Weather in Salem, Oregon
Shoots and Sprouts Rise in Ranks. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 12:45 PM
- Moonset
- 4:18 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Shoots and Sprouts Rise in Ranks
Salem at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: May 16 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Salem's warmest temperatures (~69°F mean) while December delivers the coldest (~41°F). Rain follows the opposite pattern, peaking in December with 7.0 inches and nearly disappearing in July with just 0.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42° | 6.1″ | 13 |
| February | 44° | 4.5″ | 10 |
| March | 48° | 4.3″ | 11 |
| April | 51° | 3.1″ | 10 |
| May | 58° | 2.3″ | 6 |
| June | 63° | 1.3″ | 4 |
| July | 69° | 0.3″ | 1 |
| August | 69° | 0.4″ | 1 |
| September | 64° | 1.5″ | 3 |
| October | 54° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| November | 46° | 6.0″ | 12 |
| December | 41° | 7.0″ | 13 |
Regional context
Salem belongs to a warm-summer Mediterranean climate region that extends across nearby cities. This climate zone creates similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions throughout the area.
Similar climates: Portland, OR, Eugene, OR, Medford, OR, Bend, OR, Gresham, OR.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the emergence of Douglas fir pollen cones, dusting cars and walkways with yellow powder as the trees begin their reproductive cycle.
American robins start their second nesting period around this time, with pairs collecting fresh materials for new broods after their initial spring offspring have fledged.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Salem?
- Salem's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-May, while the first fall frost returns around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Salem?
- December stands as the wettest month, delivering about 7.0 inches of rain on average. The city collects roughly 40 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Salem?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, with temperatures averaging about 69°F.
- What is the coldest month in Salem?
- December typically delivers the coldest conditions, with temperatures averaging about 41°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Salem?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-May. Warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Salem get?
- Salem experiences about 91 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Salem?
- Salem's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature. Use the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP code to find the current zone designation.
Climate
Salem, Oregon experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate zone. Winter temperatures in January hover near 42°F, while July averages climb to 69°F — creating a 27°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Salem collects about 40 inches of precipitation across roughly 91 rainy days.
Several factors control the city's seasonal rhythm: its latitude at 44.9°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements determine what grows here, when frost threatens, and how daily weather unfolds.