You’ve probably heard the jokes about Portlanders rusting instead of tanning. Honestly, the reputation for endless drizzle is basically a local mascot at this point. But if you’re looking at the portland weather 2 weeks outlook right now, you might notice something that surprises you: it’s actually looking pretty dry for a mid-winter stretch.
As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the city is sitting under a surprisingly clear sky. Today is sunny with a high of 47°F. That’s classic "crisp" weather. If you’re heading out tonight, definitely grab the heavy coat because it’s dropping to 33°F. It’s that bitey kind of cold that makes the coffee taste better, but it’s a far cry from the "gray soup" most people expect this time of year.
The 14-Day Reality Check
Let’s get into the weeds of what the next fortnight actually looks like. We’ve got a bit of a split personality going on.
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The first half of this window—basically through Wednesday, January 21—is sticking to a dry, cool script. We’re talking highs in the mid-to-high 40s. Monday is even pushing 49°F under a bright sun. It’s perfect "Big Coat" walking weather. But don't let the sun fool you; the lows are hovering right around freezing, dipping to 29°F by midweek.
Then things shift. You’ll see the clouds start to win the argument by Thursday.
By Friday, January 23, the classic Pacific Northwest moisture returns. We’re looking at light rain through the weekend and into the following Monday. It isn't a monsoon, though. We’re talking about a 20% to 25% chance of precipitation. In Portland terms, that’s basically "mist that you can walk through without an umbrella if you have a decent hood."
Why Portland Weather is Weirdly Predictable (And When It Isn't)
Most people think Portland is a random chaos of rain. Kinda true, but not really. The geography does most of the heavy lifting.
We’re tucked between the Coast Range and the Cascades. The Coast Range usually acts like a shield, soaking up the brunt of those massive Pacific storms before they hit the Willamette Valley. That’s why we get "drizzle" while the coast gets "downpours."
But the real wild card is the Columbia River Gorge. See, when cold air from the arctic areas of Canada gets trapped east of the Cascades, it sometimes squirts through the Gorge like a pressure washer. This brings those blustery east winds. Currently, we’re seeing those northeast winds at about 10 mph. They keep things chilly but dry.
If those winds collide with a moisture system coming from the south? That’s when you get the "Snowpocalypse" headlines. For this specific two-week window, though, the odds of a major snow event are low. The humidity is high—hitting 100% on some rainy days—but the temperatures aren't quite low enough during the day to turn that rain into anything solid.
Temperature Breakdown for the Next Two Weeks
Highs:
- Sunday (Jan 18): 47°F
- Monday (Jan 19): 49°F
- Tuesday (Jan 20): 47°F
- Wednesday (Jan 21): 44°F
- Late Week/Weekend: Hovering between 42°F and 50°F
Lows:
- Nightly: Mostly between 29°F and 39°F
What Most People Get Wrong About January in Oregon
The biggest misconception? That you’ll be soaked to the bone.
Statistically, January is one of our wettest months, but "wet" is a relative term here. Most of our rain falls as a light, persistent mist. Experts at the National Weather Service often point out that we only get measurable snow about four days a year.
Usually, the snow stays in the West Hills or over toward Troutdale. If you’re staying downtown or in the inner neighborhoods, you’re much more likely to deal with "the big gray" than a white Christmas (or a white January).
Another thing: the light. Portland is at 45° latitude. Our days are short. Right now, the sun is setting around 4:54 PM. Even on a sunny day like today, the UV index is barely hitting a 1. You don't need the SPF 50, but you might need a Vitamin D supplement if you’re staying for the full two weeks.
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Dressing for the "Portland Drip"
Honestly, if you want to look like a local, ditch the umbrella. Most of us just wear a technical shell with a hood.
Because the humidity is sitting at 86% currently and will climb to 100% later this week, the air feels "heavier." A 42°F day with 90% humidity feels significantly colder than a 35°F day in a dry climate like Denver. It’s a damp cold that gets into your joints.
Layering is the only way to survive.
- Base layer (merino wool is the gold standard here).
- Mid-layer (a light fleece or a "puffy" jacket).
- Waterproof shell (not just water-resistant).
Beyond the Forecast: The Travel Vibe
If you’re visiting during this 14-day window, you’ve actually picked a great time for food and culture. Since the weather is "meh" to "okay," the lines at places like Powell's Books or the various heated brewery patios are much more manageable.
Just keep an eye on those Tuesday and Wednesday lows. 29°F is cold enough to create black ice on the bridges, especially if there’s any leftover moisture on the roads.
How to Handle the Next 14 Days
If you're planning your life around the portland weather 2 weeks outlook, here is the move.
Focus your outdoor activities—hiking in Forest Park or walking the Waterfront—between now and Wednesday while the sun is out. Once Thursday hits, the cloud cover (expected at 98% humidity by then) will make the outdoors feel a bit more claustrophobic.
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Save your indoor plans (museums, tax-free shopping, or coffee shop marathons) for the back half of this week and next weekend when the light rain is more frequent. By Monday, January 26, we might see a bit of a warmup toward 50°F, but it’ll likely come with those gray, "mostly cloudy" skies that define an Oregon winter.
Check the Gorge wind reports if you plan on heading east toward Multnomah Falls. Those northeast winds can make the falls feel like a walk-in freezer even if it's sunny in the city. Stick to the city center for the most stable temperatures. Use the next three days of sunshine to get your outdoor fix before the "drip" returns on Friday.