Yesterday afternoon I opened my window and was greeted by the unmistakable smell of winter in Portland. Like clockwork, the arrival of winter is marked by shorter days, cooler temperatures and other challenges.
But luckily, after 20+ years of living in Portland, I’ve learned a trick or two to survive the Portland winter.
Because let’s be real — Gray weather, constant rain, leafless trees and finger-numbing cold are a lot to deal with sometimes! Read on for my personal tips and tricks.
Winter in Portland
Portland’s winter weather usually makes a grand entrance around mid-November and lingers until mid-March (sometimes early April). Temperatures tend to hover between 40 – 60 degrees, cool enough for a warm fall sweater and well-insulated jacket.
Is it snowing in Portland? Yes, but not every year — the average snowfall is 4.3″ per year. In fact, snow happens so rarely, I never put my money on it. (The exception is February 2021 — here are some pictures!)
Is it raining in Portland? Oh yes – no need to sugar. Portland averages 154.5 days of precipitation per year and 36″ of rainfall.
The winter season in Portland is no joke. So many transplants are moved here and they don’t last more than a year because the winter is hard to deal with. I hope you find the following tips helpful.
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#1. Get a Happy Lamp
After living in Portland for over 20 years, I’ve found ways to get through the dreary and gray winter seasons. My secret? The one that changes life light bulb who doesn’t leave my side for 8+ months of the year.
Seriously, in the winter months I turn it on first thing in the morning (even before coffee – that tells you all you need to know) and keep it going until I go to sleep.
Recommended by my therapist who enlightened me that Portland has third most depressing winters in America.
He told me to get a Happy Lamp in a way that seemed non-negotiable and now I can’t remember what I did before that. It’s a lifesaver while I live in Portland and have been using mine for the past 10 years.
What is the happy bulb? “Happy Light brings daylight indoors by emitting a bright, full-spectrum light that safely mimics sunlight, but without harmful UV rays. This is especially powerful on rainy days when there is no sunshine in sight.” (source)
#2. Wear bright colors
Since gray weather dominates during Portland winters, I can assure you that we have the gray color scheme covered. And yet, most Portlanders seem to dress in dark colors during the winter season.
I say go against the grain and dress in colorful (dare I say bright) clothes!
I purposely buy winter staples in bright colors because nothing lifts my mood like a colorful insulated jacket or my favorite colorful woolen coat – believe me, it makes a difference!
#3. We light candles at night
From November to January the sky starts getting dark around 4:30pm which is absolutely brutal.
Fortunately, I learned a great Danish trick – I light candles, and many of themevery night.
The Danes call candles “living light” and consider them a superior alternative to harsh artificial light. Our house is full of tones unscented candlesclassic tea lights candles and (my personal favorite) grapefruit candles.
Friends always comment on how great our house smells and how warm it is. It’s the equivalent of a gold star sticker if you ask me.
If you love floral scents, this one Made in Portland wax it’s easily one of the best. But it sells out very quickly, so you may need to add yourself to the waiting list.
#4. Stock up on winter wardrobe essentials
Quality over quantity is the name of the game when shopping for winter gear. The five items listed below are staples in Portland residents’ wardrobes.
#1. High quality fleece
- Fleece is the ultimate layer to stay warm. Here is what I have used for the past 4 years (it’s for sale right now) – I practically live in it during Portland winters.
#2. High quality insulated jacket
- A good insulated jacket (for women) and (for men) won’t be cheap, but it’s worth every penny. I’ve had mine for four years and my husband has had his for three. And considering we wear them everyday for 6-8 months of the year, they’ve held up very nice – no complaints.
#3. High quality waterproof jacket
- I have two raincoats that I love equally and I will share the one that my husband stays with.
#4. Good boots
- I own 4 pairs these classic rain boots, so it goes without saying that I am bound. These boots usually last 3-4 years even with constant use, plus the fun colors add a nice pop to my winter wardrobe. I can’t recommend them enough!
- Here is another fun pair for cheaper.
#5. Woolen socks and woolen hood
- The best wool socks on the market are easy Smartwool socks (there’s a reason they have a cult following); Likewise, a wool hood keeps your head nice and warm (and your thoughts coherent) during the winter months — never underestimate a warm woolen cap.
#5. Get good books (and read them)
What better time than a rainy winter season in Portland to finally tackle that stack of books you’ve been meaning to get to?
Imagine this, you are in the comfort of your warm home, covered in lots cozy blankets and your favorite warm sweater while it pours outside. You have a great one Book at hand and not a care in the world. What a simple joy – the epitome of freedom!
#6. Move your body!
This might seem like a no-brainer winter tip for Portland, but bear with me. We all know that exercise is good for your health (and your mood).
Start the morning with a brisk walk (to your favorite coffee shop) or take the time to loop the block during lunch. As you may well know, exercise makes all the difference in the dreary winter months.
And trust me when I tell you that I dread leaving the house for exercise this winter as much as the next. My trick? I started rethinking my approach excercise.
Now I think of those 30 minutes as personal time and let my mind wander and use it to reflect. Exercise during the winter is essential for my mental health – the hardest step is getting out the door.
#7. You have good quality tea ready
Life is too short to drink bad tea. There is such a thing large difference in aroma and taste between Smith tea (my all time favorite) and the but material.
And yes, loose leaf tea does I make the difference.
Local tip: New Seasons has a tea sale week towards the end of October where ALL tea is 50% off. I stock up every year – seriously, I buy 20+ boxes at a time.
#8. Take advantage of indoor activities
Maybe there’s a museum you’ve been dying to try? So what better time to try it than winter?
Portland has lots of great indoor activities, such as: exploring Powell’s Books (the world’s largest independent bookstore), finding a new exhibition at OMSI, wandering around plant shops (a great mood lifter), catch a movie in an independent cinema or read a good book in a cozy cafe.
#9. Embrace winter sports at Mt. Hood
The secret to enjoying winter sports is being prepared with the right gear — read: insulated jackets and snow pants.
Mt Hood is a great place to snowboard, ski or (my favorite) snowshoe. Load your friends into a car and head for the mountain – spend the day embracing a true winter wonderland and finish your day with hot chocolate at the iconic Timberline Lodge.
#10. Plan a trip to a sunnier location
This is obviously my favorite tip – ha! But every February, like clockwork, we plan a trip to a sunnier place. We look for cheap flights and don’t feel guilty about leaving the city.
Waiting for a trip at the end of winter is So ancillary. It doesn’t have to be very expensive either, we usually road trip California.
And you know what they say – sometimes the planning is just as enjoyable as the trip itself. It’s nice to take your mind off the winter weather by picturing a beach lined with palm trees – works like a charm!
Read: Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park.
Portland Winter Events
Here is one useful guide at winter events in Portland.
Final thoughts on winter in Portland
In short, here are 10 helpful tips for surviving winter in Portland.
- You have the 5 essentials for winter
- Wear bright colors
- We light candles at night
- Get a Happy Lamp
- Get good books (and read them)
- Move your body!
- You have good quality tea ready
- Take advantage of indoor activities
- Embrace winter sports at Mt. Hood
- Plan a trip to a sunnier location
Winter in Portland is not my favorite season, but it is manageable with the right gear and tools. The Danes have a similar climate to ours and not only accept the gray months, they embrace them.
There is beauty in everything. Winter seasons are slower, I actively use the time to relax and move slower than usual. Because what’s the rush anyway?
I hope you enjoyed these tips!
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Until next time,
Antonina
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