What August feels like in Portland
Late summer arrives in Portland with August. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. The day–night swing is wide (about 13.3°C (23.9°F)): nights stay mild, so mornings and evenings feel very different from midday. The air is comfortable — neither muggy nor dry.
Rain in Portland in August
Dry weather dominates, and an umbrella can mostly stay packed. Wet days average about 4.5 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 8.9 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
On 15 August the sun rises at about 6:10 am and sets around 8:21 pm local time, giving 14 h 11 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 12 min less daylight than mid-July. The sun is out for roughly 85% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How August compares to the rest of the year
In Portland's temperature order, August sits as the warmest month. Against July, the average high is 0.3°C (0.5°F) higher, with 4 mm more rain. September is cooler again. By September, typical highs are 24.2°C (75.6°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Hiking: less ideal — too hot for long hikes.
Tips for visiting Portland in August
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is Portland in August?
Afternoons average 28.2°C (82.8°F) and nights about 14.9°C (58.8°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in August?
Hardly — only about 3 rainy days and 13 mm for the whole month.
What should I wear in Portland in August?
Pack versatile layers and sun protection. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is August or September better for visiting Portland?
On our 12-month climate ranking, August comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #3). September is cooler and has more rainy days.