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Portland or Seattle?
Both are culture, food and nature destinations in North America. Portland adds shopping. Seattle adds mountains.
| Portland | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Cost of a week | mid-priced | expensive |
| Crowds at peak | medium | medium |
| Best months | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Warmest month | August, 31°C | August, 26°C |
| Coolest month | February, 8°C | December, 7°C |
| Known for | Powell’s City of Books, Washington Park, St. Johns Bridge, Lan Su Chinese Garden | Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Olympic Sculpture Park |
Month by month, side by side
| Month | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 8°C |
| Feb | 8°C | 8°C |
| Mar | 12°C | 11°C |
| Apr | 15°C | 14°C |
| May | 20°C | 18°C |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C |
| Jul | 30°C | 25°C |
| Aug | 31°C | 26°C |
| Sep | 26°C | 22°C |
| Oct | 19°C | 16°C |
| Nov | 11°C | 10°C |
| Dec | 8°C | 7°C |
So which one?
Pick Portland if…
you want shopping. It suits solo travellers particularly well.
Pick Seattle if…
you want mountains. It suits couples particularly well.
Both are at their best in June, July, August, September.
Book whichever wins
Common questions
Is Portland or Seattle cheaper?
Portland is mid-priced for a week, Seattle is expensive.
Which is warmer, Portland or Seattle?
Portland peaks at 31°C in August; Seattle peaks at 26°C in August.
Can you do both in one trip?
Yes — they are in the same country, so combining them is straightforward.
Temperatures are measured averages (ERA5, Open-Meteo). Hotel links are partner links — your price is unchanged.