Pickout some new books, it’s going to get wet!
When you first experience Oregon in the Winter you, too, might find yourself flush with the excitement of being in a place that is green all year round. You might find yourself singing “I’m only happy when it rains” by Garbage. You’ll probably be in awe of how different rain is here than in other places. You make it through easily to the glory of Spring, and you say: “Well that wasn’t so bad!”
But then the second Winter comes. The rains start in about the end of October and you are somewhat relieved — it’s been an oppressively sunny Summer. You are almost ready for it to get all cozy again. You break out your fuzzy socks. But after a few weeks it sinks in: Wait is this going to be months and months of this?
Winter weather in Oregon is no joke
Oregon gets so much rain because moist air from the Pacific Ocean blows inland, carrying abundant water vapor with it. When that air encounters the Coast Range and Cascade Mountains, it is forced upward, where it cools, condenses, and releases moisture as rain—a process called orographic precipitation. The mountains are basically wringing the moisture out of Pacific storms, making western Oregon especially rainy.
Every area of the state has its own weather patterns. The Willamette Valley and the Coast, and through the Willamette National Forest get very rainy in Winter. So when people talk about Oregon being rainy, they mean really mean half the state that gets the most rain.
Average Rainfall per region
40-50- in. / Willamette Valley
9-12 in. / Central Oregon
60-90 in. / Oregon Coast
8-20 in. / Eastern Oregon
20 in. / Southern Oregon
But I’ve got good news! Most people in Oregon don’t let the rain stop them from living their lives. Just bring a raincoat and you’re usually safe during the rainy season. And don’t forget — Oregonians don’t use umbrellas.
What are some Oregon slang words for different types of rain?
Mist / Drizzle: This is the classic fine, floating wetness that most people just accept. It’s expected and pretty tolerable.
"Over There" Rain: When it is pouring on one side of the street and dry on the other.
Snizzle: A mix of light snow and drizzle.
Graupel: Soft, small pellets of ice or snow that look like Dippin' Dots, often falling during winter cold snaps.
Rain Curtains: Visible sheets of heavy rain dropping from low clouds across the horizon.
The rain is getting to me. What can I do to survive this?
People in Oregon have differing responses to the rainy season. Some love it and go full throttle even while wet. Some like to curl up with a book and a hot beverage and are happy for reasons to stay inside. Others will discover that they like living here in Spring and Summer and early Fall, but head somewhere warmer in the winter. And then there are the folks for whom Winter is an oppressively sad period of survival where they have to actively work to keep from going stir crazy.
Some ways to survive and Oregon Winter if you find yourself going nuts.
Get Outside. If you like the outdoors, keep going to the outdoors. Oregon is rife with forest trails, waterfalls, winter beaches, and getting 20 minutes of daylight will boost your mood. As the Oregonian say: There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate gear!
Get cozy at home. Time for Hygge Season! Soft chairs, good books, slow-cooked foods, bread baking, craft circles, they all make this a season of simple luxuries. And since it is rain and not snow, you don’t have to worry about not being able to leave if you have to.
Do Oregon-y things. I’m talking about activities like mushroom hunting, hot springs getaways, enjoying Oregon Wine Country during the off season when fewer tourists are here. Head to your local bookstore (ours is Third Street Books in McMinnville).
Fall in love with GREEN. Winter is truly a wonderland in Oregon. The hills turn emerald, the forests get all misty and majestic. You can even garden in Winter here — it’s a great time to cut back bushes.
Find your Winter joy. This is the one that everyone should try — picking an activity that is done in winter and then making it something to look forward to every year. For me, that’s some type of needlework and stitching with friends. For my husband, it’s snowboarding. For some families, it’s puzzles or games. Whatever you do, consider making it colorful — that’s a great way to balance out being surrounded by so much grey.
How long does it take to adjust to Oregon’s rainy season?
You might have an adjustment period when you move to Oregon or to a new place in the state, but someday soon you’ll have found your Oregon mojo and might even love Winter here most. In general, people here do really well until the end of February when they reach an “I just can’t take it anymore” moment. That usually means Spring is right around the corner and frustrations with the rain will end soon.
