Visiting Portland on a rainy day and looking for the best indoor activities in Portland? Or maybe you’re a local looking for some ideas of what to do in Portland when it rains? As a lifelong local, I’ve you covered.
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places and products I genuinely love.
Portland is known for many things, chief among them is our reputation for rain. But as crummy as the constant rainy weather is, the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rain-forest climate makes way for epic natural beauty you can’t find elsewhere.
However, you’re probably not leaving town every time in rains, so you’ve to get clever with indoor activities to keep yourself occupied during the rainy season. That’s where I come in, let’s cover how to spend a rainy day in Portland.
How often does it rain in Portland?
Too often. But if you’re looking for an official answer, Portland averages 164 rainy days a year. Thankfully, the rainy season keeps regular office hours (October – May). During this time, locals start perfecting their lists of favorite indoor activities in Portland. Alas, the list below is my personal iteration of this age-old ritual.
Rain in Portland (FAQ)
Why don’t locals use umbrellas in Portland?
Portlanders are a practical sort. If we relied on umbrellas we’d spend 6-8 months of the year without access to both hands. And who wants to live like that?
An umbrella, while genius in design, is a bear to carry around when running errands. As such, most locals rely exclusively on high-quality rain jackets. If helpful, here’s my go-to rain jacket for the past 6 years.
Do locals (ever) get used to the rain?
I get this question often. If you’re new to town (welcome!) you might be wondering how to adjust to the rainy season in Portland. Truth be told, I’ve lived in the City of Roses for 33 years, and the rain in Portland still gets to me in the winter months.
So, as much as I’d love to tell you that the rain gets easier with time, I’d be doing you a disservice. Because, speaking from personal experience, that hasn’t been the case for me. I’ve learned to adapt to the moody weather, but I can’t say I’ve gotten used to it.
My advice? Invest in two things. This bad boy (non-negotiable in my book) and budgeting a trip to a sunnier place in February. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just some place with ample sunshine.
Rainy Day in Portland (Things to Do)
Trying to figure out where to stay in Portland? This is my favorite hotel (I recommend it to my own family and friends).
(Table of Contents)
Get Lost at the Largest Independent Bookstore in the World
Rated by CNN as one of the coolest bookstores in the world, Powell’s Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. Home to more than one million new and used books, the store covers 4 floors.
If that sounds overwhelming, grab a map before starting on the adventure. Arrive early or be prepared for crowds, visiting Powell’s is by far one of the best indoor activities in Portland on a rainy day.
Fun fact: Pop into the Gold Room during your visit to see the rarest books in the store. The most expensive book at Powell’s is an 1814 copy of the Lewis & Clark Journal which includes Captain Lewis’ map safely tucked between the pages. The price? $350,000.
Dawdle at a Local Brewery
I’m probably not the first to tell you that Portland is a craft brew town through and through. In fact, Portland was ranked the best beer city in America. Our area of expertise? Craft beers and IPAs.
We have some of the best breweries in the country, and while summer is definitely the best time to discover these gems, the rainy season in Portland isn’t a bad time either.
I recently started on this challenge myself and came up with a list of 15 EPIC Portland Breweries Guaranteed to Quench Your Thirst. Why not test these out for yourself during a rainy day in Portland?
Short on time? Here’s the breweries I highly recommend for folks visiting Portland for the first time.
Breakside Brewing: From a local’s perspective, no brewery shines brighter than Breakside Brewery — largely thanks to the plenty of awards and accolades bestowed upon it. The prestigious awards span the gamut and there’s simply too many to list, but the Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival is worth mention.
Stormbreaker Brewing: Stormbreaker is a crowd-favorite among local Portlanders for their hoppy IPAs, memorable ciders and great outdoor seating. Founded in 2013, this beloved Portland brewery now features two lively locations. Enjoy a cold glass of cider or an IPA over pub fare (the nachos are worth mention).
Culmination Brewing: Culmination Brewing is on everyone’s lips for a reason, this brewery churns out some of the most innovative and perfectly executed brews in Portland. Opened in 2015, Culmination has focused on creating a relaxed and welcoming space for the community by way of great beers.
Update (March 2026): Culmination Brewing permanently closed in February 2025.
Explore the Portland Japanese Garden
Originally opened in 1967, the Portland Japanese Garden is regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in America. The garden is perfectly manicured with a small pond, handful of waterfalls and moss-laden paths ripe for exploration.
But here’s something folks don’t realize: visiting the Portland Japanese Garden is one of the best rainy day activities in Portland. Don’t let the drizzle scare you away!
The garden takes on a mystical and dreamy feel when it rains. Better still, the crowds dissipate, which makes the garden feel more tranquil. I don’t want to paint a false picture though, you definitely won’t have the garden to yourself just because there’s rain in Portland. Hardly. The Japanese Garden is still quite busy even during rainy days.
Locals know not to shy away from the rain. Hell, rain in Portland is all but guaranteed 6 months of the year, so it doesn’t stop us from enjoying things we’d do on sunny days. It just changes the logistics of the day (mostly the type of jacket we throw on).
To that end, I can’t recommend this experience enough for first-time visitors looking for things to do in Portland while it rains.
On a side note, my husband and I visited Japan in 2019 and completely fell in love with the country. Based on our trip, we can confirm that the Portland Japanese Garden is truly authentic. We felt like we were transported back to the tranquility and culture we so loved in Japan.
Visit the Portland Historical Society
If you’re looking for great indoor activities in Portland when in rains, why not spend an afternoon learning something new about the city?
My favorite thing to see at the Portland Historical Society is the famous 1845 penny used to decide Portland’s name. The founders of Portland (Oregon) were two settlers from New England. One from Boston, Massachusetts and the other from Portland, Maine.
Both settlers wanted to name the city after their respective home towns and decided to settle for a coin toss. And that’s how Portland, Oregon got its name (yes, really).
So if you’re looking for unique date ideas in Portland on a rainy day, I suggest swinging by the Portland Historical Society to see the penny. And while I can’t guarantee you’ll impress your date, the penny can’t hurt.
Good to Know: The museum is free for Multnomah County residents, making this one of the best free indoor activities in Portland. If you’re not a resident, admission is $10 and worth every penny (some pun intended).
Tour Pittock Mansion
Anyone looking for fun rainy day activities in Portland would be remiss to skip the Pittock Mansion. This stunning 46-room French Renaissance mansion sits atop the West Hills and spans 16,000 square feet.
The mansion is open to the public and I enjoy visiting. The tours are really cool because you can see the original furniture from the time period and learn more about the family that called it home.
Commissioned by the publisher of the Oregonian, Henry Pittock, no expenses was spared and the house was built so well that even the original elevator is operational to this day.
Touring Pittock Mansion is one of the best things to do with kids on a rainy day in Portland. It’s fun to play I Spy with the kids while secretly adding up the exorbitant expenses of thing you’re pointing to.
Catch a Show at Mississippi Studios
Located in the popular Boise neighborhood, Mississippi Studios is a recording studio and music venue known for hosting incredible performances year round. The venue is very cozy, with a heated outdoor patio and great food & drinks. Catching a live performance at Mississippi Studios is a great way to spend a rainy day in Portland, and makes for a memorable date too.
If helpful, you can check the roster at Mississippi Studios for upcoming shows.
Enjoy OMSI After Dark
Most lifelong locals have memories of spending drizzly weekends at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) or visiting during school field trips. It’s a great place to get your fill of fascinating science exhibits, especially during a rainy day in Portland.
Indeed, those searching for the best indoor activities in Portland on a rainy day with kids will find plenty to do at OMSI. But even if you don’t have kids you shouldn’t write off this gem. Rather, sign up for the fun OMSI After Dark experiences.
OMSI After Dark is a 21+ event that takes place the last Wednesday of the month (typically). Local vendors, scientists and artisans host creative science-themed workshops. Visitors can get drinks, watch shows or try plenty of interesting demos.
What’s more, all the permanent exhibits are open during the event, which means you can explore at your heart’s content. Spending a day learning something new is one of the best ways to take advantage of a rainy day in Portland! Learn more here.
Catch a Movie at the Bagdad Theater
Located in the eclectic Hawthorne District, the Bagdad Theater dates back to 1927. The theater was purchased by the McMenamin brothers and underwent a major renovation in 2013.
Upgraded sound system, larger screen, more comfortable seats and an updated digital projector solidified that this beloved Portland institution isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Check the schedule of upcoming films and pop over rain or shine.
Fun Fact: The Bagdad Theater hosted the gala premier of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in 1975.
Check the schedule of upcoming films and pop over when the urge strikes. The theater is stunning inside, as such, catching a movie is one of the best things to do in Portland on a rainy day.
If you’re itching to do something active, head over to theater’s back room for billiards. It’s also makes my list of the best rainy day indoor activities in Portland.
Or, Enjoy a Performance at the Oregon Symphony
The Grammy-nominated Oregon Symphony is considered one of the best orchestras in America. Currently led by Music Director David Danzmayr, the Oregon Symphony hosts more than 100 concerts per year and sees more than 235,000 visitors annually.
An evening serenaded by award-winning classical music while the rain patters outside, this is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Portland in on a rainy day.
There’s no formal dress code, but most folks dress up for the occasion. Everyday attire is completely fine too (this is Portland after all), but if you need an excuse to dress up, this is it.
Fun Fact: The Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra west of the Mississippi. To check the roster (or purchase tickets) click here.
Get Active at the Portland Rock Gym
There aren’t many indoor rainy day activities in Portland that don’t revolve around beer, so you’ve to take advantage when you can. Enter: The Portland Rock Gym.
This is a great activity for those hoping to stick to their New Years Resolutions past January 8th. If it’s your first time trying rock climbing, sign up for the Intro to Climbing class or buy a day pass and learn the ropes under guided supervision by opting for the First Ascent experience instead.
I only know about the Portland Rock Gym because my cousin is an active nut and swears it’s fun. He invited me out for the day and I had an absolute blast.
Find the Best Pizza in Portland
Winter is a long season, mostly because the rain in Portland makes it feel never ending. As such, you’ll get plenty of time to pop around and visit some of the top pizza spots in Portland.
If you haven’t heard yet, Portland recently outranked New York City as the best pizza city in America. This news was met with tepid applause from locals because the sensational headlines only confirmed what we already knew — the pizza in Portland was underrated far too long, and we meant to keep it that way.
Between traditional New York style pizza, artisanal wood-fired Neapolitan and the beloved deep-dish style, Portland can satisfy the needs of any ardent pizza lover. Sampling pizza is worth it-do for foodies looking for the best things to do in Portland, Oregon on a rainy day.
Read the complete list: 15 Perfect Portland Pizzas (Ranked by Pizza Type)
My 3 Favorite Portland Pizza Spots
Apizza Scholls (for New York-style pizza)
This beloved Portland pizzeria has been serving Portlanders for almost 20 years and doesn’t show signs of slowing anytime soon. The restaurant has two cozy dining areas and neither are very large, which means snatching a table on a weekend evening is nothing short of a feat but well worth the effort.
Ken’s Artisan Pizza (for Neapolitan pizza)
Ken’s Artisan Pizza hails from Portland’s best baker, Ken Forkish, the two-time James Beard Award wining mastermind behind Ken’s Bakery in NW Portland. This iconic Portland pizzeria self promotes as Italian-inspired with an American accent.
The long-fermented sourdough/yeast blend creates generous airy bubbles within the soft crust. Pies are expertly charred in a trusty wood-fired oven immediately after being topped with locally sourced ingredients like hand-stretched cheese.
Ranch PDX (for deep-dish pizza)
Ask any Portlander about the best deep dish pizzas in Portland and the honest ones will mention Ranch PDX. The dishonest ones will try to keep it a secret. Boasting four locations since opening in 2017, Ranch PDX specializes solely in deep-dish pizzas in Portland. These pies are guaranteed to impress even the most ardent food critic.
Cozy Up With a Book at a Local Cafe
Portland consistently ranks as one of the top three best coffee cities in America (our neighbors, Seattle and San Francisco, are always in the mix, too). As such, one of my favorite things to do during a rainy day in Portland is to cozy up with a good book at a local cafe.
Thankfully, Portlanders are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality coffee and charming cafes, making this one of the most popular indoor activities in Portland (rain or shine). Here’s a roundup of the 15 Most Charming Portland Cafes You Can’t Help But Love.
Best Coffee in Portland (According to Locals)
Stumptown Coffee at the Ace Hotel: We can’t talk about the best coffee in Portland without mentioning the original, Stumptown Coffee. Still considered the most iconic coffee shop in Portland, this gem has spread to several locations across the country.
Coava Coffee Roasters: Coava roasts its own beans, which are so well known that many Portland cafes choose to use them exclusively. Specializing in pour-overs and espresso, rather than latte art, this is the place to go if you want a great cup of coffee with a focus on the beans.
Heart Coffee: Started by a married couple that began roasting beans out of their home, Heart Coffee has a cult following in Portland thanks to their delicious high-quality coffee and Instagram-worthy interiors.
Catch Up with a Friend Over a Long Brunch Date
Corral your closest friends and make reservations at one of the best brunch spots in Portland. Most brunch spots don’t accept reservations for parties of less than six, so you’re going to need to make some calls and get all your friends involved.
Ask for a table by the window, you might get lucky. Then, spend the next two hours catching up over toothsome brunch fare and sparkling mimosas. If you don’t have enough friends to call (judgement-free zone, folks in the Pacific Northwest are notoriously reserved), fret not.
When there’s rain in Portland, the brunch lines seem shorter, so you may still snatch a table without much wait. Bring your special someone, or hell — just bring yourself (judgement-free, remember?).
No one will think anything of it because it’s one of the best indoor activities in Portland on a rainy day. And yep, brunch is an activity in my book.
If helpful, here’s a roundup of my favorite brunch spots in Portland.
Make a Meal Using Portland’s Best Cookbook
What better way to spend a rainy day in Portland than making a hearty meal using this award-winning Portland cookbook (I cherish this thing!). Buy a bottle of wine, open it, and then act surprised when the recipe doesn’t call for it.
Or, if you feel so bold, why not take it up a notch and host a fancy mid-week dinner for your closest family and friends (ask people to bring a good bottle of wine and dress for the occasion). This is a great way to get out of the seasonal funk we tend to fall into when there’s rain in the forecast nonstop for months on end.
Better yet, swing by a farmers market to stock up on the ingredients (many Portland Farmers Markets are open rain or shine).
Spend at Day at the Kennedy School
The Kennedy School is a beloved Portland staple. This once-abandoned school has been converted into all sorts of fun. The boiler room is now a restaurant, the gym is a movie theater and the detention room is a bar.
This is one of the best Portland indoor activities for those that always thought school should be more fun. The Kennedy School is great for dates or catching up with friends. Grab a brew and plan to linger a while, there’s a lot to discover.
Get boozy and slow the evening down with a plate of tempting tater tots before you make your way over to the movie theater to catch a classic re-run. It’s great fun.
Tip: You can actually stay at McMenamins Kennedy School because the classrooms were converted into hotel rooms. What’s more, guests get access to the soaking pool.
Sweet Tooth? Order the Hot Chocolate at Creo
You know the drill: hot chocolate and rainy days go hand in hand. So if you’re searching for the best hot chocolate in Portland, make a beeline for Creo Chocolate for a rich and velvety cup of quality hot chocolate you won’t soon forget.
As someone with an insatiable sweet tooth, I used to reward myself with this delicacy every Friday while working a particular demanding job.
If you’re a next level chocolate lover (*averts eye contact), sign up for the chocolate making class. You’ll get a chance to learn about the chocolate-making process from start to finish while making your own chocolate bar. It’s a great date idea!
Play Arcade Games at Ground Kontrol
I’m going to be transparent with you. If given the choice between spending an afternoon playing arcade games in a dark basement or spending the night with a screaming, teething child, I’d pick the kid. Arcade games aren’t my idea of a good time, but my husband loves this Portland rainy day activity, so I thought I’d share it.
About twice a month he calls a friend over and they head out to Ground Kontrol to drink beer and play arcade games for a few hours. There’s no denying it’s one of the more unique indoor activities in Portland on a rainy day, but hey – to each their own. Minors allowed until 5pm.
And if you need to drop off a screaming toddler before heading over to Ground Kontrol (admittedly one of the most popular things to do in Portland on a rainy day), you know where to find me.
Rain in Portland: Road Trip Ideas
Willamette Valley
Did you know that Oregon is the 4th most wine-producing state in the country? Sitting at the same latitude as France’s notable wine regions, Willamette Valley is known for producing knock-out award-winning Pinot Noirs that can hold their own in worldwide competitions.
Sipping a velvety smooth glass of Pinot Noir while refreshing the forecast app and waiting for the rain in Portland to pass, is my idea of a good time. The drive over is 1.5 hours, but worth every minute if the valley has blue skies, especially when it’s raining in Portland.
Don’t want to make the drive over? No problem. Check out these 15 cozy wine bars in Portland, Oregon instead. Splitting a bottle of wine with good friends is one of the best things to do in Portland when it rains.
Columbia Gorge
In terms of best day trips from Portland, it doesn’t get better than a visit to the Columbia Gorge, especially during a rainy day in Portland. The Columbia Gorge is a study in contrast. From alpine meadows and jaw-dropping waterfalls to desert landscapes and tepid rain forests, there are plenty of options.
Best Things to Do in the Columbia River Gorge
- 15 EPIC Hikes in the Columbia Gorge (For All Skill Levels)
- 12 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Multnomah Falls
- 15 Stunning Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
Getting Around Portland in the Rain
Biking is the number one way to get around Portland. It’s not ideal when there’s rain in Portland, but locals manage regardless. Portland is rated the most bike-able city in America year after year. So grab a BIKETOWN bike to explore town and don’t let the drizzle stop you.
Driving in the city is fairly easy (especially if you’re comfortable driving in cities) and parking is reasonable at $2/hour in the downtown metered area.
For longer stays, the City of Portland has 5 parking garages that charge the same rates as on-street parking ($2/hour or $13-$16 all day).
Public Transportation is easy to use and fairly inexpensive ($2.50 for two hours/$5 all day). In addition to the bus, Portland offers the MAX and Portland Streetcar.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi are operational in Portland and (based on personal experience) reasonably priced.
When driving in Portland, it’s important to know that pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way — even if sidewalks are unmarked.
Best Things to Do in Portland on a Rainy Day (Post Overview) | Indoor Activities Portland
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of outdoor and indoor activities in Portland on a rainy day.
- Park Yourself at a Top-Notch Brunch Spot
- Make a Meal from Portland’s Best Cookbook
- Get Lost at Powell’s Bookstore
- Visit a Local Brewery
- Catch a Show at Mississippi Studios
- Explore the Portland Japanese Garden
- Visit the Portland Historical Society
- Tour Pittock Mansion
- Enjoy OMSI After Dark
- Catch a Movie at the Bagdad Theater
- Enjoy a Performance at the Oregon Symphony
- Get Active at the Portland Rock Gym
- Find the Best Pizza in Portland
- Read a Book at a Local Cafe
- Spend a Day at the Kennedy School
- Order the Hot Chocolate at Creo
- Visit Ground Kontrol
- Day trip to the Oregon Coast
- Explore Willamette Valley
- Visit the Columbia River Gorge
Map of Portland Rainy Day Activities | Rain in Portland
No list of Portland rainy day ideas is complete without a map, enjoy!
Cheers!
Antonina
Planning a trip? Don’t miss our complete guide to the best things to do in Portland, Oregon25+ local-approved activities, insider tips, and a handy map.
This is the most helpful (and beautiful!) rainy day Portland article I have found. Excited for my upcoming trip. I know it’s summer but always have to be prepared for rain in Portland (or so I’m told!)
Thanks Jan! So glad to hear it. It really doesn’t rain too much in summer, promise!