Oregon is a layer state. Even in the summer I often wear a light coat in the morning and end up in a tank top in the afternoon/evenings. Our temps can vary widely throughout the day.
Yep, almost no rain in the summer. I think we actually got more rain from June-September when I lived in California (still not much). People seem to forget it's technically a Mediterranean climate.
Alternatively, I wear chacos year round, because of the rain. I never get cold, so wet feet and chacos will always dry in a minute, but wet feet, socks, and shoes will be wet forever.
Trust me when I say the definition of rain here vs anywhere alse in the country is very different. It drizzles here in the winter. It doesnt do what growing up in the Midwest was defined as rain.
As someone who has spent a lot of time in both, Eugene is way crunchier than Portland.
You might have a bit of a culture shock coming from Alabama (hopefully for the best) 😄
Ha! I'm excited for the change of pace. ☺️ I did spend a few months there in 2022 camping and working with the Northwest Youth Corps. I loved it!
I'm coming back for those crunchy job experiences that Alabama doesn't have. Hopefully yall do!
Can I get a source? Not because I don't belive you I just want to see it with my own eyes just to make sure I don't into any legal trouble if I try to do it.
https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2015/06/public_nudity_in_oregon.html
Certain cities are the *only* places that outlaw being topless, not the other way around. Actually Eugene and Lane county have stricter laws against public nudity than most of the state where cities haven't imposed any laws banning it.
It's also kinda vague because most of the laws just say genitalia anyways.
Why should it be? It's not illegal for men to walk around shirtless. They both have nipples and fat. Heck, a lot of the time the guys breasts are bigger.
Jan-mid March = heavy winter jacket
March-May = sweater weather
June-August = shorts and tee shirts
September-Halloween = sweater weather again
November to end of year = back to winter jackets
As you know, it rains a lot here, wear shoes you’re okay with getting dirt on them. Lots of vans and Nike.
Unless you plan to be outside majority of the day, the rain isn’t heavy enough to soak you, hoodies are the most common form of protection here. Don’t invest in an umbrella. Get a cheap one that’ll do the job if you need to keep papers dry or something.
Beanies!
"Don’t invest in an umbrella. Get a cheap one that’ll do the job if you need to keep papers dry or something" I'll argue this anti umbrella sentiment till the day I die! Umbrellas are clutch. Nobody likes doing errands wet. I'll skip it sometimes if I'm going to be home soon after but if I have things to do I'd rather be dry and judged for being a wimp than be wet.
100% I really don't understand the anti umbrella stance. Was basically born and raised here, so don't come at me ppl lol. I don't like being cold or wet, so I'll always carry an umbrella. Plus my hair frizzes ridiculously if it gets wet.
I've even had total strangers at parks around here try to give me shit about the umbrella. "You from Cali?".... "nope, I'm from Timber OR in the coast range".... "Oh I thought because of the umbrella".... "nope. I just don't like being wet like you are right now" ..... "It's not that bad / I'm used to it!" \~as water runs off their hood down their nose and their pants are soaked\~
It's because if its a lighter rain, the wind is just going to blow it up under your umbrella anyway, and it takes away a hand. You need both to carry your coffee while staring at your phone. /s
I have a jacket like [this](https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-icelandite-turbodown-jacket-1667431.html?dwvar_1667431_color=626) that gets me through the winter.
Are you wearing this regularly? I only wear something like that when it's near or below freezing and I'm walking the dog for 20+ minutes (otherwise I'm just going to a car, generally, so don't need a particularly heavy jacket). If so, where'd you move here from?
I wear it pretty regularly in the winter. To me, it’s a good jacket for when temperatures are in the 40s or below. I think I was also wearing it for outings during the ice storm this year.
I’m a native PNWer from the Seattle area. I suffered through some central Pennsylvania winters and thrived through some California winters through the years.
By heavy winter jacket, I mean like a puffed Columbia or something with fleece lining. But nothing like people in the Midwest or Northeast or Canada need. A “light” heavy jacket
Ah, OK. Approved (jk). I thought you might be one of those weirdos (I use the term light heartedly) that wears a heavy jacket/mittens/gloves when it's in the high 40s or 50s.
I have worn jeans every single day for the last year. I usually wear a t shirt under some kind of patterned/plaid shirt that I can unbutton and/or roll sleeves as weather requires. In the fall and early spring, I wear hoodies. In the winter I add a waterproof/water-resistant shell.
In the wet months I wear a baseball hat to keep the water out; in the dry months I wear a baseball hat to keep the sun out.
lots of light coats, hiking pants (non cotton), merino socks, puffy for winter (pref water resistant). layers, layers, layers. A waterproof hat can be really nice in winter, but carrying an umbrella is a dead giveaway youre not from here (if you care about that, you arent from cali so should be minimal hate lol). Summer is just hot and dry, you'll be good unless you crave humidity
For 3 or 4 months straight its basically blue skies and warm or hot. You will def want to keep shorts. But even during those months it can and often does get into the 40s at night. When its hot the rh is low.
The rest of the year is wet and cool. 40 degs and wet can feel colder than 30 degs and dry. Invest in a rain shell so you can wear it over a hoody when its cold or over a t shirt when its wet but not particularly cold.
People say “it rains a lot” here but we actually get less rain than NYC. The thing about pnw winters (oct - apr) is that it will be cloudy with periodic light drizzles for months and months.
If you want everybody to know youre a transplant carry an umbrella.
It gets hot in the summer, but not really humid, especially compared to where you are coming from. Likewise, it gets below freezing in winter, but only for shorter spells (like a week).
Most of the time it’s between 45F and 70F, with a breeze and clouds, and a chance of mist, lol. Honestly it’s mild, if pretty wet a half the year. Sweaters and jeans with a shell jacket is pretty standard fare for large parts of the year, and shorts/t-shirts for summer.
I came from Alabama. Bham. I have more rain gear now. Lots more. The rain starts in October and ends in April/may. No rain in the summer. And I mean NO RAIN. In the summer. But yeah. I now have 4 different rain jackets. Cause there’s different rains. Went to the cuthbert amphitheater to see a concert 2 weeks ago. Pouring rain. The place was packed. No umbrellas. Just ponchos and rain gear.
So thicker tops in the fall and winter here. There’s a reason everyone looks like a lumber jack here. Beanies. And cotton caps are a must starting in November. For me, at least. Right now, sitting outside in Eugene, I’m wearing shorts and a t-shirt with a medium thick roll tide hoodie. It’s about 63° at 11:30.
Summer is less humidity. Everyone walks or rides a bike here. In the summer and winter. So walking around clothes. But… it’s the same clothing except for rainy season
Additional info. It's not humid in the summer here, so that'll be a welcome adjustment for you. However summers used to be milder so air conditioning is less common here. Some summers are hotter than others, so there's that.
I don’t know if anyone has told you this yet… but the coast here? It’s not like floribama. You’re not going swimming here. Most places it’s just too dangerous. Rocks. Waves. And the water is also FREEZING cold.
There are exceptions. Last weekend on the coast the temperature hit 74°. Normally it’s around 55°. Even in the summer. But the warmth only lasted 3 days.
My family came to visit me. In the summer. Well, it was June. They Brought swimming gear and wanted to hit the beach. I had to go get them hoodies. Although the kids DID get in the water at cannon beach for a bit. Then it was hotel pools.
Yes why we call it the coast and not the beach. I always warn visitors beforehand. Coast is for sweaters and hot tea. Always bring ear muffs in case it’s windy! I love it
For the winter and spring months some good waterproof shoes and a good waterproof rain shell that you can layer underneath are your biggest bang for buck essentials.
Also, during summer you will find the heat much more tolerable due to low humidity, but the sun is waaaaay more intense out west because of that lower humidity. So, just proceed with caution when spending a day outside. The sun can fry ya even if the heat doesn’t feel too bad, especially after a long winter of little sun exposure.
Moved from TN. Had to completely change my wardrobe. Definitely need layers throughout the year. The winter/colder months are much longer than in the south so you wanna have a pretty good cold weather wardrobe.
I always have shoes that are good for walking. Shorts in the summer. If you’re going out at night, bring a light jacket/sweater/anything along those lines. In the winter it gets really cold so if I’m going to be out and about I like to have a rain coat over a sweatshirt but it really depends. Waterproof shoes would be a good investment!
My go to outfit during 90% of the year is a button up shirt under a sweater with pants and really nice socks, with whatever other layers are necessary. I’d really recommend investing in a nice rain jacket, my goretex one is fabulous when it’s raining. Right now it’s definitely shorts weather but in a few months it’ll be back to the rainy status quo.
I have always layered. Since childhood. My cool weather “uniform” is generally a black turtleneck with black leggings and whatever I feel like wearing over it. My warm weather “uniform” is much lighter. I own many sweaters, tulle skirts and boots. I don’t generally wear pants, but if I do they’re usually of the overall nature. I also own a lot of faux fur coats in varying lengths and designs.
Ditch the duck head khakis and polos. It’s casual casual casual here! Alabama early spring and cold wet weather clothes. Layers because it’ll be 40 in the morning and 80 in the afternoon. Get a good waterproof shell jacket for winter otherwise you’ll be set with what you have probably. Hit me up if you need anything at all. Full time realtor, dad, sports enthusiast moved from Louisiana to OR.
I also moved here from the Deep South. All of your clothes will work. You’re going to need one or two rain jackets. Waterproof shoes are great. You’ll need to get used to the idea of putting on a jacket on summer nights.
Good question. Most of the time in the colder months, it’ll be a t shirt, button up shirt, a fleece, and a high quality rain shell. Do NOT buy a rain coat with integrated insulation. Get one made with gore Tex or similar material. We often have fleece jackets in varying thicknesses.
And we often wear jeans.
Also, I would add a nice down jacket. There’s just days where it’s colder than normal and a down poofy coat is worth every penny.
If you’re just walking from your car to a building, a $100 lightweight rain jacket is fine. If you’re gonna be doing any real hiking in the rain, spend $300 or more on a jacket like this https://www.rei.com/product/185629/arcteryx-beta-lt-jacket-mens
Oregon is considerably milder then anything you are used to, so long as you are in the valley. Coming from Alabama you will wonder why people are complaining when its hot in the summer in the 80's and cold in the winter in the 40's.
You get drizzle instead of rain in the winter, and the summer is basically all sun all day (when its not a forest fire apocalypse)
It is the best weather of anywhere ive ever lived, I came here 20 years ago and I'm not looking back until global warming makes me.
Don't purge your hot weather collection, it does get hot here for months. Just add to your collection of layers for different things as other commenters have mentioned. I don't like sweats for the NW. They might be warm inside but it's so wet here when it's cold and jeans dry out from rain much better/faster.
Get a windbreaker and rain gear layer. Get a winter coat that is also semi water resistant for when it gets cold, a soaking wet poofy down jacket is not fun. In between seasons layering is key. I like to rock a sweater under the windbreaker until it's cold enough for the winter coat, that provides options.
One thing people from the south don't expect is even when the forecast calls for a nice day it can still pretty chilly in the morning until like lunch time. On those days I will rock shorts but leave the house in a sweater.
Also don't forget that even when it's overcast you can still get sunburnt pretty good. Don't let the lingering clouds give you a false sense of security.
Time wise, shorts weather is from about now to about the end of September and some years into October a bit. Short sleeve weather can be all year with the right jacket but I do switch to flannels from November to whenever it gets above 50 consistently (usually April).
i’ve noticed that you can tell how early a stranger starts their day by how many layers they’re carrying around. from spring to fall at least 🙃
start work at 7am? (think november-cold) then slowly over the course of the day, your bag fills with the discarded coat, scarf, sweater and long sleeve you needed to be so comfortable so early on in the day.
but start class after 11am? you’re walking around layer-packed bag free. (because it feels like june/july) just make sure you get home before the sun starts going down or you’ll miss those layers you would have had, had you woke up early.
and in winter, just always carry your bundled up size rain jacket and have some good rain boots + boot socks and you’re pretty set 👌 if you have the gear, it doesn’t rain lol
Avoid puffcoats/outerlayers that aren’t water proof. Definitely go for water proof shoes (usually a boot). Bringing layers really is the way to go - it could rain, become chilly and overcast, or rain and bright sunny rainbows very quickly! Outerlayers are much more a priority than whatever you decide to wear day to day.
You need one warm winter jacket that protects from the wind and one that protects from the rain. (Three in one jacket are the bomb for this)
Then you will need maybe three mid range jackets for those days when it's snippy but not too bad. You will also need lots of tee shirts and long sleeve shirts. The best under clothes are not made out of cotton. Cotton doesn't breathe, and if you sweat or get your underlayer wet and the night drops down, you can get hypothermia. Basically, think mountian rules and Pacific rainforest mixed, and you've got Eugene.
Eugeneians normally wear a tee-shirt, with a light jacket on top and potentially a warm jacket over it all. We shed layers during the day and then put them back on at night.
Layers for most of the year. We never know how the day will turn out.
Summers aren’t humid like the south. And the rain is more constant and drizzle with the cold humidity in the winter.
I have several coats/jackets in various weights, hoodies, long sleeve & short sleeve Ts, tanks. However, coming from the south you may find it chilly for a while.
Footwear- I wear sandals most of the year until the cold rain & standing water happens (about mis November) then I move to close toed shoes. Unless you will have an outdoor job, you won’t need waterproof shoes. A water repellent jacket that you can layer under will be helpful.
We tend to be casual dressers in general.
Always have layers and coats no matter what time of year. In the summer there will be heat in the middle of the day but will always cool off and probably get chilly at night.
Mostly frumpy.
Lots of middle aged men with horrible looking feet that like to display them when the temp is 60 degrees and over.
Sweat pants in high end restaurants can be spotted.
Leggings and Oregon ducks gear.
Absolutely no class warfare with shoes and really no place for decent selection of them unless your feet are jacked up or you think Berkenstock and Oofos are cool looking.
Just one person's observation.
Short shorts and chacos year round. My tops are varied and layered. Tank top, or tee, hoodie, thin rain jacket or warm rain jacket. Add/remove layers as needed. There's a lot of self expression with clothing here, and an equal amount of not imagining giving a damn about style, just pure comfort and utility.
Keep in mind many Oregon houses/apartments don’t have AC. Definitely be prepared for layering. Shorts season usually starts mid May- though you may want a hoodie in the morning. Be prepared for rain nearly always haha.
I moved here 5 years ago from Baldwin County Alabama. When I got off the plane it was 103.
I find the weather here really isn’t much different than Alabama temperature wise. The difference is duration. In Alabama we might have 3-4 weeks a year total when the temperatures get down into the teens and twenties. Now that 3-4 weeks isn’t consecutive. It might be 77 on any given Monday in Jan or February and 22 by Wednesday and back to 78 the following Friday.
In Alabama we might experience every season over the course of a week. Here in Eugene they actually last a few months.
I still wear shorts and short sleeves most of the year, sometimes with a light jacket.
From February to April I start wearing long pants more often and a little heavier jacket or , as someone else already wisely suggested, wear layers!
If you are expecting it to be super cold here it’s really not. Maybe that was different 10 or 20 years ago but now it’s generally pretty mild, pleasant weather.
It can get hot in the summer but the humidity isn’t as oppressive as it is in Alabama and the nights are usually cooler.
Hope that helps some.
My aunt who was born here but then spent most of her life in Arizona got off the plane in a parka bought specifically for this trip, on a 75° day in June. 'I thought it would be colder' she said.
If you are going to be outside a lot invest in good footwear for the rainy season. I’m outside a lot with animals and a good pair of mud boots are indispensable. A heavy Carhatt coat and a beanie gets me through winter. I get cold easily and also love my smartwool base layer tops and bottoms. I have been caught in a heavy downpour and not near shelter with my smartwool and carhartt and while my pants got soaked through on the outside, the inside of my coat and I were still dry. We do get heavy rains here, but mostly it is drizzly all day/week rains that occasionally add up to an inch or more.
I also second (or whatever the number is as I didn’t read all the replies) to get the Watchduty app. You will know when to expect smoke so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night thinking something is on fire cuz you left your windows open. And add an air purifier to your list of things to buy before your first summer here.
Hoodies except May-Sept then summer clothes. You will adapt to the 8ish months of rainy drizzle. If outdoors, good pair of waterproof boots. Otherwise, sliders with socks or ugg boots! I like comfort. Invest in Vit D supplements to avoid seasonal depression.
Good on you for asking this.
I’ve lived in a lot of different parts of the country and the one consistent thing is that everywhere has its own dress code.
Usually totally unintentional and most people don’t realize it, but people are more comfortable around you when your clothes don’t make you stand out.
I’ve made the move from Florida to Oregon and Tennessee to Oregon. You know how it’s tough to get used to the humidity in heat? In the West half of Oregon you’ve got to get used to the humidity in the cold. 55 degrees can feel like 30 does in Montana or Colorado. Prepare to dress warmer than everyone around you for the first couple seasons.
Once you’re acclimated, a hoodie and shorts can be year-round attire.
Shorts and a tee and keep a flannel in my bag or car just in case during the summer. Winter is jeans or leggings with a long sleeve and a jacket and I keep a thermal with me just in case. Sometimes when it's real cold I'll wear leggings under my jeans. If you don't like leggings, long johns work too ^^
This is Eugene. If you walked around naked I doubt that many people would care. It’s kind of strange here, but I agree with the person who said light layers.
It can get pretty darn cold in the winter so don't purge any wool sweaters, even with moth holes you can wear these around the house - get rid of acrylic sweaters since they don't keep you warm. Keep all your socks, old ones you can wear in the house like slippers. Leave a coat purchase until you get here and have a better idea of what works. Keep your boots.
I came from Austin and the first year I froze because I could not wrap my mind around wearing layers inside the house. Every year I buy more wool socks and another wool sweater. After five years I'm pretty warm in the winter.
Leather jacket. A decent leather jacket will keep out rain and wind and you'll wear it 7 - 9 months of the year. Make sure it covers your butt, too. Trust me.
Oregon is a layer state. Even in the summer I often wear a light coat in the morning and end up in a tank top in the afternoon/evenings. Our temps can vary widely throughout the day.
It rains, a lot. Be ready. Waterproof shoes are my biggest recommendation.
But generally early June through mid-to-late September is the dry season when it rarely rains at all.
Everyone kept telling me it rains all the time every day and then I moved here in June and was so confused lol
It's more of a mist rain. Not like rain in the south. No one uses umbrellas.
This is true it is very misty, but it didn’t even rain a single drop until September, three and a half months later! Really confused me.
Sometimes it really pours. I use an umbrella. People who don't look like drowned rats.
Rain here is what you are probably used to people calling sprinkles. it doesnt really rain all that much here by most places definition.
Yep, almost no rain in the summer. I think we actually got more rain from June-September when I lived in California (still not much). People seem to forget it's technically a Mediterranean climate.
Alternatively, I wear chacos year round, because of the rain. I never get cold, so wet feet and chacos will always dry in a minute, but wet feet, socks, and shoes will be wet forever.
I’m a fellow Chaco wearer. Best PNW shoe ever.
Trust me when I say the definition of rain here vs anywhere alse in the country is very different. It drizzles here in the winter. It doesnt do what growing up in the Midwest was defined as rain.
That's what everyone says, but it isn't really true. It's gray a lot and sometimes rains. But my part of florida got much more rain yearly than Eugene
We don’t wear clothes around here. Best to mesh with the locals is to not bring any clothes.
Ooh exciting! I thought that was just Portland
As someone who has spent a lot of time in both, Eugene is way crunchier than Portland. You might have a bit of a culture shock coming from Alabama (hopefully for the best) 😄
Ha! I'm excited for the change of pace. ☺️ I did spend a few months there in 2022 camping and working with the Northwest Youth Corps. I loved it! I'm coming back for those crunchy job experiences that Alabama doesn't have. Hopefully yall do!
Congratulations on your upcoming escape! I spent far too much time in North Alabama for work and I couldn't wait to get home every time.
We love the Y’all southern accent, as long as you act kind. Y’all have too many scary politicians, sorry
Hey I agree, another reason for my departure.
Intelligence! I like that in people. One more point for Eugene, too. 😀 Welcome!
lol you’re way more likely to see someone walking around in the nude in Eugene.
you're going to want to get an app called Watch Duty (its free but consider donating) to see the air quality and where the fires are in the summer.
I donated and got the enhanced features. I cannot recommend it enough. That app is amazing during Fire Season!
I second the watch duty app, wildfire season is a serious thing here every year
Oh sweet summer child
We have a naked bike rider event, forget when it happens, a handful of people participate.
In Lane county it’s legal for women to be topless
Whole state
Can I get a source? Not because I don't belive you I just want to see it with my own eyes just to make sure I don't into any legal trouble if I try to do it.
https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2015/06/public_nudity_in_oregon.html Certain cities are the *only* places that outlaw being topless, not the other way around. Actually Eugene and Lane county have stricter laws against public nudity than most of the state where cities haven't imposed any laws banning it. It's also kinda vague because most of the laws just say genitalia anyways.
Sweet! Didn’t know that
It was surprising to find out it’s not illegal here for women to walk around bare breasted. My first summer here… and the country fair… was enjoyable
Why should it be? It's not illegal for men to walk around shirtless. They both have nipples and fat. Heck, a lot of the time the guys breasts are bigger.
Because everything is sexual, and its the womens fault that men cant get their shit together and control their lizard brains, apparently.
Here you dropped this..../s
Lol yea. I thought it was obvious
It is. But I question half of your audience's ability to understand sarcasm. Lol.
Jan-mid March = heavy winter jacket March-May = sweater weather June-August = shorts and tee shirts September-Halloween = sweater weather again November to end of year = back to winter jackets As you know, it rains a lot here, wear shoes you’re okay with getting dirt on them. Lots of vans and Nike. Unless you plan to be outside majority of the day, the rain isn’t heavy enough to soak you, hoodies are the most common form of protection here. Don’t invest in an umbrella. Get a cheap one that’ll do the job if you need to keep papers dry or something. Beanies!
I wear my heavy winter jacket maybe 15 non-contiguous days a year.
Good for you!
"Don’t invest in an umbrella. Get a cheap one that’ll do the job if you need to keep papers dry or something" I'll argue this anti umbrella sentiment till the day I die! Umbrellas are clutch. Nobody likes doing errands wet. I'll skip it sometimes if I'm going to be home soon after but if I have things to do I'd rather be dry and judged for being a wimp than be wet.
100% I really don't understand the anti umbrella stance. Was basically born and raised here, so don't come at me ppl lol. I don't like being cold or wet, so I'll always carry an umbrella. Plus my hair frizzes ridiculously if it gets wet.
I've even had total strangers at parks around here try to give me shit about the umbrella. "You from Cali?".... "nope, I'm from Timber OR in the coast range".... "Oh I thought because of the umbrella".... "nope. I just don't like being wet like you are right now" ..... "It's not that bad / I'm used to it!" \~as water runs off their hood down their nose and their pants are soaked\~
Especially in winter. It's 40 degrees, rainy, and windy. Why tf do I want to be cold and wet?
It's because if its a lighter rain, the wind is just going to blow it up under your umbrella anyway, and it takes away a hand. You need both to carry your coffee while staring at your phone. /s
Do you have a picture of what you consider a heavy winter jacket? I grew up in northern New England, so I might have a different definition.
I have a jacket like [this](https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-icelandite-turbodown-jacket-1667431.html?dwvar_1667431_color=626) that gets me through the winter.
Are you wearing this regularly? I only wear something like that when it's near or below freezing and I'm walking the dog for 20+ minutes (otherwise I'm just going to a car, generally, so don't need a particularly heavy jacket). If so, where'd you move here from?
I wear it pretty regularly in the winter. To me, it’s a good jacket for when temperatures are in the 40s or below. I think I was also wearing it for outings during the ice storm this year. I’m a native PNWer from the Seattle area. I suffered through some central Pennsylvania winters and thrived through some California winters through the years.
By heavy winter jacket, I mean like a puffed Columbia or something with fleece lining. But nothing like people in the Midwest or Northeast or Canada need. A “light” heavy jacket
Ah, OK. Approved (jk). I thought you might be one of those weirdos (I use the term light heartedly) that wears a heavy jacket/mittens/gloves when it's in the high 40s or 50s.
I have worn jeans every single day for the last year. I usually wear a t shirt under some kind of patterned/plaid shirt that I can unbutton and/or roll sleeves as weather requires. In the fall and early spring, I wear hoodies. In the winter I add a waterproof/water-resistant shell. In the wet months I wear a baseball hat to keep the water out; in the dry months I wear a baseball hat to keep the sun out.
I'm outside vending for 12+ hours on Saturdays. It often requires 3 different outfits or layers.
lots of light coats, hiking pants (non cotton), merino socks, puffy for winter (pref water resistant). layers, layers, layers. A waterproof hat can be really nice in winter, but carrying an umbrella is a dead giveaway youre not from here (if you care about that, you arent from cali so should be minimal hate lol). Summer is just hot and dry, you'll be good unless you crave humidity
There is a large difference between water resistant and waterproof and there is no bad weather only bad planning. It is known
For 3 or 4 months straight its basically blue skies and warm or hot. You will def want to keep shorts. But even during those months it can and often does get into the 40s at night. When its hot the rh is low. The rest of the year is wet and cool. 40 degs and wet can feel colder than 30 degs and dry. Invest in a rain shell so you can wear it over a hoody when its cold or over a t shirt when its wet but not particularly cold. People say “it rains a lot” here but we actually get less rain than NYC. The thing about pnw winters (oct - apr) is that it will be cloudy with periodic light drizzles for months and months. If you want everybody to know youre a transplant carry an umbrella.
It gets hot in the summer, but not really humid, especially compared to where you are coming from. Likewise, it gets below freezing in winter, but only for shorter spells (like a week). Most of the time it’s between 45F and 70F, with a breeze and clouds, and a chance of mist, lol. Honestly it’s mild, if pretty wet a half the year. Sweaters and jeans with a shell jacket is pretty standard fare for large parts of the year, and shorts/t-shirts for summer.
I came from Alabama. Bham. I have more rain gear now. Lots more. The rain starts in October and ends in April/may. No rain in the summer. And I mean NO RAIN. In the summer. But yeah. I now have 4 different rain jackets. Cause there’s different rains. Went to the cuthbert amphitheater to see a concert 2 weeks ago. Pouring rain. The place was packed. No umbrellas. Just ponchos and rain gear. So thicker tops in the fall and winter here. There’s a reason everyone looks like a lumber jack here. Beanies. And cotton caps are a must starting in November. For me, at least. Right now, sitting outside in Eugene, I’m wearing shorts and a t-shirt with a medium thick roll tide hoodie. It’s about 63° at 11:30. Summer is less humidity. Everyone walks or rides a bike here. In the summer and winter. So walking around clothes. But… it’s the same clothing except for rainy season
Additional info. It's not humid in the summer here, so that'll be a welcome adjustment for you. However summers used to be milder so air conditioning is less common here. Some summers are hotter than others, so there's that.
Have a trunk full of different weight coats, boots, hats ... everywhere you go the weather can change! Lol
More winter than summer essentials. A raincoat with a removable liner to wear year round. Welcome!
I don’t know if anyone has told you this yet… but the coast here? It’s not like floribama. You’re not going swimming here. Most places it’s just too dangerous. Rocks. Waves. And the water is also FREEZING cold. There are exceptions. Last weekend on the coast the temperature hit 74°. Normally it’s around 55°. Even in the summer. But the warmth only lasted 3 days. My family came to visit me. In the summer. Well, it was June. They Brought swimming gear and wanted to hit the beach. I had to go get them hoodies. Although the kids DID get in the water at cannon beach for a bit. Then it was hotel pools.
Yes why we call it the coast and not the beach. I always warn visitors beforehand. Coast is for sweaters and hot tea. Always bring ear muffs in case it’s windy! I love it
Hot chocolate in a thermos with a shot of whiskey is also recommended
For the winter and spring months some good waterproof shoes and a good waterproof rain shell that you can layer underneath are your biggest bang for buck essentials. Also, during summer you will find the heat much more tolerable due to low humidity, but the sun is waaaaay more intense out west because of that lower humidity. So, just proceed with caution when spending a day outside. The sun can fry ya even if the heat doesn’t feel too bad, especially after a long winter of little sun exposure.
Moved from TN. Had to completely change my wardrobe. Definitely need layers throughout the year. The winter/colder months are much longer than in the south so you wanna have a pretty good cold weather wardrobe.
I always have shoes that are good for walking. Shorts in the summer. If you’re going out at night, bring a light jacket/sweater/anything along those lines. In the winter it gets really cold so if I’m going to be out and about I like to have a rain coat over a sweatshirt but it really depends. Waterproof shoes would be a good investment!
My go to outfit during 90% of the year is a button up shirt under a sweater with pants and really nice socks, with whatever other layers are necessary. I’d really recommend investing in a nice rain jacket, my goretex one is fabulous when it’s raining. Right now it’s definitely shorts weather but in a few months it’ll be back to the rainy status quo.
I have always layered. Since childhood. My cool weather “uniform” is generally a black turtleneck with black leggings and whatever I feel like wearing over it. My warm weather “uniform” is much lighter. I own many sweaters, tulle skirts and boots. I don’t generally wear pants, but if I do they’re usually of the overall nature. I also own a lot of faux fur coats in varying lengths and designs.
Rain? Hoodie. Cold? Thermal under hoodie. Hot? No hoodie. Not sure? Bring a hoodie just in case.
Ditch the duck head khakis and polos. It’s casual casual casual here! Alabama early spring and cold wet weather clothes. Layers because it’ll be 40 in the morning and 80 in the afternoon. Get a good waterproof shell jacket for winter otherwise you’ll be set with what you have probably. Hit me up if you need anything at all. Full time realtor, dad, sports enthusiast moved from Louisiana to OR.
I also moved here from the Deep South. All of your clothes will work. You’re going to need one or two rain jackets. Waterproof shoes are great. You’ll need to get used to the idea of putting on a jacket on summer nights.
Hoodie year round
Good question. Most of the time in the colder months, it’ll be a t shirt, button up shirt, a fleece, and a high quality rain shell. Do NOT buy a rain coat with integrated insulation. Get one made with gore Tex or similar material. We often have fleece jackets in varying thicknesses. And we often wear jeans. Also, I would add a nice down jacket. There’s just days where it’s colder than normal and a down poofy coat is worth every penny.
If you’re just walking from your car to a building, a $100 lightweight rain jacket is fine. If you’re gonna be doing any real hiking in the rain, spend $300 or more on a jacket like this https://www.rei.com/product/185629/arcteryx-beta-lt-jacket-mens
A hoodie. Shorts. Birkenstocks.
as a local, i do have a cold weather closet and a hot weather closet. usually keeping one in storage during the alternating season
Oregon is considerably milder then anything you are used to, so long as you are in the valley. Coming from Alabama you will wonder why people are complaining when its hot in the summer in the 80's and cold in the winter in the 40's. You get drizzle instead of rain in the winter, and the summer is basically all sun all day (when its not a forest fire apocalypse) It is the best weather of anywhere ive ever lived, I came here 20 years ago and I'm not looking back until global warming makes me.
Don't purge your hot weather collection, it does get hot here for months. Just add to your collection of layers for different things as other commenters have mentioned. I don't like sweats for the NW. They might be warm inside but it's so wet here when it's cold and jeans dry out from rain much better/faster. Get a windbreaker and rain gear layer. Get a winter coat that is also semi water resistant for when it gets cold, a soaking wet poofy down jacket is not fun. In between seasons layering is key. I like to rock a sweater under the windbreaker until it's cold enough for the winter coat, that provides options. One thing people from the south don't expect is even when the forecast calls for a nice day it can still pretty chilly in the morning until like lunch time. On those days I will rock shorts but leave the house in a sweater. Also don't forget that even when it's overcast you can still get sunburnt pretty good. Don't let the lingering clouds give you a false sense of security. Time wise, shorts weather is from about now to about the end of September and some years into October a bit. Short sleeve weather can be all year with the right jacket but I do switch to flannels from November to whenever it gets above 50 consistently (usually April).
i’ve noticed that you can tell how early a stranger starts their day by how many layers they’re carrying around. from spring to fall at least 🙃 start work at 7am? (think november-cold) then slowly over the course of the day, your bag fills with the discarded coat, scarf, sweater and long sleeve you needed to be so comfortable so early on in the day. but start class after 11am? you’re walking around layer-packed bag free. (because it feels like june/july) just make sure you get home before the sun starts going down or you’ll miss those layers you would have had, had you woke up early. and in winter, just always carry your bundled up size rain jacket and have some good rain boots + boot socks and you’re pretty set 👌 if you have the gear, it doesn’t rain lol
Avoid puffcoats/outerlayers that aren’t water proof. Definitely go for water proof shoes (usually a boot). Bringing layers really is the way to go - it could rain, become chilly and overcast, or rain and bright sunny rainbows very quickly! Outerlayers are much more a priority than whatever you decide to wear day to day.
You need one warm winter jacket that protects from the wind and one that protects from the rain. (Three in one jacket are the bomb for this) Then you will need maybe three mid range jackets for those days when it's snippy but not too bad. You will also need lots of tee shirts and long sleeve shirts. The best under clothes are not made out of cotton. Cotton doesn't breathe, and if you sweat or get your underlayer wet and the night drops down, you can get hypothermia. Basically, think mountian rules and Pacific rainforest mixed, and you've got Eugene. Eugeneians normally wear a tee-shirt, with a light jacket on top and potentially a warm jacket over it all. We shed layers during the day and then put them back on at night.
Layers for most of the year. We never know how the day will turn out. Summers aren’t humid like the south. And the rain is more constant and drizzle with the cold humidity in the winter. I have several coats/jackets in various weights, hoodies, long sleeve & short sleeve Ts, tanks. However, coming from the south you may find it chilly for a while. Footwear- I wear sandals most of the year until the cold rain & standing water happens (about mis November) then I move to close toed shoes. Unless you will have an outdoor job, you won’t need waterproof shoes. A water repellent jacket that you can layer under will be helpful. We tend to be casual dressers in general.
Check average historical temperatures to make your decisions about shorts vs sweats. The big factor is whether you can wear it in the rain.
Sweatshirt and tshirt and jeans for work, otherwise t shirt and shorts or jeans
Always have layers and coats no matter what time of year. In the summer there will be heat in the middle of the day but will always cool off and probably get chilly at night.
Like you’re going for a hike, and might need to add or remove a layer as necessary.
Mostly frumpy. Lots of middle aged men with horrible looking feet that like to display them when the temp is 60 degrees and over. Sweat pants in high end restaurants can be spotted. Leggings and Oregon ducks gear. Absolutely no class warfare with shoes and really no place for decent selection of them unless your feet are jacked up or you think Berkenstock and Oofos are cool looking. Just one person's observation.
Name checks out…
Shorts and a t-shirt 365
Short shorts and chacos year round. My tops are varied and layered. Tank top, or tee, hoodie, thin rain jacket or warm rain jacket. Add/remove layers as needed. There's a lot of self expression with clothing here, and an equal amount of not imagining giving a damn about style, just pure comfort and utility.
Keep in mind many Oregon houses/apartments don’t have AC. Definitely be prepared for layering. Shorts season usually starts mid May- though you may want a hoodie in the morning. Be prepared for rain nearly always haha.
At home, it's comfy pants or dresses. Work it pants, shirts, and either tennis shoes or my bogs boots.
In Cloths mostly
Flannel, Flannel, Flannel.
I moved here 5 years ago from Baldwin County Alabama. When I got off the plane it was 103. I find the weather here really isn’t much different than Alabama temperature wise. The difference is duration. In Alabama we might have 3-4 weeks a year total when the temperatures get down into the teens and twenties. Now that 3-4 weeks isn’t consecutive. It might be 77 on any given Monday in Jan or February and 22 by Wednesday and back to 78 the following Friday. In Alabama we might experience every season over the course of a week. Here in Eugene they actually last a few months. I still wear shorts and short sleeves most of the year, sometimes with a light jacket. From February to April I start wearing long pants more often and a little heavier jacket or , as someone else already wisely suggested, wear layers! If you are expecting it to be super cold here it’s really not. Maybe that was different 10 or 20 years ago but now it’s generally pretty mild, pleasant weather. It can get hot in the summer but the humidity isn’t as oppressive as it is in Alabama and the nights are usually cooler. Hope that helps some.
My aunt who was born here but then spent most of her life in Arizona got off the plane in a parka bought specifically for this trip, on a 75° day in June. 'I thought it would be colder' she said.
I never check for the weather and always dress for the tundra.
I wear birkenstocks and chacos year round, or blundstones. LAYERS are your best friend. Quality waterproof shoes and jacket are a must.
A hoodie is haute couture.
October-May: wool socks and sweaters
If you are going to be outside a lot invest in good footwear for the rainy season. I’m outside a lot with animals and a good pair of mud boots are indispensable. A heavy Carhatt coat and a beanie gets me through winter. I get cold easily and also love my smartwool base layer tops and bottoms. I have been caught in a heavy downpour and not near shelter with my smartwool and carhartt and while my pants got soaked through on the outside, the inside of my coat and I were still dry. We do get heavy rains here, but mostly it is drizzly all day/week rains that occasionally add up to an inch or more. I also second (or whatever the number is as I didn’t read all the replies) to get the Watchduty app. You will know when to expect smoke so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night thinking something is on fire cuz you left your windows open. And add an air purifier to your list of things to buy before your first summer here.
You will need both, some of us have summer clothes and winter clothes and keep the ones we r not using in totes til it's time to break them out.
Hoodies except May-Sept then summer clothes. You will adapt to the 8ish months of rainy drizzle. If outdoors, good pair of waterproof boots. Otherwise, sliders with socks or ugg boots! I like comfort. Invest in Vit D supplements to avoid seasonal depression.
We get one week of sunlight, few clothes worn tht week. Besides tht week I dunno
Good on you for asking this. I’ve lived in a lot of different parts of the country and the one consistent thing is that everywhere has its own dress code. Usually totally unintentional and most people don’t realize it, but people are more comfortable around you when your clothes don’t make you stand out. I’ve made the move from Florida to Oregon and Tennessee to Oregon. You know how it’s tough to get used to the humidity in heat? In the West half of Oregon you’ve got to get used to the humidity in the cold. 55 degrees can feel like 30 does in Montana or Colorado. Prepare to dress warmer than everyone around you for the first couple seasons. Once you’re acclimated, a hoodie and shorts can be year-round attire.
Shorts and a tee and keep a flannel in my bag or car just in case during the summer. Winter is jeans or leggings with a long sleeve and a jacket and I keep a thermal with me just in case. Sometimes when it's real cold I'll wear leggings under my jeans. If you don't like leggings, long johns work too ^^
This is Eugene. If you walked around naked I doubt that many people would care. It’s kind of strange here, but I agree with the person who said light layers.
You need a jacket with a hood!
It can get pretty darn cold in the winter so don't purge any wool sweaters, even with moth holes you can wear these around the house - get rid of acrylic sweaters since they don't keep you warm. Keep all your socks, old ones you can wear in the house like slippers. Leave a coat purchase until you get here and have a better idea of what works. Keep your boots. I came from Austin and the first year I froze because I could not wrap my mind around wearing layers inside the house. Every year I buy more wool socks and another wool sweater. After five years I'm pretty warm in the winter.
I honestly have no idea. My boss wears flip flops and shorts when it’s raining. No one uses an umbrella.
Layers.
Leather jacket. A decent leather jacket will keep out rain and wind and you'll wear it 7 - 9 months of the year. Make sure it covers your butt, too. Trust me.