Best Time to Run in Portland in December

The verdict: Midday. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.

Portland · December

Run in the midday.

Cold: average high 46°F, low 36°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 86% — the limiting factor on most runs. Expect 22 rain days — plan around the radar. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.

Avg high / low
46° / 36°F
Humidity
86%
Rain days
22/mo
Wind
12 mph

What December feels like in Portland

Sunrise

08:43

Mid-month average

Sunset

17:29

Mid-month average

Time-of-day breakdown

Morning

Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.

Midday

Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.

Evening

Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.

What to wear running in Portland in December

The kit for December in Portland: a long-sleeve or light jacket for the first mile, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.

December vs the surrounding months

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to run in Portland in December?+
Midday. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
What's the average temperature in Portland in December?+
Average high 46°F, average low 36°F.
How does December compare to surrounding months in Portland?+
Compared to November (avg high 52°F), December is cooler. Compared to January (avg high 47°F), December is cooler.
Does it rain often in Portland in December?+
Expect about 22 measurable rain days in December, on average.

Get the live verdict for Portland

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