Portland in November: weather, events and what to know
November in Portland is wet, mild and cozy: fall color lingers, the rainy season takes over and the city's holiday season begins the day after Thanksgiving. Clocks fell back on November 1, so evenings are dark early. It's a good month for bookstores, coffee, breweries and food carts, with lower hotel prices.
November at a glance
- Typical temperatures: Highs in the low to mid 50s °F, lows in the low 40s (approximate)
- Rain: Frequent, often light and steady; one of the wetter months
- Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is before 5 p.m. most of the month
- Crowd level: Low, rising Thanksgiving weekend
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Weather in Portland in November and what to pack
A waterproof jacket with a hood (locals rarely carry umbrellas).
Water-resistant shoes or boots with grip for wet leaves and trails.
Warm layers: sweater, fleece, hat.
A small day pack with a rain cover for hikes and bookstore finds.
Warm socks and a spare pair if you're hiking.
Daylight shrinks through the month: sunset moves from about 4:55 p.m. on November 1 to about 4:28 p.m. by November 30, with sunrise shifting from about 6:52 a.m. to about 7:29 a.m..
Top events in Portland in November 2026
5 eventsAlso in Portland in November
seasonal picks- Portland Book Festival.
- Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11.
- BrewLights at the Oregon Zoo.
- Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
- Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto.
- Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26.
Crowds, prices and what to book ahead
Calmest: early to mid November, midweek. Busiest: Thanksgiving weekend, when the holiday tree lighting and Grotto draw crowds. Book ahead: Thanksgiving dinner, popular restaurants and holiday shows. Getting around: TriMet runs reduced schedules on Thanksgiving; check before you go.
What changes in Portland in November
Rain and mud. Trails in Forest Park and the Gorge can be slick; some areas have hazards after storms.
Columbia River Gorge: waterfalls are full and crowds are lighter, but weather can close roads or trails. Check Oregon DOT and Forest Service alerts.
Fall color lingers in the first half of the month, especially in Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum.
Food carts and patios thin out in the rain, but indoor dining thrives.
Best things to do in November
5 picksBrowse Powell's City of Books for hours.
Walk Washington Park and the Japanese Garden for fall color (check seasonal hours).
Tour breweries and coffee roasters.
Visit food-cart pods for a cheap, varied meal.
Take a day trip to the Gorge or Willamette Valley wine country (check conditions).
Sample November itinerary
Day 1: Powell's, the Pearl District, a food-cart lunch, and an evening in a Southeast Portland bar or restaurant.
Day 2: Washington Park and the Japanese Garden, then Alberta Arts or Mississippi Avenue for dinner.
Getting around in November
Getting around: TriMet runs reduced schedules on Thanksgiving; check before you go.
Questions
6 answersIs Portland worth visiting in November?
Yes, for food, books, coffee and breweries, with lower prices and smaller crowds.
How much does it rain in Portland in November?
Often, in light but steady rain, so bring a waterproof jacket.
What should I wear in Portland in November?
Waterproof outer layer, warm layers and water-resistant shoes.
When do clocks change?
Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
When do holiday lights start?
Many traditions, including the Pioneer Courthouse Square tree lighting and the Grotto's Festival of Lights, begin the day after Thanksgiving.
Is November a good time for the Columbia River Gorge?
Yes for full waterfalls and fewer crowds, but check road and trail conditions first. --- *An independent local guide. Weather figures are approximate climate norms. Verify event dates and road conditions with official sources before you go.*