Pacific City isn't your typical "lay out a towel and tan" kind of beach town. If you’re heading toward Cape Kiwanda, you’ve basically gotta prepare for three different seasons in a single afternoon. Honestly, the weather here is as moody as the ocean itself.
You’ve probably seen those glossy photos of Haystack Rock—the other Haystack Rock, the one right here in Pacific City—glowing under a perfect golden sunset. But what those photos don't show is the biting 15-knot wind that was probably whipping the photographer's face five minutes before the shutter clicked.
Understanding the weather for Pacific City is about more than checking a temperature app. It’s about knowing when the "Big Gray" sets in and when that weird "second summer" actually happens.
The Reality of Temperatures: It’s Never Truly Hot
If you’re coming from the Willamette Valley or anywhere inland, you have to recalibrate your brain. When Portland is sweltering in 95°F heat, Pacific City is likely sitting at a cool 68°F.
The Pacific Ocean acts like a giant, liquid air conditioner. Even in the dead of August—traditionally the warmest month—the average high only crawls up to about 68°F or 70°F. You might get a freak day where it hits 80°F, but those are outliers. Most of the time, the maritime influence keeps things in a very tight window.
Winter is the opposite story. It rarely gets truly "frozen." While the rest of the country is shoveling snow, Pacific City is usually hovering between 40°F and 52°F. It’s cold, sure, but it’s a damp, bone-chilling cold rather than a "snow-on-the-ground" cold. You’ll see more rain in December—about 15 days of it on average—than you will clear skies.
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Why the Wind Matters More Than the Rain
In Pacific City, the wind is the real boss.
During the summer, you’ll get these steady breezes coming off the water, usually around 6 to 10 mph. They feel great when you’re hiking up the Great Dune at Cape Kiwanda. But once the sun starts to dip, that wind turns sharp.
Winter wind is a different beast. We’re talking about storm-watching season. From November through March, the gusts can be legitimate. This is when the dory boats stay docked and the "storm watchers" move into the Pelican Brewing windows. If the forecast says 15 mph wind, expect it to feel 10 degrees colder than the thermometer says.
Seasonal Breakdown: When to Actually Go
- July and August: This is the peak. It’s the driest time of year. If you want a chance at seeing the sky 74% clear (which is the July average), this is your window.
- September and October: This is the local secret. Many call it "Second Summer." The inland heat dies down, the east winds can sometimes kick in, and you get these incredibly crisp, clear days with fewer crowds.
- November to March: The "Wet Season." Expect overcast skies 74% of the time in January. It’s moody, it’s dark, and it’s perfect if you want to sit by a fireplace and watch 15-foot swells smash against the rocks.
- April to June: The "Great Gamble." You might get a gorgeous 65°F spring day, or you might get a "June Gloom" where the fog never lifts.
The Cape Kiwanda Microclimate
There’s a weird phenomenon at the Cape. Because of the way the sandstone headland juts out, it can actually trap fog on one side while the other stays relatively clear.
I’ve seen people standing at the top of the dune in total sunshine, looking down into a literal wall of white mist covering the Nestucca River mouth. If you see fog rolling in, don't assume the whole day is a wash. Sometimes you just need to drive two miles inland to Cloverdale to find the sun again.
What Most People Get Wrong About Packing
Stop bringing umbrellas. Seriously.
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The wind in Pacific City will turn a standard umbrella into a mangled mess of metal and nylon in about thirty seconds. Locals wear shells. You want a high-quality raincoat with a hood that actually cinches down.
- Layers are non-negotiable. A base layer, a fleece or wool sweater, and a windproof shell.
- Footwear. If you’re hiking the dune, you’ll end up with sand in your shoes regardless. But for the beach, waterproof boots (like Xtratufs or Blundstones) are the unofficial uniform.
- Sunscreen. Even when it’s 60°F and cloudy. The reflection off the water and the sand will fry your face before you realize you’re even warm.
The Marine Forecast: A Quick Note for Boaters
If you’re planning on a Dory boat launch, you aren't just looking at the sky; you’re looking at the "Wave Detail."
Right now, in early 2026, we've seen some interesting shifts in the marine layers. On a typical January day, you might see seas around 3 to 5 feet with a 12-second period. That’s relatively calm for winter. But when a system moves in, those swells can double overnight. Always check the National Weather Service marine forecast specifically for the "PZZ356" zone—that’s the slice of water right off our coast.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the Tide Tables. High tide in Pacific City can eat up the walkable beach quickly, especially near the Cape. If you're planning a long walk, do it on a falling tide.
- Watch the Barometer. If you see a rapid drop, the "Big Gray" is coming. Pack the car and head for a brewery.
- Morning vs. Afternoon. The clearest air is usually right after sunrise. By 3:00 PM, the wind almost always picks up as the land heats up and pulls in that cool ocean air.
- Don't trust the 10-day. On the Oregon Coast, a forecast is really only solid for about 24 hours. Be flexible.
The weather here isn't something you fight; it's something you just live with. Once you stop expecting "California weather" and start embracing the mist and the salt spray, Pacific City becomes a lot more fun. Dress like a fisherman, not a tourist, and you’ll be just fine.