What to Wear in Portland, Oregon in Winter (Ultimate Guide)

Got a winter trip planned to Portland, OR? Portland can be fun to visit in the winter, but you'll want to make sure you're dressed right. The weather is cold and dry, with temperatures averaging around 48°F (that's 9°C). So what should you wear so you can stay comfy and fit in with the local vibe?

First and foremost, you'll need to dress warmly, as the temperatures can drop below freezing. A coat, scarf, and hat are going to be essential. Layering is also key, so consider wearing a sweater or vest under your coat. Boots with some grip are a good choice of footwear, as they'll keep your feet warm and dry whatever the conditions.

In just a second, I'll share my specific recommendations for exactly what to wear in Portland in winter—whether you're visiting Powell's City of Books, going to the Oregon Zoo, hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, or checking out the food carts.

🔗 What should women wear in Portland, Oregon in winter?

Portland in winter is generally cold, and there are a few key items you'll want to pack. Here's what I definitely wouldn't go without: thermal baselayers, heavy coat, walking boots, sweaters, and long-sleeved shirts. With these essentials, you’ll be all set to experience everything Portland has to offer.

🔗 Thermal baselayers

As Portland in winter has a colder climate, you'll want to make sure you pack some thermal baselayers. Thermal baselayers are designed to keep you warm by trapping your body heat, and they can be worn under your regular clothes. They're especially useful for activities like skiing or hiking, where you're likely to work up a sweat. When choosing thermal baselayers, look for ones made of a moisture-wicking material like Merino wool. You'll also want to choose baselayers that fit snugly but not too tightly. With a little planning, thermal baselayers can help you enjoy your Portland trip despite the cold weather.

Any of these should work:

🔗 Heavy coat

You're definitely going to want to have a coat with you in Portland, for those icy cold snaps. When choosing a coat, look for one that is both waterproof and windproof. A hood is also a nice feature to have, as it will help protect your head and face from the elements. And make sure to pack your coat in an easily accessible place so you can grab it quickly if the weather takes a turn for the worse when you arrive.

These options are both stylish and comfy:

🔗 Walking boots

Walking boots are a must-have item for Portland, especially if your trip involves hiking or spending time outdoors. They provide support and stability on uneven terrain, and they also protect your feet from rocks, roots, and other hazards. When choosing walking boots, it's important to pick a pair that fits well and provides enough support for your ankles. It's also a good idea to get them ahead of time and break them in before you go on your trip, so you can avoid blisters when you're there.

Here are some options I'd recommend:

🔗 Sweaters

Sweaters are super versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them ideal for both day and evening wear in Portland. They also take up less space than other types of warm clothing, so you can pack more sweaters into your suitcase without sacrificing style. When choosing sweaters for travel, look for ones that are made of wrinkle-resistant fabric, such as Merino wool or cashmere. These materials will help to keep you warm without adding bulk.

Why not grab yourself something new before you go:

🔗 Long-sleeved shirts

Long-sleeved shirts are an essential part of any travel wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, and they offer sun protection on bright days. When choosing a long-sleeved shirt for Portland, it's important to look for one that is comfortable and breathable. A lightweight cotton shirt is a good option, as it will keep you cool in warm weather and can be layered under a sweater or jacket when the temperature drops. It's also a good idea to choose a shirt in a neutral color that can be easily paired with other items in your suitcase.

Need some inspiration? Start here:

🔗 What should men wear in Portland, Oregon in winter?

For guys, here's the list of essentials I recommend you start with: long-sleeved shirts, thermal baselayers, cardigans, heavy coat, and walking boots. With these in your suitcase, I guarantee you will enjoy your trip to Portland in comfort and style.

🔗 Long-sleeved shirts

Long-sleeved shirts are an essential part of any travel wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, and they offer sun protection on bright days. When choosing a long-sleeved shirt for Portland, it's important to look for one that is comfortable and breathable. A lightweight cotton shirt is a good option, as it will keep you cool in warm weather and can be layered under a sweater or jacket when the temperature drops. It's also a good idea to choose a shirt in a neutral color that can be easily paired with other items in your suitcase.

Need some inspiration? Start here:

🔗 Thermal baselayers

As Portland in winter has a colder climate, you'll want to make sure you pack some thermal baselayers. Thermal baselayers are designed to keep you warm by trapping your body heat, and they can be worn under your regular clothes. They're especially useful for activities like skiing or hiking, where you're likely to work up a sweat. When choosing thermal baselayers, look for ones made of a moisture-wicking material like Merino wool. You'll also want to choose baselayers that fit snugly but not too tightly. With a little planning, thermal baselayers can help you enjoy your Portland trip despite the cold weather.

Here's a few ideas to get you started:

🔗 Cardigans

A cardigan is the perfect piece of clothing to pack for a trip to Portland in winter. They are lightweight, versatile, and easy to care for. Cardigans can be dressed up or down, and they work well in both warm and cool weather. When choosing a cardigan for travel, natural fibers such as cotton or wool are great (though synthetic equivalents can work well too). You mostly just want to look for fabric that breathes well so it will keep you comfortable in all types of weather.

Any of these should work:

🔗 Heavy coat

You're definitely going to want to have a coat with you in Portland, for those icy cold snaps. When choosing a coat, look for one that is both waterproof and windproof. A hood is also a nice feature to have, as it will help protect your head and face from the elements. And make sure to pack your coat in an easily accessible place so you can grab it quickly if the weather takes a turn for the worse when you arrive.

This is the kind of thing I mean:

🔗 Walking boots

Walking boots are a must-have item for Portland, especially if your trip involves hiking or spending time outdoors. They provide support and stability on uneven terrain, and they also protect your feet from rocks, roots, and other hazards. When choosing walking boots, it's important to pick a pair that fits well and provides enough support for your ankles. It's also a good idea to get them ahead of time and break them in before you go on your trip, so you can avoid blisters when you're there.

If you're stuck for ideas, here are some of my favorites:

I hope these recommendations for what to wear in Portland, Oregon will help make your winter visit unforgettable. Now that you have a better idea of what clothing to take, it's time to pack your suitcase—and then go ahead and enjoy everything Portland has to offer!