Things to Do in Portland in July

July Weather in Portland

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer weather with minimal rain - only 3 rainy days on average and just 8mm (0.3 inches) total rainfall makes outdoor activities reliable
Perfect hiking conditions with dry trails and clear mountain views - visibility extends 80+ km (50+ miles) on clear days to Mt. Hood and the Cascades
Food cart pod season in full swing with extended evening hours until 10pm, plus outdoor dining patios open throughout the city
Longest daylight hours of the year - sunset at 8:45pm gives you extra time for evening activities and golden hour photography

Considerations

Peak tourist season means crowds at popular attractions like Powell's Books and Washington Park, with weekend wait times up to 30 minutes
Hotel prices 40-60% higher than shoulder season, with downtown rooms averaging $180-250 per night versus $120-160 in May or September
Occasional heat waves can push temperatures to 32-35°C (90-95°F) for 3-5 day stretches, making walking tours uncomfortable midday

Best Activities in July

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tours

July's dry conditions mean all hiking trails to waterfalls are accessible and safe, including the popular Multnomah Falls trail that's often icy in winter. Water levels are still robust from spring snowmelt, and clear skies provide perfect photography conditions. The 45-minute drive east offers dramatic temperature drops of 5-8°C (9-14°F) from Portland's heat.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 2-3 weeks ahead for July weekends. Full-day tours typically cost $85-120 per person and include transportation. Look for operators offering early morning departures (7am) to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. Reference current tour options in booking section below.

Mt. Hood Wine Country Tours

Peak harvest season preparation means vineyards are at their most beautiful, with full canopies providing natural shade during tastings. July's warm days and cool nights (18°C/64°F) create perfect conditions for outdoor wine tastings. The 90-minute drive offers scenic mountain views and escape from city heat.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 10-14 days ahead for weekends. Half-day tours range $75-110 per person, full-day $120-180 including tastings at 3-4 vineyards. Afternoon tours (1pm-6pm) are popular but book early morning tours for better availability. See current options in booking widget below.

Willamette River Kayaking Adventures

July's low rainfall and warm temperatures create ideal kayaking conditions with calm waters and comfortable air temperatures. River levels are predictable and safe for beginners. Evening tours (5pm-8pm) offer sunset paddling with temperatures cooling from 27°C to 22°C (81°F to 72°F) during the trip.

Booking Tip: Reserve kayak tours 1-2 weeks ahead for July. Guided tours typically cost $65-85 per person for 3-hour experiences including equipment. Look for operators with sunset timing and downtown pickup. Book morning tours (9am-12pm) to avoid afternoon heat. Current tour options available in booking section.

Powell Butte Nature Preserve Hiking

July showcases the preserve's 612-hectare (1,500-acre) wildflower displays at peak bloom, with clear trail conditions and panoramic Cascade Range views. Early morning hikes (7am-10am) offer wildlife viewing opportunities and comfortable temperatures before the day heats up. The 15 km (9.3 miles) of trails provide options from 30-minute strolls to 4-hour hikes.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity - no booking required, but guided nature walks are available weekends for $25-35 per person. Arrive by 8am for best wildlife viewing and parking availability. Organized group tours typically cost $40-60 per person and include naturalist guides. Check current guided tour availability in booking widget.

Food Cart Pod Crawls

July's extended daylight and warm evenings create the perfect atmosphere for food cart exploration. Carts stay open until 9-10pm with outdoor seating available. Summer seasonal menus feature fresh local produce, and the lack of rain means reliable outdoor dining. Cart pods like Alder Street and Hawthorne are at their most vibrant.

Booking Tip: Join organized food tours 1 week ahead for July. Guided food crawls cost $55-75 per person for 3-hour experiences visiting 6-8 carts. Evening tours (5pm-8pm) are most popular. Self-guided crawls require no booking - budget $35-50 per person for full meal across multiple carts. Current food tour options in booking section.

Oregon Coast Day Trips

July offers the most reliable weather for coastal excursions, with minimal rain and comfortable temperatures averaging 21°C (70°F) at the beach - significantly cooler than inland Portland. The 90-minute drive to Cannon Beach provides dramatic temperature relief during heat waves, and tide pooling conditions are optimal during summer low tides.

Booking Tip: Book coastal day trips 2-3 weeks ahead for July weekends. Full-day tours to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock typically cost $95-140 per person including transportation. Tours departing 8am return by 7pm, maximizing beach time during best weather window. See current coastal tour options in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Late July

Oregon Brewers Festival

North America's longest-running craft beer festival featuring 80+ independent brewers in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Four-day festival showcases Oregon's craft beer culture with live music and food vendors. Entry is free, beer tastings require tokens ($1 per token, beers cost 1-4 tokens).

Mid July

Portland International Beerfest

Features 150+ international and Pacific Northwest beers in the Pearl District. This indoor/outdoor festival offers beer education seminars and food pairings. Different from Oregon Brewers Festival with focus on international selections alongside local favorites.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layers for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 18°C (64°F), afternoons reach 27°C (81°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 with intense midday sun exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with good support - you'll average 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) of walking daily on Portland's uneven sidewalks

Light rain jacket or packable umbrella - while only 3 rainy days expected, Pacific Northwest weather can change quickly

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated during warm afternoons and save money ($3-5 per bottle avoided)

Portable phone charger - long daylight hours and photography opportunities drain batteries faster

Cash for food carts and farmers markets - many vendors don't accept cards, budget $50-80 cash for weekend market visits

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 65% humidity conditions that can feel sticky

Light sweater for air-conditioned indoor spaces and evening river activities when temperature drops 5-8°C (9-14°F)

Crossbody bag or backpack with zippers - hands-free for bike tours and secure storage for valuables

Insider Knowledge

Visit popular attractions like International Rose Garden before 9am or after 6pm to avoid peak crowds and tour groups that arrive 10am-4pm

Food carts often run out of popular items by 7pm on busy July days - arrive by 5:30pm for full menu selection

Powell's Books main location gets overcrowded 11am-3pm on weekends - visit early morning or evening for better browsing experience

Take advantage of free public transportation within downtown Fareless Square until 7pm - saves $2.50 per trip and reduces parking hassle in busy summer months