Late spring · Weather & things to do
Portland in May
Portland warms up: highs climb to 66°F (19°C), from 58°F in April, with lows of 47°F (9°C) and about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain.
It scores 83/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 47°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.1 in (79 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 68%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 83/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 66°F (19°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 47°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.1 in (79 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – September).
- Comfort improves from 66/100 in April to 83/100.
- Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 47°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Portland in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
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.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Walled Ming-style garden with a teahouse in Old Town Chinatown.
Why now May scores 83/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
International Rose Test Garden
Free garden of 10,000+ rose bushes with city and Mount Hood views.
Why now Highs near 66°F and 3.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Powell's City of Books
A full city block of new and used books across color-coded rooms.
Pine State Biscuits
Southern biscuit sandwiches; the Reggie Deluxe with fried chicken and gravy is the classic.
Nearby in May
- Cannon Beach in May~67 mi · highs 60°F, 3.3 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Astoria in May~72 mi · highs 60°F, 3.3 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Yachats in May~109 mi · highs 56°F, 2.5 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, drier
- Snoqualmie Pass in May~145 mi · highs 55°F, 4.0 in rain · 6°C (11°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Portland?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 83/100 against a best of 94 in June – September. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Northwest route recommends Jun – Sep, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Portland in May?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 47°F (9°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in May?
Some: about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 58.4 in (1484 mm).
What should I pack for Portland in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 47°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Portland
Planning Portland in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.