What March feels like in Portland
March is early spring in Portland. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights are cold. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Portland in March
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on most days. A rainy day brings about 8.1 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Portland's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.9 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in March
In mid-March, sunrise is at about 7:26 am and sunset at about 7:15 pm (local time) — 11 h 50 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h 28 min more daylight than in mid-February. About 61% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 5th coolest month in Portland. Against February, the average high is 2.6°C (4.7°F) higher, with 19 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into April. April averages a high of 14.7°C (58.5°F).
Who March 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 March
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Portland in March?
Expect around 11.8°C (53.2°F) in the afternoon and 3.3°C (37.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in March?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 153 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Portland in March?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is March or April better for visiting Portland?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#7 of 12 vs #11), rated Good against Poor. April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.