Portland Weather in December
December in Portland brings low temperatures around 7°C (45°F) during the day, dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night, with the most rainfall of the year.
Rainfall in Portland in December
The heaviest rainfall of the year happens this month, with frequent showers. A poncho is your best bet to stay dry. Climate statistics over the past 30 years suggest around 20 days of rain, with 179 mm (7 in) average for the month. This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.
Temperature in Portland in December
Temperatures in Portland in December top out at 7°C (45°F) and drop to 2°C (36°F) overnight. This month falls in the winter season. It stays cool throughout the day, so warm layers are a good idea from morning to evening. With overnight lows of 2°C (36°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Ensure you're prepared by packing appropriate winter gear.
Sunshine in Portland in December
With limited sunshine this month, there are about 64 hours of sun. It's ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.
Wind Speed in Portland in December
Wind speeds average 3 m/s (6 knots) during December. At this speed, light breezes keep leaves and small twigs in gentle motion while the wind also provides natural cooling. Since this is an average, some days are more tranquil while others have more persistent light winds that are more noticeable.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Portland. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Portland's climate page.
Portland Temperature in December
Min Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Max Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Chance of Rain
67%
Precipitation
179 mm (7 in)
Rainy days
20 days
Humidity
83%
Windspeed
3 m/s (6 knots)
Sunshine
64 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Portland typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 7°C (45°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 1°C (34°F) to 4°C (39°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Portland in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Portland spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Portland historical weather extremes in December
Based on weather observations in Portland between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during December.
- On December 4, 2023, temperatures climbed to 19°C (66°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The coldest December day was on December 20, 1990, with a maximum of -8°C (18°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -11°C (12°F) on December 23, 1998, marking the coldest December night on record.
- The wettest day in December Portland was on December 7, 2015 with 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in the United States of America in December
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Portland in December
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Portland in December. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.What To Do in Portland in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Portland's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Portland climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
