The weather and climate vary greatly across the state of Oregon, with fluctuating temperatures as well as precipitation totals. The state can be divided into several sections weather-wise.

Summer temperatures along the coast are consistently the coolest in the state.  Average highs in most coastal areas are in the 60's to  70's. There are occasional heat waves along the coast - about twice a year on the avearge - but fortunately they often do not last more than two or three days.  Winter is less severe than most of Oregon. Many winter days are pleasantly in the 50's, although high 40's is more common. Winter nights get below freezing fairly frequently, and it snows every year, although the snow usually melts within the day. Temperatures do vary along the length of the coast with the north being cooler and the south being warmer, especially in the summer. The coast gets a great deal of rain, averaging about 70" each year, with much of it falling between late October and June.          

Inland, in the Willamette Valley and Portland, summer temps are warmer than the coast. Average highs are usually in the upper 80's, although heat waves are not uncommon and may drive temps up into the high 90's. Winter temperatures are colder, with many days in the mid 40's and  snow and ice are expected several times each year. Rainfall is about half of the coast.

In Central Oregon, the temperatures warm up during the summer and cool down during the winters.  During the summer months, the high temperatures are often in  the upper 80's to 90’s, or higher, depending on the location.  In the winter months, the average lows will drop to the upper teens to lower 20’s, again depending on the location.  November through March are the rainiest months, but since less than two inches fall per month in most locations, it is very dry.

Summer temperatures in Eastern Oregon are the hottest in the state, usually into the upper 90's and low 100's. Winter temperatures are the coldest, with minus temps not uncommon.  Rainfall is limited, and it is very dry here, although summer thunderstorms can occur. The Columbia Gorge is windy all year long, and in winter ice storms may occur. These sometimes are so bad they force the closure of Interstate 84 along the river.

Southern Oregon is another hot summer area, with temps around Medford averaging 95º. It is also cold in the winter, although not as cold as central or eastern Oregon.  Rainfall averages about 30" per year.

The Cascades receive a large amount of snow in the winter. Crater Lake is famous for getting about 40 feet each year!  Summer temps are warm, not hot, with daily temps averaging in the low 80's most places in the mountains. Summer thunderstorms are common.

            Visit Oregon Climate for detailed weather information about major locations throughout the state.