If you’re planning something special for Valentine’s Day in Oregon, you’ll probably want to think about the weather. Most of the state sees cool temperatures, lots of clouds, and a pretty good chance of rain around mid-February. Highs in the valleys usually land in the upper 40s to low 50s °F (about 8–11°C). Mountain areas stay snowy and perfect for winter sports.
Oregon’s weather changes a lot depending on where you go. The coast feels damp and breezy, but the ocean views are dramatic—honestly, they’re even better when you’re inside with a cozy dinner. Central and Eastern Oregon run colder but drier, with clearer skies and that crisp winter air that wakes you up.
Knowing these patterns helps you decide whether you want a quiet weekend in wine country, a storm-watching trip on the coast, or a ski getaway in the Cascades. Valentine’s Day doesn’t always promise sunshine, but the weather sets the mood for memorable moments all over the state.
Typical Valentine’s Day Weather in Oregon
In mid-February, Oregon usually feels cool and damp, though the details can change a lot depending on your location. West of the Cascades, you’ll get mild conditions. Central and eastern areas are colder, and rain or snow depends on both location and elevation.
Average Temperatures on February 14
Temperatures around February 14 in Oregon stay on the cooler side. In the Willamette Valley—think Portland and Eugene—daytime highs reach the upper 40s to low 50s °F. Nighttime lows drop into the mid to upper 30s °F.
Central Oregon, including Bend, runs a bit colder. Highs usually sit in the mid-40s °F, and lows can fall into the 20s °F. Eastern Oregon feels even chillier, with highs sometimes stuck in the 30s °F and lows dropping into the teens.
Historic data shows some wild swings. Pendleton once hit 65°F on Valentine’s Day, but the coldest maximum there only reached 11°F. Minimums have dipped below zero in a few years. That’s Oregon for you—expect the unexpected.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Rain falls pretty often in western Oregon during February. Portland and Eugene average about 6–7 inches of rain for the month, with around 13–14 days of measurable precipitation. By Valentine’s Day, you’ll probably see light to moderate showers, not usually heavy downpours.
Snow at lower elevations west of the Cascades is rare. Portland might pick up a trace to 1 inch, but most years there’s no snow at all. Eugene averages less than an inch. Bend and the higher mountains, though, often get several inches in February, and Valentine’s Day can bring fresh accumulation.
Eastern Oregon gets more winter weather. Towns like La Grande or Baker City can see snow around February 14, but totals swing a lot from year to year. If you’re driving through mountain passes, you should plan for winter road conditions.
Daylight Hours and Sunlight
By mid-February, daylight starts to creep back in across Oregon. On February 14, you get about 10.5 hours of daylight in most places. Sunrise is around 7:15 a.m., and sunset lands near 5:30 p.m.
Clouds still cover the sky most days. In Portland and Eugene, you see clear or partly cloudy skies only about 25–30% of the time. Bend does a bit better, with clearer skies about 40% of the time.
Sunlight, when it breaks through, feels nice but weak since the sun’s still low in the sky. Even on those brighter days, you’ll want to dress in layers if you’re heading outside.
Regional Variations Across Oregon
Weather in Oregon during mid-February really depends on where you are. Coastal valleys stay damp and mild. Mountain ranges are snowy and cold. Inland plateaus swing between chilly days and freezing nights. Each area brings its own vibe, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Portland and the Willamette Valley
In Portland and the Willamette Valley, you usually get cool, wet weather around Valentine’s Day. Daytime highs hover in the mid-40s °F, and nighttime lows fall to the mid-30s °F. Rain comes often, and overcast skies are the norm.
Snow rarely sticks at lower elevations, but you might see a flurry or two. Roads usually stay clear, though slick spots pop up during cold snaps.
If you’re heading outside, pack a waterproof jacket and wear layers. Indoor activities like wine tasting or checking out museums work well if rain keeps you inside.
| Typical Conditions | Temperature Range | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Highs | 44–48 °F | Light to moderate rain |
| Nighttime Lows | 33–37 °F | Occasional drizzle |
Cascade Mountains and Blue Mountains
The Cascade Mountains and Blue Mountains offer a pretty different mid-February scene. Snow falls often, and temperatures usually stay below freezing, especially above 3,000 feet. Ski resorts and snow parks buzz with activity this time of year.
Daytime highs usually range from the upper 20s to mid-30s °F. Nights can dip into the teens. When snowstorms hit, travel gets tricky, so chains or traction tires are a must.
Heavy snowpack builds up in higher passes like Santiam Pass or Government Camp. These spots draw skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers, but you’ll need to prep for winter driving and bring cold-weather gear.
Hood River and Columbia Gorge
Hood River and the Columbia Gorge can throw all sorts of winter at you. Cold air funnels through the Gorge, bringing windy and icy weather. Daytime temps usually land in the mid-30s to low 40s °F. Nights drop near freezing.
Snow doesn’t show up much in Hood River itself but can hit higher spots nearby. Freezing rain is a bigger worry here than in other parts of Oregon, especially when east winds bring cold air into the valley.
If you visit, bring warm layers and brace for strong winds. People love wine tasting, brewery hopping, and watching the river’s wild winter look, though driving can be unpredictable.
Eastern and Southern Oregon
Eastern Oregon, especially towns near the Blue Mountain foothills, gets much colder and drier. Daytime highs often stay in the 30s °F, while overnight lows sink into the teens. Snow is common in higher areas, though valleys might see more dry, cold days.
Southern Oregon, including Medford and Ashland, feels a bit milder. Highs usually hit the mid-40s °F, and lows hover near freezing. Rain is more common here than in the high desert, but snow can fall in nearby mountain passes.
Conditions can shift fast. Nights on the eastern plateau are often much colder than days. Southern valleys sometimes see fog and drizzle. Warm clothes, winter tires, and a flexible plan help if you’re driving any distance.
Notable Weather Events on Valentine’s Day
Oregon’s Valentine’s Day weather has ranged from snowy afternoons to mild, wet evenings. Some years bring freezing air from the north, while others surprise everyone with warm or rainy days across the Willamette Valley and beyond.
Historic Snowfalls and Cold Snaps
You might not expect it, but snow on Valentine’s Day in Oregon can make a real impression when it happens. One of the most memorable events hit Portland back in the mid-20th century, when a strong Arctic front dumped several inches of snow, shutting down travel and closing schools.
In the Cascades, snow is almost a given this time of year. Ski areas usually get fresh powder around mid-February, making the holiday weekend a favorite for winter sports fans.
Cold snaps sometimes push into the valleys. Arctic air can drop Portland’s temperatures into the teens, making roads icy. These cold spells cause more trouble when freezing rain joins the mix, which happens a lot in the Columbia River Gorge.
Coldest Februarys and Record Temperatures
Historical records show that some of Oregon’s coldest Februarys included Valentine’s Day as part of long cold waves. During Portland’s coldest February, daily highs barely reached freezing, and overnight lows dropped well below 20°F.
Valentine’s Day has also brought record warmth. One year, Portland climbed into the low 60s on February 14, which is rare for that time of year. Other years, daytime highs barely got above freezing, and wind chills made it feel even colder.
These swings show how February weather in Oregon can flip fast. One year you need a heavy coat, the next just a light jacket. That kind of variability is pretty typical for Oregon winters.
Recent Valentine’s Day Weather Highlights
In recent decades, Valentine’s Day in Oregon has leaned more wet than cold. Many years brought steady rain across the Willamette Valley, with totals ranging from a quarter inch to over an inch in a single day.
Portland still gets the occasional snow flurry, but it usually doesn’t stick. In the Gorge and central Oregon, though, snow and ice are more common, sometimes making travel hazardous.
A few Valentine’s Days have been surprisingly mild. Some afternoons hit the mid-50s, letting people enjoy outdoor plans without bundling up too much. Oregon’s February can really swing between stormy, icy, and unexpectedly pleasant.
Comparing Valentine’s Day to Other Seasons
Mid-February in Oregon feels chilly and damp, but it’s a whole different story compared to summer or the gradual shift into spring. Temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours all shape the Oregon experience from season to season.
Winter Versus Summer in Oregon
Valentine’s Day lands right in the heart of winter for Oregon. Western cities like Portland and Eugene usually see highs in the mid-40s °F and lows in the mid-30s °F. Rain falls often, and skies tend to stay gray. Snow is rare at low elevations but shows up more in the Cascades and eastern parts of the state.
Summer flips the script. July and August bring highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s °F in the Willamette Valley, and eastern Oregon often climbs into the 90s. Rain almost disappears, and sunny days are the rule.
| Season | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-February | 45 | 35 | Frequent |
| July | 82 | 55 | Rare |
So, you’ll pack rain gear in February but reach for sunscreen and shorts in July. Outdoor plans change too—from winter hikes in waterproof boots to summer camping, where you might have to watch for fire bans.
Transition from Winter to Spring
As February turns to March and April, Oregon’s weather starts to shift. Daytime highs slowly climb into the 50s °F. Rain still falls, but by late spring, it eases up a bit. Longer daylight hours make outdoor activities more appealing.
Spring brings more ups and downs, though. You could have a sunny afternoon and a cold, wet evening. Snow lingers in the mountains into late spring, so ski areas often stay open while valley towns start to see flowers bloom.
Compared to Valentine’s Day, spring feels more balanced. You’ll still want a rain jacket, but you also get more chances to enjoy mild weather. This change sets up Oregon’s famously dry, warm summer.
Weather Impacts on Travel and Activities
Rain, snow, and fog can change your plans in a hurry. Oregon’s mid-February weather likes to
Road Conditions and Transportation
When you travel across Oregon in mid-February, you’ll probably deal with wet roads, slick passes, and some pretty limited visibility. In the western valleys—like Portland—you usually get steady rain, but sometimes those downpours can be intense.
Rainfall that picks up really increases puddling and hydroplaning risks.
If you drive east or south to higher elevations, snow or slush might show up along the way. Mountain passes like Government Camp on U.S. 26 or Santiam Pass on U.S. 20 often need traction tires or chains, especially after a fresh storm.
Heavy snowfall happens pretty often, but sometimes a warmer storm brings freezing rain that makes driving even riskier.
In Portland, public transit usually sticks to its schedule. Still, buses and light rail can run late if roads flood or platforms get icy.
Flights at Portland International Airport sometimes get delayed when storms hit or visibility drops.
To avoid headaches, check ODOT road cameras, toss some winter supplies in your car, and give yourself extra time for longer drives.
Outdoor Events and Celebrations
Outdoor gatherings around Valentine’s Day in Oregon usually mean you’re dealing with damp or chilly weather. In Portland, rain is the norm, and temperatures mostly hang out in the 40s or maybe low 50s.
If an atmospheric river sets up, you’ll probably see heavier rain and soggy ground, which sometimes cancels or moves events inside.
People love snow-based activities in the Cascades, but it really depends on the elevation and weather that week. Resorts like Mount Hood Meadows can have a deep snowpack, but if a warm storm rolls in, you might get rain instead of snow—definitely not ideal for skiing or snowboarding.
Slushy conditions and melting snow can also make parking and access roads a pain.
If you’re planning a celebration outside, go with covered spaces, waterproof clothes, and keep a backup indoor spot in mind. For mountain trips, check snow levels and avalanche forecasts first.
Careful planning helps you still have a good time, even if the weather keeps changing.
Climate Trends and Long-Term Changes
Oregon’s February weather has changed over the decades. We’ve seen some real warming and shifts in precipitation patterns.
These changes affect daily comfort, travel, outdoor plans, and even how reliable the mountain snow is.
Warming Patterns in February
Long-term climate data shows that Oregon’s February temperatures have gone up since the early 1900s. Across the state, average temps have climbed about 2°F to 3°F per century, though some spots warm up faster than others.
You’ll notice that valleys like the Willamette usually get milder winter days now compared to the old records. That brings fewer long cold spells and more days with highs in the 50s, even in mid-February.
Nighttime lows have shifted too. Freezing nights still happen in a lot of places, but those hard freezes just don’t last as long.
This change means frost doesn’t go as deep in the soil, which messes with agriculture timing.
Key impacts of warming:
- More rain, less snow in lower elevations
- Earlier spring onset in western valleys
- Reduced cold extremes compared to historical averages
Snow Cover and Precipitation Changes
Oregon’s mountains still get heavy snow in February. But if you look at long-term records, you’ll notice snowpack at mid-elevations has dropped.
Warmer air brings more rain instead of snow, especially in the Cascades below 4,000 feet. It’s a shift you can feel if you spend time outdoors in winter.
If you’re traveling, this change affects ski conditions and road safety. Resorts up high, like Mt. Hood Meadows, usually keep solid snow, but lower trailheads can look pretty spotty.
Satellite data since the late 20th century backs this up, showing less snow across the western U.S. in February. In Oregon, this leads to earlier spring runoff that changes the flow for rivers like the Willamette and Deschutes.
Observed changes:
- More winter rain events in western Oregon
- Less snowpack below mid-mountain elevations
- Rain-snow mix happens more often during storms
These shifts really matter for water supply, recreation, and planning your travel during Valentine’s week.