtown Portland and Northwest Portland.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~257 m to Portland's ~21 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Portland in March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Portland?
It's middling, scoring 49/100. The best months are June – September, at up to 94. Expect highs of 53°F (12°C) and 7.0 in (178 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Portland in March?
Average highs are 53°F (12°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in March?
Yes: about 7.0 in (178 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 58.4 in (1484 mm).
What should I pack for Portland in March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 53°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (7.0 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Portland
Planning Portland in March?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.