Portland
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Portland Weather in May

During May, Portland experiences moderate daytime temperatures of 18°C (64°F) and cooler nights around 8°C (46°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 108 mm (4.3 in) is typical.

Rainfall in Portland in May

Historically, the month has about 13 days of rain, averaging 108 mm (4.3 in) in total. The rain this month tends to fall in heavier spells rather than light drizzle. When it rains, showers can be significant.

Temperature in Portland in May

Daytime temperatures in Portland reach 18°C (64°F) in May, dropping to 8°C (46°F) at night. The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. Nights fall to 8°C (46°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.

Sunshine in Portland in May

Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 244 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Portland.

Average water temperature in May

At 8°C (46°F), the water is too cold for most people to swim comfortably. A wetsuit is pretty much essential if you plan to go in.

If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, June, July, August and September typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

Portland Temperature in May

Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Water Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
43%
Precipitation
108 mm (4.3 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
71%
Sunshine
244 hours
Percentage Sunshine
53%

Portland Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Portland - and find the best time to visit.

Best Places in the United States of America in May

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 May →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Portland in May

For Portland in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. With water temperatures around 8°C (46°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.

What To Do in Portland in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Cycling
    5/10
  • Walking
    5/10
  • Camping
    3/10
  • Outdoor sports
    9/10

Portland 3-Day Forecast

Popular in May

Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.