The Oregon Coast is a spectacular place. The rugged beauty of the coastline draws visitors from near and far.
This 360-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast is a perfect location for a second home, retirement, or setting down for a quieter pace. If you’re thinking of moving to one of the great towns on the Oregon Coast or have recently relocated, you may be wondering about the weather and climate.
Coast lovers know that the one sure thing about Oregon Coast weather is that it is always unpredictable. You may find yourself enjoying a picnic at the beach on a warm, still, sunny day in January or keeping cozy inside storm watching in July. If you don’t like the weather, “just wait a few minutes.” Thanks to ever-changing marine conditions, a shift in the weather forecast is likely blowing through.
Our pointers and facts will help you prepare for weather on the Oregon Coast!
Oregon Coast Weather
Don’t be surprised if you’re headed to the coast from inland on a hot, sunny day and see clouds on the horizon. The vast Pacific and the way it absorbs and releases heat uniquely influences the temperatures, winds, fog, and precipitation on the ocean side of the Oregon Coast Range.
That means that coastal weather conditions are slightly cooler in the summer and somewhat warmer in the winter than inland. And winds, rain, and storms are stronger at the coast before they reach the valley. But the weather and climate on the Oregon Coast are pleasantly moderate overall. Even average winter daytime temperatures will let you get out and explore.
Temperatures on the Coast
Temperatures on the Oregon Coast are rarely extreme. Winters are typically mild, with daily temperatures in the 40s F. Summertime highs average in the 70s F.
The coast’s moderate temperatures are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Locals and visitors enjoy walking miles of uninterrupted beaches, surfing, hiking coastal trails, biking, camping, fishing, clamming, and crabbing year-round.
Fun Fact: Location matters. The southern part of the Oregon coast is warmer and drier than the North Coast. Brookings, six miles north of the California border, is sometimes the warmest spot in the state, while northern sites may see occasional snow during winter months.
Rain & Snow at the Coast
Oregon has a reputation for rain. And the Oregon Coast gets its share.
Late October through April are the wettest months of the year on the coast, averaging the highest rainfall. Between November and February, some parts of the coast record more than 10 inches of rain per month, most of it falling during a few heavy storms.
The warmest, driest, and sunniest time at the coast is June to September when rain averages an inch or less a month. But summer is also the time of year that higher inland temperatures trap marine air over the coastline, creating cool and foggy conditions.
Fun Fact: Does it snow at the beach? Snow falls along the northern Oregon coast during the winter, though accumulation is light. If you’re an outdoor lover and looking for winter snow activities, you’re in luck. Nearby mountains offer winter recreation, including skiing and snowboarding.
Coastal Fog & Clouds
It doesn’t rain ALL the time on the Oregon Coast. But it is often overcast. The sea fog that frequently hugs the coastline forms as warm, humid marine air flows over cooler ocean waters, then becomes condensed. Fog and clouds are pervasive in the summer when inland conditions are at their hottest.
Fun Fact: There’s a beauty in the misty gray, though its persistence can wear. Walking the salt-tinged, wind-swept beach and hearing the ocean waves can be a good way to counter cloudy skies. And sunny days on the Oregon coast are a spectacular payoff.
Sunshine at the Coast
The sun is welcome when it comes out, and brilliant blue skies on the Oregon Coast can’t be beat. The number of sunny days varies depending on location. The North Coast’s Seaside averages 128 days of sun in a year; Brookings down south sees sunshine 191 days.
Sunny days when winds are calm can be warm and even balmy on the beach or in protected hollows along the coastline. And you never know when the clouds might part to let the sun shine through on an overcast day, so keep your sunscreen handy!
Fun Fact: Sunsets on the Oregon Coast are often spectacular. Take the time to pause, and you’ll be rewarded.
Winds & Sea Breezes
Breezy weather is synonymous with the Oregon Coast, and windy beach days can lift you off your feet. Strong, gusty winds that sweep magnificent storms ashore will sometimes reach gale-force in winter. However, from spring through fall, winds off the ocean shift directions and are calmer.
Fun Fact: Sea breezes are more robust in the afternoon. It’s a good idea to strategize walking into or with the wind before starting your walk along the beach.
How to Prepare for Oregon Coast Weather
Oregon Coast weather is always unpredictable, sometimes changing dramatically in a single day.
Prepare like a local.
- Always dress in layers, ready for rain, wind, and warm or cool temperatures no matter the season.
- Ensure your home is regularly maintained and weatherproofed for wet and windy weather.
- Drive busy coastal highways and local roads with care; they can be wet and foggy any time of year.
Final Fun Facts: February is known as “mini spring” on the Oregon Coast, often bringing several clear, windless days. And September through mid-October at the coast is spectacular, with temperatures usually their warmest of the year.
Move to the Oregon Coast with Priority Moving – Rain or Shine!
Priority Moving is Oregon’s trusted moving company. Our team of experienced, licensed, reliable movers will help pack, move and settle you in your new location without hassle or worry. Contact us for a Free Moving Estimate and book your move to the Oregon Coast today. We’ll get you on your way, rain or shine!