The climate of Hood River
Nestled in the U.S. state of
Oregon,
Hood River is marked by distinct seasonal variations and a predominately Mediterranean climate, as classified by the Köppen climate system (Csb). Throughout the year, residents and visitors experience a wide range of temperature fluctuations. It can fall as low as 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in the cold spell and reach a peak of 78.4°F (25.8°C) in the height of summer.
Temperature transitions between seasons happen rather smoothly. The winter cold gives way to a pleasantly warm spring, which transitions into a comfortably hot summer. With the advent of autumn, the mercury starts its perennial slide, culminating in the crisp winter chill. The town's position near the Columbia River Gorge also affects humidity levels, which range from a low of 59% in the summer months to a high of 88% in the cooler ones.
The weather pattern shows a stark contrast in rainfall between the seasons. During the dry months of
July and
August, rainfall averages a mere 0.28" (7mm) to 0.39" (10mm), while peak precipitation reaches its zenith in
December at 5.08" (129mm). In terms of snowfall, the winter months of December,
January, and
February bring a small amount, with most snowfall recorded in February at 4.76" (121mm).
The best time to visit Hood River
Potential visitors on the lookout for warm temperatures, low precipitation, and high sunshine hours should target the summer months from
June to
August. During this period, temperature average between 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 78.4°F (25.8°C), and sunshine hours peak at 11.7 hours per day on average. The town basks in the summer sun for about 25.4 days a month, a significant increase compared to other seasons. This period also offers low rainfall, averaging from just 0.28" (7mm) to 0.98" (25mm) per month, making outdoor activities rather enjoyable. However, always take note of the UV index, which heightens to a maximum level of 6 during these months.
The worst time to visit Hood River
Those averse to cold weather, high precipitation, and limited sunshine might want to avoid the winter months of
December to
February. The average temperatures plummet to between 27.7°F (-2.4°C) and 39°F (3.9°C), with shorter days lasting from 8.7 hours to 10.4 hours. Sunshine hours dwindle to between 3.7 hours and 3.9 hours per day, and visitors can expect to see the sun for roughly 10 days a month. This period also features the highest precipitation levels, with rainfall numbers escalating to 5.67" (144mm) in
January and snowfall reaching 4.76" (121mm) in February.
Spring weather in Hood River
From
March to
May,
Hood River's spring boasts a gradual increase in temperature, with averages ranging from 44.2°F (6.8°C) to 62.4°F (16.9°C). Rainfall during this period lessens considerably compared to the winter, plummeting to between 2.52" (64mm) and 3.58" (91mm). Meanwhile, sunshine duration extends from 5.5 to 9.8 hours per day, offering longer days for outdoor pursuits. Spring's gradually increasing warmth and decreasing precipitation make it a favorable time to witness Hood River's blossoming outdoors.
Summer weather in Hood River
Summers, from
June to
August, deliver the warmest months with temperatures peaking at an average high of 78.4°F (25.8°C) in
July and August. Rainfall numbers dip to the year's lows, with July recording a mean of just 0.28" (7mm). Sunshine hours are generous, reaching up to 11.7 hours per day in July, translating to an average of 25.4 sun-drenched days in a month. These blithe conditions make for an idyllic time to revel in
Hood River's verdant landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Autumn weather in Hood River
Autumn in
Hood River, from
September to
November, triggers a gradual drop in temperatures, with averages falling from 68.9°F (20.5°C) to 43.7°F (6.5°C). Rainfall begins to pick up, swelling from 1.14" (29mm) to 3.27" (83mm), while sunny days start to recede from 18.7 days to 9.9 days per month. However, the haze of autumn leaves against the crisp backdrop of these months presents an unmatched spectacle, absorbing visitors in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Winter weather in Hood River
Winter, from
December to
February, is the chilliest season in
Hood River, with temperatures spiraling down to between 27.7°F (-2.4°C) and 39°F (3.9°C). This period also coincides with the town's highest rainfall, peaking at 5.08" (129mm) in December. While sunshine hours curtail to 3.7 hours to 3.9 hours a day, a silvery lining to the cloud is the picturesque snowfall. December and February witness an enchanted dusting, with accumulations reaching up to 3.66" (93mm) and 4.76" (121mm), respectively. These wintry scenes offer thrilling opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts who thrive in the frosty air and snow-laden landscape.
Weather in January
January in
Hood River,
Oregon, USA welcomes the new year with winter season. The climate is cold, best suited for those seeking a chill in their days. One of the coldest months of the year, but not as biting as what is observed in the subsequent month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February steps in, the chill intensifies. The month slowly inches from the colder side to warmer temperatures, a significant rise from
January. There is a lesser amount of snowfall compared to January, marking the retreat of heavy winter.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, being a transitional month, moves from the cold of winter to the freshness of spring. This movement markedly affects the overall weather conditions.
Hood River starts to thaw as it prepares to welcome the warmth of
April. The daylight hours increase and there's a relative decrease in rainfall from the previous month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signals the arrival of spring in
Hood River. The temperatures rise as we move deeper into the month. The spring bloom gets into full gear as the precipitation drops, making it an ideal time for botany enthusiasts to visit Hood River.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May experiences considerably warmer weather with an average rise in maximum temperatures. The month ushers in more daylight and consequently, the UV index begins to rise. An optimal time for outdoor activities, provided adequate protection from sunburn.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June paves the way for summer in
Hood River. Weather conditions start to stabilize, with temperatures rising consistently. It is also when sunshine hours hit their peak, indicating longer days. The low humidity makes the climate dryer compared to the preceding months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the height of summer to
Hood River. The temperatures soar, making it the hottest time of the year. This is the perfect month for those seeking warmth in their days. Despite the heat, the dryness due to low humidity is quite palpable.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the heat from
July but with a slight decrease in average temperatures. Residents can expect similar weather conditions to July, with high daylight hours. High temperature and low humidity maintain the dryness of the climate.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of autumn in
Hood River. It introduces a significant change in the weather pattern with temperatures beginning to drop. The autumn foliage around Hood River becomes more evident as the month proceeds.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, in
Hood River, is characterized by a significant drop in temperatures from
September. The climate becomes noticeably cooler, and rainfall increases, adding to the humidity. The change in weather is visible in the golden hues of the autumn foliage.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November welcomes the onset of winter in
Hood River. The weather conditions noticeably cool down from
October, making the air crisp. With the coming cold, the city starts preparing for the snowy season. November marks the beginning of a slight increase in snowfall and a decrease in daylight hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings along the full force of winter to
Hood River. The weather conditions in Hood River,
Oregon tend to be the coldest in December. An increase in snowfall accompanies the decreasing temperatures, marking a white Christmas.
Weather in December »