Question:
I have heard that it always rains on the Oregon coast. Is it really that wet? And, what are the beaches like?
Answer:
That's an easy one! No, it doesn't ALWAYS rain on the Oregon Coast. Sometimes it's just overcast.
Seriously though, the Oregon Coast is known for its moderate maritime climate and we do have a stretch of the year that is pretty wet. Between November and January or February, some parts of the Coast will record over 10 inches of rain each month. It often comes in bunches during a few storms, though gray and showery is a very common forecast between storms. We can also get beautiful, clear, crisp days and sometimes, unseasonably warm weather even during the winter. During July and August, the Coast averages less than an inch or just over an inch of rain each month. The region can sometimes experience cool and foggy weather during this stretch when high temperatures inland trap the maritime layer over the coast. I suggest that for any trip to the coast, you should be prepared for unseasonable warm or cool temperatures and for rain. If you are prepared, you can enjoy the natural wonders and stunning scenery of the Oregon Coast no matter what the weather and discover the unique experiences of each of its seasons.
What are the beaches like? There are many different kinds of beaches along Oregon's 363-mile coast. There are wide stretches of golden soft sand, uninterrupted for several miles. There are beaches punctuated with towering rock formations and near shore islands. There are small, secluded beaches between dramatic rocky headlands and beaches with course dark sand or rounded cobbles. These too can be different each season and sometimes from week to week.
I think this is all part of the attraction of the coast. Between tides and waves and winds and weather; it's a living, always changing and unpredictably magical place.
Ask Oregon: Rainfall on the Coast
Published: 06/27/2014 Updated: 08/09/2019

photo by Gary Hayes
Coast Explorer publisher Gary Hayes answers questions from travelers as Travel Oregon's Oregon Coast Ambassador for the Ask Oregon program.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Three days of Scandinavian musical, dance and theater groups are scheduled to entertain.
Published: 06/27/2014 Updated: 08/09/2019

photo by Gary Hayes
Coast Explorer publisher Gary Hayes answers questions from travelers as Travel Oregon's Oregon Coast Ambassador for the Ask Oregon program.
Question:
I have heard that it always rains on the Oregon coast. Is it really that wet? And, what are the beaches like?
Answer:
That's an easy one! No, it doesn't ALWAYS rain on the Oregon Coast. Sometimes it's just overcast.
Seriously though, the Oregon Coast is known for its moderate maritime climate and we do have a stretch of the year that is pretty wet. Between November and January or February, some parts of the Coast will record over 10 inches of rain each month. It often comes in bunches during a few storms, though gray and showery is a very common forecast between storms. We can also get beautiful, clear, crisp days and sometimes, unseasonably warm weather even during the winter. During July and August, the Coast averages less than an inch or just over an inch of rain each month. The region can sometimes experience cool and foggy weather during this stretch when high temperatures inland trap the maritime layer over the coast. I suggest that for any trip to the coast, you should be prepared for unseasonable warm or cool temperatures and for rain. If you are prepared, you can enjoy the natural wonders and stunning scenery of the Oregon Coast no matter what the weather and discover the unique experiences of each of its seasons.
What are the beaches like? There are many different kinds of beaches along Oregon's 363-mile coast. There are wide stretches of golden soft sand, uninterrupted for several miles. There are beaches punctuated with towering rock formations and near shore islands. There are small, secluded beaches between dramatic rocky headlands and beaches with course dark sand or rounded cobbles. These too can be different each season and sometimes from week to week.
I think this is all part of the attraction of the coast. Between tides and waves and winds and weather; it's a living, always changing and unpredictably magical place.
I have heard that it always rains on the Oregon coast. Is it really that wet? And, what are the beaches like?
Answer:
That's an easy one! No, it doesn't ALWAYS rain on the Oregon Coast. Sometimes it's just overcast.
Seriously though, the Oregon Coast is known for its moderate maritime climate and we do have a stretch of the year that is pretty wet. Between November and January or February, some parts of the Coast will record over 10 inches of rain each month. It often comes in bunches during a few storms, though gray and showery is a very common forecast between storms. We can also get beautiful, clear, crisp days and sometimes, unseasonably warm weather even during the winter. During July and August, the Coast averages less than an inch or just over an inch of rain each month. The region can sometimes experience cool and foggy weather during this stretch when high temperatures inland trap the maritime layer over the coast. I suggest that for any trip to the coast, you should be prepared for unseasonable warm or cool temperatures and for rain. If you are prepared, you can enjoy the natural wonders and stunning scenery of the Oregon Coast no matter what the weather and discover the unique experiences of each of its seasons.
What are the beaches like? There are many different kinds of beaches along Oregon's 363-mile coast. There are wide stretches of golden soft sand, uninterrupted for several miles. There are beaches punctuated with towering rock formations and near shore islands. There are small, secluded beaches between dramatic rocky headlands and beaches with course dark sand or rounded cobbles. These too can be different each season and sometimes from week to week.
I think this is all part of the attraction of the coast. Between tides and waves and winds and weather; it's a living, always changing and unpredictably magical place.
Oregon's oldest lighthouse still shines atop Oregon's westernmost headland on the South Oregon Coast. The Cape Blanco Lighthouse sits on ocean's edge near Port... [read more]
If you've been mining the central coast in search of an easy-access beach that will accommodate the entire family, this well-loved 135-acre park may... [read more]
In the late 1800s Scandinavian immigrants started arriving in Astoria, Oregon to find work in the booming fishing and logging industries. The town soon... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
The visitor center features a replica of Fort Clatsop, ranger programs and hiking trails.
Lincoln City Activities & Attractions
Classes in a variety of mediums, gallery exhibits, musical performances, theater and festivals.
Seaside Activities & Attractions
Harbor seals greet visitors at the door, explore touch-me tanks and learn about tidepool creatures.