Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Portland in September
Portland cools off: highs slip to 77°F (25°C), from 84°F in August, with lows of 52°F (11°C) and about 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain.
At 92/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 2.2 in (57 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 47%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 18 min
- Comfort score
- 92/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are warm, averaging 77°F (25°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 14°C (25°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
About 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's September.
Plan around September
September is one of Portland's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 63°F.
- Last dry month before the rain picks up: October brings 5.4 in (137 mm).
- Last of the best-scoring months: by October, the score drops to 76/100.
- Comfort improves from 89/100 in August to 92/100.
- September sits inside the Jun – Sep window our Pacific Northwest route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes77°F afternoons
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 52°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Portland in September
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Vista House at Crown Point
1918 stone observatory high above the Columbia River with the Gorge's signature view.
Why now September scores 92/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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.
Portland Japanese Garden
Eight garden styles on a Washington Park hillside, often called the finest outside Japan.
Why now Highs near 77°F and 2.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Walled Ming-style garden with a teahouse in Old Town Chinatown.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in September
- Cannon Beach in September~67 mi · highs 65°F, 2.8 in rain · 6°C (12°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Astoria in September~72 mi · highs 65°F, 2.8 in rain · 6°C (12°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Yachats in September~109 mi · highs 60°F, 2.0 in rain · 9°C (16°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Snoqualmie Pass in September~145 mi · highs 62°F, 3.0 in rain · 8°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Portland?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 92/100. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain. September is inside the Jun – Sep window our Pacific Northwest route recommends.
How hot is Portland in September?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in September?
Not much: about 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 58.4 in (1484 mm).
What should I pack for Portland in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (77°F afternoons), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 52°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Portland
Routes in season in September
- Pacific Northwest Jun – Sep
Planning Portland in September?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.