Portland Travel Essentials

Portland has a Mediterranean climate with chilly, overcast winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 40°F (4°C) in winter to 70°F (21°C) in summer. Rainy days vary significantly, with up to 19 rainy days from November to January and only 4 in July and August. Expect occasional snowfalls from December to March.

The warmest period is from May to September, with peak season from late-June to late-August, when crowds and accommodations rates are higher. Book a few months in advance if you plan to visit Portland around this time of the year. The best times to visit Portland are April–June and September–October, when hotel rates are usually better, and the weather, though chillier, is still pleasant.

Portland’s primary language is English, though a fair amount of the population also speak Spanish. The city is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, so you might also hear Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, and Chinese, including Cantonese and Mandarin

You can use plug types A and B, with 120 V in Portland. As you may have guessed, the currency used is the United States dollar (US$). The international dialing codes are +1 503 and +1 971. The emergency telephone number is 911.

Portland International Airport (PDX) sits 7 miles (11 km) north of Downtown Portland, with a drive time of 30-45 minutes to downtown. The taxi stand is on the lower roadway, outside the baggage claim. Uber, Lyft, and Wingz rideshare services offer pick-up locations in the parking garage. Shuttles and buses are available outside the baggage claim area, in front of the short-term garage. The Trimet Max/Light Rail station is on the main level, at the south end of the ticket lobby.

If you are traveling to Portland by train or bus, Portland Union Station is situated just north of Downtown Portland. From the station, you can reach your hotel by MAX Light Rail, public buses, taxi cabs, or rideshare services.

Portland can easily be explored on foot, and cycling is also an enjoyable way to see the city. Known for its bike-friendly culture, Portland boasts over 300 miles (483 km) of cycleways. For longer trips, the city offers a robust public transportation system, including light rail, buses, and streetcars.

Taxis and rideshares like Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are affordable and convenient due to the city’s compact layout. While renting a car is an option, Portland’s extensive public transit, managed by TriMet, is recommended due to frequent congestion and costly parking. The Hop Fastpass™ is the easiest way to pay for fares on TriMet services.

Portland Rose Festival is one of the biggest and oldest events in The City of Roses, featuring a floral parade, a starlight parade, and many more exciting happenings. The festival takes place in June in Downtown Portland.

If you’re a blues fan, check out the Waterfront Blues Festival in July at the beautiful Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Established in 1988, this 4-day event features renowned greats with Ben Harper, Chris Isaak, and the Steve Miller Band among its past headliners. If you’re in Portland in winter, the Portland Winter Light Festival, held in February, is a magical event that features light-based art installations, performances, and other activities around the city.

Portland boasts many iconic landmarks and attractions. Pioneer Courthouse Square, in the heart of downtown, is a popular gathering spot and home to the historic Pioneer Courthouse. The Skidmore Fountain is a historic landmark that gave its name to the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District, which includes Portland’s Chinatown. The district is located along the Willamette River between the Pearl District and Downtown.

The Portland Art Museum, one of the oldest on the West Coast, features Native American, Asian, modern, and contemporary art. Pittock Mansion, a 23-room mansion built in 1914, is located 2 miles  (3.2 km) northwest of downtown and offers beautiful grounds to explore.