There is no right or wrong time to travel to Oregon and explore its different regions. With diverse climate and terrain, Oregon ensures the best time for every visitor, whether you dream of snow-capped slides or moss-covered forests and gushing waterfalls.
Last updated: July 29, 2025
Different Regions of Oregon
Sandwiched between California and Washington, Oregon inherits the best and worst weather from both states. The ninth biggest state in the USA, it is famous for its hot summers and mild winters in the south and lots of precipitation in the north.
Such a diverse climate paired with the impressive size of Oregon ensures the best time for every visitor. Knowing the specifics of different regions are essential to plan a successful Oregon trip.
THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO DIFFERENT REGIONS OF OREGON
In the state that is known for frequent rains and gloomy skies, summer is usually the best time to live, visit, and explore. With higher temperatures, this season brings less participation and very nice weather to all regions of Oregon.
Yet the summer months only scratch the surface, teasing you, but never fully allowing you to experience the state in full. Truth be told, Oregon is beautiful to travel to all year round. The trip is to choose the best season and region for YOU.
1. Central Oregon
Central Oregon looks and feels nice in the summer. In fact, the warmest and driest time to visit this part of Oregon is July, August, and September. Consequently, the summer and early fall attract more visitors. This, in its turn, leads to increase in prices for hotels and flights.
March through May is the second most popular time to travel to Central Oregon. It’s still moderately cold, but with less rain. Fall and winter are usually cold. People normally avoid traveling to Central Oregon during this time.
2. Eastern Oregon
Eastern Oregon surprises with frigid winters and hot summers. You can expect frequent snow and rain in the areas west of the Cascade Mountains.
The high desert region, however, stays drier and has less rain. Winters bring more snow to the desert. The warmest time to visit Eastern Oregon are July, August, and September.
3. Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge
Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are known as the rainiest regions in Oregon regardless of the season. And yet starting in spring, the area throws in more sunny days to the delight of visitors and locals alike.
The best season to visit Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge area in Oregon are spring and fall. Another reason to travel to this region in the spring is the yearly Hood River Valley Blossom Festival in the Columbia River Gorge.
With the beginning of fall, more rainfalls invade the area, making it less pleasant to explore this green oasis of the state of Oregon. From November through March, you can expect heavy precipitation almost every day.
On the other hand, if you travel to the Mt. Hood region merely for snow, winter is your best time to visit Oregon. With a snowy winter wonderland and 16,000 acres of skiing areas, you hardly need any other reasons to plan your trip.
4. Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is one of a few regions of the state that welcomes travelers any time of the year. Its natural beauty is breathtaking. Massive rocks and majestic cliffs are unmatched. The Oregon Coast ensures that you have time for swimming and sunbathing in the summer and enjoying leisurely walks on its beaches all year round.
But if you need to pick the best time to travel to this region of Oregon, it’d be the period from September through mid-October. Locals often refer to this time as “Second Summer” in Oregon. The days are still long enough to enjoy the sunny and windless coast. Moreover, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, you find yourself outside more often than inside, watching whales and hiking along coastal trails.
Early fall also marks the end of the peak season in Oregon. During this time, travelers are pleased to find fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations along the Oregon Coast.
READ MORE: How to Visit Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon
5. Portland Region
Portland is one of the best places to visit in Oregon throughout the year. With the great abundance of things to do indoors, even bad weather can’t spoil your trip. Yet, if the outdoorsy culture of the Portland region is what you dream of, then you need to plan wisely.
The best time to travel to this part of Oregon is from June through August. The summer months enable you to explore the city and the nearby areas without being soaked to the bone out in the rain. On top of that, the summer is the best time to see the City of Roses in bloom.
6. Southern Oregon
One of the closest neighbors of California, Southern Oregon enjoys higher temperatures and less precipitation throughout the year. Summers are hot, and winters are mild here. In fact, the city of Medford is considered the warmest place in the state.
Southern Oregon is by far the most appealing region to travel to any time of the year for those who can’t tolerate cold weather. In addition, the spring always welcomes Oregon visitors with the fields of blooming daffodils.
7. Willamette Valley
Summer is also the best time to travel to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Spread for 150 miles from Portland to Cottage Grove, this area includes most of the state’s wineries. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival makes this region a center of attraction in spring.
While fresh and rejuvenated by spring and summer greenery the Willamette Valley looks rather barren in the winter. Fall, on the other hand, can be the second best time to travel to this part of Oregon thanks to Indian summer, vibrant fall colors, and grape harvest.
Read Next
- OREGON ROAD TRIP: 4-Day Oregon Road Trip from Medford to Portland
- FIRST TIME IN OREGON: 7 Things to Know before Traveling to Oregon
- WEST COAST TRAVEL: 9 Gorgeous Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Spokane
