What September feels like in Portland
September is early autumn in Portland. Days are warm enough for short sleeves, and time outdoors is easy. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights are cool. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Portland in September
Most days stay dry; rain arrives about one day in 4. Wet days average about 7.8 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.9 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in September
On 15 September the sun rises at about 6:48 am and sets around 7:24 pm local time, giving 12 h 37 min of daylight. Compared with mid-August, the day has lost 1 h 34 min. The sun is out for roughly 81% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How September compares to the rest of the year
September is the 3rd warmest month of the year in Portland. Afternoons run 4°C (7.2°F) cooler than in August, with 41 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into October. The next month's average high: 16.9°C (62.4°F).
Who September suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Hiking: a good fit — mild temperatures for trails.
Tips for visiting Portland in September
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Portland in September?
Expect around 24.2°C (75.6°F) in the afternoon and 12.5°C (54.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Portland in September?
Not especially. There are about 7 rainy days (55 mm), mostly moderate rain.
What should I wear in Portland in September?
The numbers point to versatile layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is September or October better for visiting Portland?
On our 12-month climate ranking, September comes out ahead (#3 of 12 vs #6). October is cooler and has more rainy days.