Walk, bike, or take a pedicab along the river in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Credit: NASHCO Photo

Spring in Portland

Portland celebrates spring with beer and food festivals, fiestas and flowers.

Walk, bike, or take a pedicab along the river in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Credit: NASHCO Photo

Rain showers, blooming flowers and lots of only-in-Portland things to do hit the calendar every spring in Portland. The city bursts into bloom as gorgeous rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry trees, and roses come into full flower in parks, gardens and yards all over town. Amidst spring showers, sun-breaks and dry days are common, though, and spring visitors are rewarded with lovely vistas, bountiful outdoor adventures and the city’s signature event, the Portland Rose Festival, which runs from late May through early June. Explore our top things to do, see and experience during a springtime visit to Portland.

Questions About Portland in the Spring

How much does it rain in Portland during spring?

There is a 34% chance of being rained on in the springtime in Portland with most showers happening in the morning with a tendency to slow down in the afternoon. These showers bring along the gift of spring flowers. So, bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella to enjoy this beautiful season.

When do cherry trees bloom in Portland?

100 cherry trees grace the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Typically associated with Japanese culture and history, these Akebono trees were donated in 1990 by the Japanese Grain Importers Association. In Portland, their blooming cycle is typically in March and April with peak blooms usually happening around the last week of March through the first week of April.

What is the average springtime temperature in Portland?

In the spring Portland usually stays pretty mild with temperatures averaging in the mid to high fifties Fahrenheit (around 14°C) in March and steadily warming up to high sixties Fahrenheit (around 20°C) in June.

Where to Find Portland Cherry Blossoms

Sakura blooms take over the waterfront each spring; here’s how to enjoy the best of Portland’s cherry blossom season.

Spring Weather

Rain showers continue in spring, along with plenty of cloud breaks and dry spells. Spring days often start rainy and end up with clear blue skies and sunshine, with the city getting progressively warmer as June approaches. With such a temperate climate, many flowers start blooming in Portland in early March.

What to Pack

For a springtime visit to Portland, we recommend packing layers and a light rain-proof jacket. Old-school Portlanders tend to shun umbrellas, but they can come in handy to shield glasses and faces from heavier showers. Waterproof boots will come in handy on muddy spring hikes and for splashing through Portland’s puddles.

Family admires coi pond at Portland Japanese Garden

Spend Spring Break in Portland

Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.

A boy stands in a field of tulips with oak trees and people in the background

Best Spots for Spring Flowers

Find your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.

Close-up of wildflowers with Mt. Hood in the background

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

People attending an outdoor market, Portland Saturday Market

March Events

Shop, eat, dance and cheer your way through the last of winter with these March events in Portland.

April Events

April in Portland means heading outside to enjoy gorgeous blooms and epic views, along with plenty of cultural offerings.

person buying fresh produce from a farmers market vendor

May Events

From farmers’ markets to fiestas, there’s plenty to do in Portland in May.

an aerial view of a whale watching center and the surrounding town

Whale Watching Week

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon's coast every winter and spring — this handy guide to whale watching on the Oregon Coast covers prime spots to see migrating whales, top whale-watching charters, when to go and more.

the facade of a large Irish pub with groups of people eating and drinking out front

St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate all things Irish, including beer, food and live music, at these beloved Portland pubs — on St. Patrick's Day, or any time of year.

Ticket to Dine

Portland’s “Ticket to Dine” offers patrons scratch-off tickets and a chance to win big prizes for the whole month of March.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.

UFO Festival in McMinnville

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests and expert speakers.

native american woman on colorfully decorated horse waves in parade

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, races, fireworks and plenty of roses.

a tray of craft cocktails from High Horse Restaurant in the Bidwell Marriot Hotel

Negroni Week

You can do good while sipping delicious twists on a classic cocktail during Portland's Negroni Week, when proceeds benefit dozens of charities.

Portland Beer Week

Portland Beer Week spotlights Portland’s breweries, high-quality brews and vibrant beer culture.