What December feels like in Portland
December is early winter in Portland. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Portland in December
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. When rain comes it is heavy, about 11.5 mm (0.5 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is heavier than Portland's usual 8.9 mm per rainy day across the year. December is Portland's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 7:44 am and sets around 4:28 pm local time, giving 8 h 44 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 49 min less daylight than mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 46% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the coolest month in Portland. Against November, the average high is 3.4°C (6.1°F) lower, with 17 mm more rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 8.1°C (46.6°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Portland in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Portland in December?
Afternoons average 7.5°C (45.5°F) and nights about 1.8°C (35.2°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in December?
Quite a lot — 207 mm spread over about 18 days.
What should I wear in Portland in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Portland?
January, clearly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Portland's months, against #12 for the other. January has fewer rainy days.