Gaston Oregon Weather (Month-by-Month Guide)

Learn about Gaston Oregon Weather (Month-by-Month Guide)

Curious what the seasons feel like in Gaston? This Gaston Oregon Weather (Month-by-Month Guide) gives you simple, practical expectations for each month—temperatures, rain, daylight, and local tips. Whether you live here, plan to visit Hagg Lake, or are considering a move, this will help you plan your days.

Quick Answer

Gaston has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Expect cool, rainy weather from November to March, with occasional frost or brief snow. Late spring through early fall is mostly dry, with July–August often in the 80s and occasional heat waves. Mornings can be foggy. Best outdoor weather: June–September.

What Gaston Oregon Weather (Month-by-Month Guide) Means

  • A clear, month-by-month look at typical temperatures, rain, and daylight.
  • Local notes for Hagg Lake, area wineries, and rural roads around OR‑47 and Scoggins Valley Road.
  • Simple packing and planning advice for residents and visitors.

Gaston sits in the northern Willamette Valley, about 7 miles south of Forest Grove and 12 miles southwest of Hillsboro. The nearby Coast Range brings frequent winter rain and dry, pleasant summers.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • Planning a day at Henry Hagg Lake (about 10 minutes from downtown Gaston).
  • Timing wine tasting at nearby vineyards (Elk Cove, Kramer) when weather is friendly.
  • Commuting to Hillsboro or Forest Grove and wondering about fog, frost, or heat.
  • Deciding when to visit for fall colors, wildflowers, or lake activities.

Microclimates matter here: low-lying areas near creeks and Wapato Lake can be cooler on clear nights, while slopes warm faster on sunny days.

What to Expect

Typical monthly patterns (high/low temperatures are approximate for the valley floor):

  • January — cool, wet, quiet

    • High/Low: around 46°F / 35°F; rain frequent.
    • Expect: Morning fog, steady showers, occasional wind. Brief snow/ice possible, black ice on shaded rural curves. Short days; sunset ~4:45–5:00 pm.

  • February — still damp, slightly milder

    • High/Low: ~50°F / 35°F.
    • Expect: Fewer storms but regular rain. Early daffodils appear. Frosty mornings still common.

  • March — early spring swings

    • High/Low: ~55°F / 38°F.
    • Expect: Mix of sunbreaks and showers. Muddy trails around Hagg Lake. Tree pollen starts.

  • April — greener and brighter

    • High/Low: ~60°F / 41°F.
    • Expect: Light jackets, passing showers, increasing sun. Vineyards leaf out; hillsides turn vivid green.

  • May — mild and mostly pleasant

    • High/Low: ~66°F / 46°F.
    • Expect: More dry days, cool evenings. Wildflowers in the Coast Range. Great for hiking and winery patios.

  • June — early summer pattern

    • High/Low: ~72°F / 51°F.
    • Expect: Mostly dry; an occasional shower. Long days; sunset after 9 pm near the solstice. Hagg Lake boating ramps busy on weekends.

  • July — warm, dry, dependable

    • High/Low: ~80–85°F / 55°F.
    • Expect: Very little rain. Afternoon breezes, cool evenings. Occasional heat waves into the 90s. Sunscreen and water essential.

  • August — hottest, driest month

    • High/Low: ~82–88°F / 54°F.
    • Expect: Near-zero rain; lakeside is ideal early or late in the day. Some years bring wildfire smoke; check air quality before long outdoor days.

  • September — comfortable and golden

    • High/Low: ~75°F / 50°F.
    • Expect: Warm afternoons, crisp mornings. Harvest season at vineyards; weekends can be busy. First fall rain often returns late month.

  • October — mild with fall color

    • High/Low: ~62°F / 45°F.
    • Expect: Mix of sunny days and light rain, colorful oak and maple foliage. Wet leaves can make rural roads slick.

  • November — rainy season returns

    • High/Low: ~50°F / 39°F.
    • Expect: Frequent rain, occasional heavy bursts. Early sunsets after 4:45 pm. Watch for standing water and windblown branches.

  • December — coldest, wettest stretch

    • High/Low: ~45°F / 35°F.
    • Expect: Steady rain, fog, and occasional short-lived snow/ice. Power flickers possible in storms; keep a flashlight handy.

Additional local notes:

  • Fog: Common on calm mornings, especially along low valleys near Wapato Lake and the Tualatin River drainage.
  • Wind: Strongest during Pacific storms (fall–winter). Most summer days are light wind—good for paddling.
  • Pollen: Tree pollen peaks in spring; grass pollen late spring to early summer.
  • Daylight: About 8.8 hours in mid-December, 15.5 hours in late June.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Pack smart:
    • Winter–spring: Waterproof jacket, warm layers, and shoes with traction.
    • Summer: Hat, sunscreen, water, and a light layer for cool evenings.
  • Driving:
    • Watch for black ice in winter on Scoggins Valley Rd and shaded stretches of OR‑47.
    • In fall, wet leaves reduce traction on rural curves and driveways.
  • Hagg Lake:
    • Summer weekends fill by late morning; arrive early. Life jackets are required for kids; the water stays cool even on hot days.
    • After heavy storms, water can be murky; shorelines may be muddy.
  • Wineries:
    • Patios are best May–September. In winter, some tasting rooms reduce hours—check ahead.
  • Heat and smoke:
    • On 90°+ days, plan morning activities. Check AirNow for smoke during late summer.
  • Allergies:
    • Spring can be tough for tree/grass pollen. Sunglasses and allergy meds help on breezy days.

Best Local Resources

  • National Weather Service (Portland): Detailed forecast and alerts for Gaston and Washington County.
  • ODOT TripCheck: Live road cams and conditions for OR‑47 and routes to the coast (OR‑6).
  • Washington County Parks — Henry Hagg Lake: Day‑use status, fees, ramp info, closures.
  • AirNow: Current air quality and smoke maps.
  • PGE Outage Map: Power outage updates during winter storms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaston Oregon Weather (Month-by-Month Guide)

  • How far is Gaston from Portland and the coast?

    • About 27–30 miles to downtown Portland (45–60 minutes depending on traffic). The ocean (Tillamook/Pacific City) is roughly 50–60 miles via OR‑6 (60–90 minutes, weather dependent).

  • What time of year has the best weather?

    • For dry, warm days: June through September. For fall colors with mild temps: October. For quiet, lower crowds (but wet): November–March.

  • Does it snow in Gaston?

    • Occasionally. Some winters see a dusting to a few inches, but many winters have only frost and cold rain. Ice on rural roads is the bigger concern.

  • Is Gaston kid‑friendly year‑round?

    • Yes, with weather‑aware planning. Summer is great for Hagg Lake swimming and picnics. Spring and fall are perfect for short hikes. In winter, plan indoor options in Hillsboro/Forest Grove if it’s pouring.

  • Is parking available at Hagg Lake and wineries?

    • Generally yes. Hagg Lake charges a day‑use fee and lots fill on sunny weekends—arrive before late morning. Many wineries have on‑site parking; busy harvest weekends can be tight.

Summary

Gaston’s climate is classic northwest Oregon: cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Expect rain November–March, prime outdoor weather June–September, and occasional heat or smoke late summer. Foggy mornings, slick fall leaves, and winter black ice are the main local challenges. Plan layers, check conditions, and you’ll be set.

  • Best Things to Do at Henry Hagg Lake (Seasons, Parking, and Local Tips)
  • Gaston Wine Tasting Guide (Patios, Views, and When to Go)
  • Moving to Gaston, Oregon: Commute, Neighborhood Feel, and Everyday Life