Portland, OR – Oregon enters the holiday period under NOAA’s “equal chances” temperature outlook, but forecasters say the state should still prepare for snow, rain, or mixed precipitation between December 20 and January 2. With Christmas and New Years inside this forecasting window, travel across the Cascades and eastern Oregon could be significantly impacted.
According to NOAA, Oregon sits in a broad EC temperature zone stretching from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Lakes, meaning temperatures may trend warmer or colder depending on storm timing. Even without a strong cold signal, late December typically supports mountain snow and occasional lowland wintry weather when cold pockets move in behind passing systems.
For precipitation, Oregon is also positioned in an equal-chances zone, suggesting near-normal moisture. In December, “normal” almost always includes frequent Cascade snowfall, rain or snow for the Coast Range and higher inland valleys, and a mix of snow and freezing rain risks east of the Cascades.
Communities across Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford, Pendleton, and The Dalles should prepare for slick roads, changing precipitation types, and occasional travel delays between Dec. 20–Jan. 2. Mountain passes—including Siskiyou Summit, Santiam Pass, Willamette Pass, and Government Camp—may see significant snowfall, especially around Christmas weekend and again near New Years.
Eastern Oregon—including Baker City, La Grande, Ontario, and Burns—is favored for multiple rounds of snow, giving the region a higher chance of experiencing a White Christmas.
Western valleys will primarily see rain but could experience brief wet snow if temperatures dip during overnight hours.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as storm tracks and temperatures become clearer closer to the holiday window.
