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Oregon is a state that is filled with natural beauty and plenty of things to do year-round. But when is the best time of year to visit Oregon? That depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to see the fall colors, then September or October are your best bet. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, then December through February is the time to go. And if you’re looking for some sunshine and warm weather, then May through August are the months you’ll want to visit. No matter when you decide to go, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!

Best Time of Year to Visit Oregon

As with any trip, the best time of year to visit Oregon is the time that you have available. And fortunately, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Oregon has something to offer in every season. Oregon is a state full of natural beauty, from its Cascade mountains to its lush forests and rugged coastline. And while it’s a great place to visit year-round, each season has its own unique appeal.

Note: Check out this post if you are looking to plan the perfect Oregon road trip itinerary.

Why You Should Visit Oregon

Oregon is an incredibly diverse place that is home to an amazing natural landscape that appeals to thrill-seekers from all around the world.

So, if you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors then you’ll love exploring national parks like California National Historic Trail, Crater Lake National Park, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, John Day Fossil Beds, and Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail.

Additionally, Oregon features some of the best sand dunes in the nation and is a perfect place to try sandboarding and riding dune buggies.

So, visit some of the beaches along the coast and try these fun activities for yourself.

However, if you’re looking for a bit of culture and a fun nightlife then be sure to visit Portland. After all, it’s the state’s largest city and is home to a bunch of breweries, restaurants, museums, vineyards, and more.

Cheapest Time to Visit Oregon

If you’re on a budget then the cheapest time to visit is from late September through November.

After all, prices at this time of year are reasonable since kids are back in school and the weather is beginning to get a bit colder.

That’s why if you’re looking to plan a 7-day trip to Oregon then you can expect to pay around $1700 per person, which will vary based on where you stay, what you do, and where you fly in from.

Additionally, this is a great time of year to go hiking – especially in September – since the weather is cool, but not cold, and perfect for doing some of the best hikes in Oregon, like the Pine to Palm 100.

Least Crowded Time to Visit Oregon

If you hate crowds and want to avoid people then the best time to visit Oregon is in the Winter, or any time in December, January, February, and March.

And that’s because the weather is cold and most families have kids in school. That being said, winter weather in Oregon is much milder than in many other states.

Therefore, if you can handle highs in the 50s/low 40s F and don’t mind a bit of rain then this might be the best time to visit Oregon for you.

Worst Time to Visit Oregon

There really is no BAD time to visit Oregon. It really just depends on what you are looking to do and what is important to you when planning an Oregon itinerary.

So, if you hate crowds and want a bit of solitude then winter is the perfect time to visit for you.

However, if you despise cold, rainy weather then skip winter and visit during the summer instead since the weather is warm and sunny and perfect for hitting the beach.

Alternatively, if you are on a budget but don’t mind sharing your vacation with a few other tourists then you should definitely visit in the fall since you can score great travel deals and will still have to deal with fewer tourists.

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit during the summer or major national holidays then be sure to book hotels and tables at restaurants well in advance.

This also holds true for national parks which may require a reservation to enter.

How to get around Oregon

If you’re planning a trip to Oregon, you’ll need to figure out how to get around. There are several airports that you can fly into with the most popular choice being Portland, Oregon (airport code: PDX). If you have one day available to spend in Portland check out this post. Other great choices for airports are Redmond, Oregon (airport code: RDM) which is in central Oregon, and Medford, Oregon (airport code: MFR) which is in Southern Oregon. If you are looking for cheap flights to Oregon, check out this post on how to find cheap flights via Google Flights.

Renting a car will give you the flexibility to explore the state at your own pace. However, another option is to take advantage of the state’s public transportation system. This can be a great way to see the sights without having to worry about renting a car. Whatever you decide, Oregon is a beautiful state that is worth exploring.

What to do in Each of the Four Seasons

Oregon is a beautiful state with 4 distinct seasons and deciding the best time of year to visit Oregon will likely depend on the the activities that you are hoping to do. In the winter, you can hit the slopes at one of the many ski resorts, or go snowshoeing and ice-skating. Check out these things to do in Portland in the winter. Spring is a great time to see waterfalls, as melting snow creates an abundance of waterfalls. Spring is also an excellent time to see wildflowers. It also rains a lot in the summer so be sure to check out things to do in Portland on a rainy day. Spring is also an excellent time to visit central Oregon. Here are the best things to do in Bend Oregon in the spring.

In summer, you can hike, mountain bike, and raft through white water rapids and the days are incredibly long. And in autumn, you can witness the stunning fall foliage while enjoying some of the best wines in the world. Year-round you can visit the stunning Oregon coast. So no matter what season it is, there’s always something to do in Oregon.

Check out this post to learn about the best hikes near Portland, Oregon.

However, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that each season can bring. Winter storms can cause avalanche conditions and spring can bring floods and landslides, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. And in summer, wildfires can quickly spread through dry forests. You can use this site to check air quality conditions and shift your plans if it appears that there are fires in the area you were planning to visit. So regardless of the season, always be aware of the potential hazards and take precautions accordingly.

Click here to read more about visiting Crater Lake in the winter.

What to Pack for a Trip to Oregon

There’s no question that Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the country. From the snow-capped mountains to the rain forests, there’s a lot to explore. But what should you pack for a trip to Oregon? First and foremost, you’ll need a rain jacket. Even if you’re visiting during the summer months, you may still experience a few showers.

And if you’re planning on doing any hiking, be sure to pack a pair of comfortable, waterproof hiking boots. In addition, Oregon is home to some of the best coffee in the country, so be sure to leave some extra space in your suitcase to take home a few bags of your favorite beans. And finally, don’t forget your camera! With all the natural beauty, you’ll want to document your trip.

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Oregon

For first-time visitors, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make the most of your trip.

First and foremost, while the state does have its fair share of rainy days, it barely rains at all in Oregon during the summer making it very enjoyable to visit during the late spring and summer months. The mild weather makes it an ideal destination for hiking, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors. And speaking of the great outdoors, Oregon has no shortage of parks and recreational areas to explore. From Mount Hood National Forest to Crater Lake National Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty. Check out this post if you are looking for the best Oregon state parks to visit on your trip.

Finally, don’t forget to sample some of Oregon’s world-famous cuisine. The state is home to a thriving food scene, and you’ll find everything from fresh seafood to farm-to-table fare. There are also plenty of wineries and breweries worth visiting, so be sure to leave time for some exploring (and tasting!) on your trip.

Best Time of Year to Visit Oregon

Oregon is a state like no other, and its natural beauty is unmatched. From the snow-capped mountains of the Cascades to the green valleys of the Willamette River, Oregon is a nature lover’s paradise. And with so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Oregon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Hopefully this post helped you figure out what is the best time of year to visit Oregon based off of the activities that you want to do. Have you visited Oregon? What is your favorite season to visit?

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Waterfalls in Oregon
• Sunset Spots in Portland Oregon that You Should Check Out
• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Underrated Places to Visit in the Pacific Northwest
• Best Waterfalls near Portland
• Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• 10 Places to Visit in Oregon

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