Eugene, Oregon is known for its changing seasons and mild climate. The average monthly temperatures in Eugene range from about 35°F in the winter to around 78°F during the summer’s hottest months.
These temperature changes make the city a great place for people who enjoy both cool, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers.
Anyone planning to visit or move to Eugene will want to know what kind of weather to expect. The city sees its warmest days in July and August, but some months can still surprise with rain or cooler breezes.
For more details on specific temperatures by month, check the Eugene average temperatures.
Knowing the typical weather can help people decide the best time for outdoor activities, travel, or settling in the area. From chilly evenings to sun-filled afternoons, Eugene’s weather keeps life interesting all year long.
Understanding Eugene, Oregon’s Climate
Eugene, Oregon, has a mild climate that is shaped by its location and the surrounding geography. The city experiences cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, creating noticeable changes during each season.
Geographical Location
Eugene is in the southern part of the Willamette Valley, a region known for its fertile land and gentle rolling hills. The city sits next to the Willamette River, which adds moisture to the local air.
The Cascade Mountains rise to the east, while the Coast Range lies to the west. These mountain ranges protect Eugene from extreme weather, such as heavy snow or intense windstorms.
Instead, the city gets gentle breezes and moderate rainfall. Being close to the Pacific Ocean, Eugene can feel changes in ocean weather, though the Coast Range blocks most harsh ocean storms.
The land around the city is mostly forest and farmland, which helps keep temperatures from becoming too hot or too cold.
Influence of the Pacific Northwest
The climate of Eugene is shaped by its position within the Pacific Northwest. This region is famous for its wet weather and lush, green landscapes.
Most of Eugene’s rain falls between November and March. The city usually gets more than 45 inches of rain each year, mostly as light showers or drizzle.
The Pacific Ocean provides moist air, and when this air hits the mountains near Eugene, it cools and turns into rain. Summers are different.
They tend to be warm and dry with little rainfall, and temperatures sometimes reach the low 80s Fahrenheit (close to 27°C). Winters are mild, with daytime highs often near the mid-40s°F.
Eugene rarely sees heavy snowfall, thanks to the mountains acting as natural barriers.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Eugene weather changes a lot throughout the year, giving each season its own feel. Winters are cool with average highs in the mid-40s°F and lows around the mid-30s°F, and rain is frequent from late fall into early spring.
Spring months bring warmer air and less rain. By May, average highs reach the mid-60s°F, and nights stay above freezing.
Summers are the warmest and driest part of the year with July’s average highs reaching the low 80s°F, and rainfall dropping sharply. Autumn brings cooler days and an increase in rain, preparing the city for another wet winter.
A detailed look at month-by-month temperatures can be found in this Eugene weather data page, which shows how the temperatures shift each month.
Average Monthly Temperatures Overview
Eugene sits in western Oregon and has a climate that experiences cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Temperature patterns follow clear cycles each year, with noticeable differences from month to month.
Annual Temperature Trends
The average monthly temperatures in Eugene show a steady change as the year goes on. Winter months like January have average highs around 46°F and lows near 34°F.
By July and August, temperatures reach average highs of about 83°F to 86°F and lows in the mid-50s. Spring brings a gentle warming, with April temperatures climbing into the low 60s.
In the fall, temperatures drop again as October and November approach, with highs returning to the 50s. Eugene’s annual temperature range spans from about 35°F in cold months up to 86°F at the peak of summer.
It is rare for temperatures to fall below 25°F or go much above 97°F, which sets Eugene apart from places with harsher climates. For a more detailed breakdown by month, see Eugene’s climate data.
Temperature Variability
Eugene weather is best described by its mild changes, but some shifts can be felt through the seasons. There are usually only a few days each year when the temperature hits 90°F or higher—on average, about 18 days see these warmer peaks.
The summer months of July and August are the warmest, but it’s not uncommon for the city to cool down quickly at night, thanks to its location in the Willamette Valley. Cold snaps do happen, but on most days in winter, temperatures stay above freezing.
Snow is possible but not common, as Eugene more often gets rainy, chilly days than harsh freezes or deep snow.
Comparison With Oregon State Averages
Eugene follows the general weather patterns of western Oregon, but with some local differences. When compared to the rest of Oregon, Eugene is milder than eastern cities, which often have hotter summers and colder winters.
Coastal areas tend to be cooler year-round, while cities such as Bend or Pendleton encounter larger temperature swings. For instance, Eugene’s summer heat does not reach the same levels as central and eastern Oregon.
A table comparing average monthly highs in Eugene to Oregon state averages:
| Month | Eugene Avg High (°F) | Oregon Avg High (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 46 | 43-48 |
| April | 62 | 56-62 |
| July | 83 | 78-90 |
| October | 65 | 57-70 |
These numbers show that Eugene sits comfortably in the middle compared to other parts of the state. For more climate details, visit Eugene OR Average Temperatures by Month.
Monthly Breakdown of Temperatures
Eugene, Oregon experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. Each season has its own feel, with winters being cold and wet and summers known for warm, sunny days.
Winter Months: December to February
Winter in Eugene brings the coldest weather of the year. The average daily mean temperature in December is about 4.8°C (41°F).
January and February stay cold as well, with temperatures usually ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s in Fahrenheit. Nights often dip below freezing.
Frost is common in the mornings, and it sometimes snows, though most winter days see rain instead. Eugene weather during these months is often cloudy and damp, so warm, waterproof clothing is a good idea.
A typical winter day may start near 32°F (0°C) and slowly rise to the low 40s by afternoon. Extended cold snaps are possible but rare.
Most of the time, winter remains chilly but not extreme.
Spring Months: March to May
Spring in Eugene offers milder weather and longer days. In March, average temperatures start in the upper 40s°F and increase each month.
By April, daytime highs climb to the upper 50s, and in May, days can reach up to 68°F (20°C). Nights are still cool, so people may need a jacket in the evening.
Rain continues to be a part of Eugene weather during the spring months. Showers are common, but sunny breaks become more frequent as May approaches.
Gardens start to bloom, and outdoor activities become more comfortable. Overall, spring is a time of change, with temperatures rising steadily and the chance of frost going down late in the season.
Summer Months: June to August
Summers in Eugene are dry and warm, with average high temperatures above 78°F (25°C) from late June to mid-September. July and August are the hottest months, and it is common for afternoon temperatures to sit in the 80s or even the low 90s.
Rain is rare in the summer. Most days are sunny, and the air stays comfortable, not humid.
Nights cool down to the 50s, making it easy to sleep. Heat waves do happen; on average, there are 18 days each year when temperatures reach the 90s Fahrenheit.
On rare occasions, it can even get close to 100°F (38°C) in Eugene OR average temperatures by month. Outdoor events and activities are popular since the weather is so inviting and dry.
Fall Months: September to November
Fall in Eugene comes with cooler air and changing leaves. September still feels warm, but by November, days get much chillier.
In September, the average high temperature starts near 83°F but drops to about 73°F by the end of the month. Nights get cooler too, sometimes falling below 50°F.
More details on September weather in Eugene.
October gets cooler, with high temperatures usually in the low 60s °F. Nighttime temperatures often fall into the 40s °F.
Rain becomes more common, giving the trees and parks a fresh feel. By November, it’s much colder and wetter.
Highs usually stay in the low 50s °F, and nights can drop to the upper 30s °F.
Here’s a look at average temperatures during the fall months:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 73-83 | ~50 |
| October | ~64 | ~43 |
| November | ~53 | ~39 |
During these months, Eugene weather can change quickly. Sunny days may switch to rain, and temperatures can dip at night.
Sweaters and jackets are a good idea for anyone visiting or living in the area during the fall. The fall season is mild but brings a noticeable shift, marking the end of summer warmth and the start of Oregon’s rainy season.
Humidity and Dew Point Trends
Humidity and dew point in Eugene change throughout the year, affecting how the air feels and the chances for dampness or fog. These changes are especially important during seasonal shifts and can impact comfort levels in homes and outdoors.
Average Humidity By Month
Humidity in Eugene tends to be higher in the cooler months and lower in the summer. In May, the average relative humidity is about 73%, which means the air often feels moist, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Winter months see the highest humidity, often above 80%, because cooler air holds less moisture before reaching saturation. During late spring and into summer, humidity drops a bit.
July and August are usually the driest, with humidity readings closer to 60% or even lower on some afternoons. The difference is clear when comparing a muggy January morning to a warm, dry July afternoon.
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 82 |
| May | 73 |
| July | 60 |
| October | 78 |
Dew and Dew Point Patterns
Dew point is a good way to measure how much moisture is in the air. High dew points mean the air feels sticky or muggy, while low dew points feel dry.
In Eugene, dew points are usually mild, making extreme stickiness rare. During the cooler months, dew point temperatures are lower, often around 35-40°F.
This can lead to morning dew and even fog, especially when the air temperature matches the dew point. In warmer months like July and August, dew points rise to 50-55°F, making the air feel slightly more humid but still comfortable.
For detailed monthly data, visit timeanddate: Eugene climate averages.
Precipitation Patterns and Fog
Eugene, Oregon, has a mild, wet climate with steady rainfall for much of the year. Rainfall, snowfall, and fog are part of daily life, and each brings unique challenges and features to the area.
Rainfall Distribution By Season
Most of Eugene’s annual rainfall happens from October to mid-May. Winters are especially wet, with some months seeing over 6 inches (about 150 mm) of rain.
Rain is less common in summer. July and August get only about 2% of the yearly total, so these months are much drier and often sunny.
Rain days are frequent outside summer, and even when it does not rain all day, the sky is often cloudy. The wettest months tend to be November, December, and January.
For detailed graphs and monthly data, the U.S. Climate Data for Eugene summarizes this monthly rainfall pattern.
Snowfall Occurrence
Snowfall is rare in Eugene, but it does happen. Most years, the city gets only a light dusting of snow.
It is not unusual for an entire winter to pass with little or no accumulation. On average, Eugene receives less than 5 inches (about 13 cm) of snow each year.
When snow falls, it often melts quickly because of above-freezing daytime temperatures. Heavy snowstorms are uncommon, but if they occur, they can cause short-term disruptions since the area is not well equipped to handle significant snow.
During some winters, snow may not fall at all.
Fog Frequency and Impact
Fog is a regular feature during the colder months. It is most common from late fall to early spring, with frequent foggy mornings in the valleys.
These foggy periods reduce visibility and can make driving more challenging, especially early in the day. Most fog in Eugene is “radiation fog,” which forms when clear nights allow the ground to cool, leading to condensation.
Some fog can last into midday before lifting, but it usually disappears once the sun warms things up. The presence of fog also adds moisture to the air, making winter mornings damp and chilly.
Detailed records of fog days and their timing can be found at the National Weather Service ClimateBookEugene.
Additional Weather Factors
Along with temperature, other factors help people understand what to expect from Eugene’s climate. Pressure changes and reliable weather information are also important for daily planning.
Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure in Eugene usually stays between 29 and 31 inches of mercury (inHg) most of the year. The pressure changes when different weather fronts move through the area.
Low pressure often brings clouds or rain. High pressure leads to clearer, sunnier days.
During winter, pressure tends to drop, which matches Eugene’s reputation for rainy and damp weather in those months. Sudden pressure drops can signal storms or windy weather.
Many people with joint pain or headaches notice symptoms with these changes. Watching pressure trends is helpful for tracking upcoming shifts in the weather.
Below is a simple chart for reference:
| Weather Type | Pressure Tendency | Common Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny/Clear | Rising/High | Calm, dry |
| Rain/Stormy | Falling/Low | Wet, overcast |
Weather Forecast for Eugene
Local weather experts use modern tools and years of data to make forecasts for Eugene. Daily predictions include temperature highs and lows, chance of rain, wind speed, and sometimes pressure trends.
In the summer, forecasts often mention dry and warm conditions. The hottest month, August, has an average high of 85°F and a low of 54°F, based on monthly data.
Winter forecasts highlight cooler, damp air. Days usually stay above freezing, and there is regular rainfall.
Meteorologists update forecasts often because pressure patterns from the Pacific Ocean can change quickly, bringing new weather to Eugene overnight. It is helpful to check the forecast daily since weather in Oregon can shift with little warning.
Reliable sources include local news, the National Weather Service, and weather apps.
Microclimates in Eugene and Surrounding Areas
Eugene’s weather isn’t the same everywhere. Certain parts of the city, like Bethel and the area around the University of Oregon, have their own unique climate features that affect daily weather and temperature.
Weather in Bethel
Bethel lies in the northwest part of Eugene. It tends to be a bit cooler and windier than neighborhoods closer to downtown.
This is because Bethel is farther from the hills and not as sheltered from breezes that come in from the west. Rain often arrives sooner in Bethel than in more central parts of Eugene.
During winter, Bethel can sometimes get morning fog that takes longer to burn off. This happens because the area is more open, with fewer trees to block the wind and cold air.
These local conditions mean that Bethel may experience slightly lower overnight lows, especially on clear nights. Even in summer, it can feel a little different than downtown or the riverfront parks.
Impact of the University of Oregon Campus
The University of Oregon campus is close to downtown and sits near the Willamette River. The area has more trees, lawns, and buildings, which can make temperatures feel a little warmer during winter and cooler during hot summer days.
This “urban heat island” effect is caused by tall structures and paved areas that absorb and keep heat. At night, the trees and green spaces on campus can cool things down faster than in other urban neighborhoods.
During the school year, the high number of people and cars can also have a small effect on air temperature and humidity levels. The mix of mature trees and activity means weather on campus may differ from other parts of Eugene, especially when it comes to temperature swings.
