5 Wrong Manzanita Weather Assumptions

It's Time to Have a Serious Talk About Weather ...

Yep, we're addressing that often asked question for visitors to the Oregon Coast.

You've heard of the incredible beauty of the majestic Oregon Coast. Evergreens as tall as the sky. Sparkling Pacific Ocean, rocky shores and long sandy beaches.

But are you, like many other visitors, asking that age old question ...

What's The Manzanita Weather Going To Be Like During Our Vacation?

Follow along as we get to the bottom of the weather in the Manzanita area and the northern Oregon coast. Let's find out the difference between incorrect assumptions and the real truth.

The Oregon Coast weather can be difficult to explain to those not familiar to the area.

One of the most often asked questions is regarding what will the weather be like during their vacation.

Unfortunately, the only sure bet is sometimes you could do just as well forecasting the Manzanita weather with a coin toss!

Oregon coast weather is confusing to many visitors. January is thought to be the wettest month, but we've seen absolutely fabulous weather and sunny days in January. The last four Manzanita Polor Plunges on New Years Day have been gloriously sunny (special thanks to Janice Gaines of Spa Manzanita and SUP Manzanita for all her wonderful Polar Plunge organizing work).

Further, January 2016 had a total of 8 rain-free days, and a whopping 22 days with less than 1/4" of rain. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Record of Climatological Observations 2/26/16.

Manzanita Polar Plunge

What's not to love about our Oregon Coast off season?

So the answer to the oft asked question, "What's the weather going to be like for our vacation?" is this:

Who knows? But it should be wonderful!

Just be sure to bring layers (always a must for Oregon), and a rain jacket too. Just in case the coin toss ends up tails rather than heads!

And don't worry. If it is misting outside, chances are the weather will soon change. But in the meantime, be sure to read our blog posts about wonderful local rainy days actives throughout the area, or treasure hunting through the local antique stores!

Or make like an Oregonian, throw on your layers and take advantage of all the wonderful outdoor actives in the area.

We've never let a little rain stop us from having lots of fun!

On the other hand, while Oregon is known for rain, we rarely get the torrential downpours experienced throughout the rest of the United States. Ours is typically a misty rain which keeps our area beautiful and green.

What are the 5 Most Common Manzanita Weather and Oregon Coast Weather Assumptions?

Lucky you! We're here to give you the inside scoop. Follow along, and hopefully we'll answer most of your questions.

#1 Oregon Coast Weather Assumption: Manzanita Is Always Rainy and Cold

Ha! Do we have news for you!

Check out our 2015 Weather: Manzanita, Oregon vs. United States Averages infographic below, really a helpful Oregon Coast map for weather for all the surrounding areas.

The Houses On Manzanita Beach

The average daytime temperatures for Manzanita Oregon are above the national average in the offseason, and below the national average during the wonderful summer months!

Want more good news? Our average night-time temperatures are also above the national average in the offseason, and again, just perfectly below the national average in the summer months, when the rest of the U.S. is experiencing sweltering evenings.

And did you check out the total rainfall throughout the year? Enough to keep us green in the offseason, with below average rainfall mid-April through mid-September.

As you see, rainy weather is in the eye of the beholder, but we think our statistics look pretty good. Don't you?

#2 Oregon Coast Weather Assumption: Well, Fall Must Be Cold and Rainy

Fall is often one of the warmest times of the year in Manzanita Oregon and the rest of the Coast, thanks to the convergence of warmer waters, cooler temperatures inland and eastern air flow.

Oregon in the fall is known as the Second Summer on the coast.

By the time September rolls around and the kids head back to school, the Pacific Ocean is at its warmest because of the balmy summer days. In the inland valley, things start getting cooler, evening out the temperature differences between valley and coast.

Manzanita weather in September allows for warmer air from the east and air flowing up from California, helping to warm things on the Coast even more as well as causing the afternoon winds to lessen.

In addition to this wonderful Second Summer, the heavier tourist season dies down with the schools back in session.

The other benefit? You’re likely to find the roads and beaches almost to yourself as the faster pace of summer makes way for the slower paced Second Summer.

Visitors often find Oregon Coast vacation rentals may start to lower their rates after Labor Day Weekend, and then continue dropping until they reach their lowest level in winter - except for the holidays.

This means great deals in increasing numbers as the fall months roll on.

You'll find lots of things to do on the Oregon Coast in fall.

The annual Pacific Northwest Brew Cup in Astoria takes place on their scenic waterfront.
The Manzanita Music Festival attracts world class musicians.
Lincoln City Chowder and Brewfest attracts lots of chowder and Oregon craft beer fans
You won't want to miss these spooky haunted Oregon Coast places.

So are there cold and rainy days in the fall at the coast? Sure, some of our fall days call for inside cozy days. But you'll also see sunny or overcast days with little or no rain.

Don't let those off season figures fool you! For example, September 2014 only had 7 days of measurable rain, and the majority of them were far less than 1/4" of total rainfall.

Oregon Coast weather in October 2015 had 19 days with measurable rainfall, with only 7 of those days over 1/4" of rain for the day, and only 4 days with 1" or more of total precipitation.

Our Oregon weather in November is similar. We can't count the number of Oregon Coast Thanksgivings where we've been taking advantage of Manzanita outdoor activities enjoying the sunny weather in t-shirts and shorts.

November 20 - 30, 2015 had less than 1/4" total measurable rainfall. Our family spent much of it out playing on the water! NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Record of Climatological Observations 2/26/16.

#3 Oregon Coast Weather Assumption: Winter Means Cold and Rain 24/7

Not necessarily. Day and night-time winter temperatures are regularly above the U.S. average.

Let's look at December 2014. With 20 days of measurable precipitation, 11 of those days had less than 1/4" of rainfall, and only 7 out of those 20 days had rainfall greater than 1" for the day.

Let's look at coastal Oregon weather in January. As mentioned earlier, January 2016 had a total of 8 days without precipitation, and 22 days with less than 1/4" of rain.

February 2014 had 20 days with measurable rainfall -- 14 of those days were with less than 1/4" of total precipitation. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Record of Climatological Observations 2/26/16.

Additionally, you'll often find differences up and down the coast. For instance, Rockaway Beach Oregon weather may be rainy, however if you travel north, you may find Manzanita Beach is sunny at the same time. It's always worth checking the various Oregon Coast small towns to see what the current weather might be.

Coastal Oregon winter - the tourist season has died down, great deals on accommodations, long stretches of beaches all to yourself - what could be better for a relaxing getaway? Or getting together with your family or friends to celebrate the holidays?

And there are lots of wonderful activities and things to do during both the fall and winter seasons around Manzanita and the North Oregon Coast.

When visiting the Manzanita area check out the Guest Writer Lecture Series, Arts and Crafts Fair, Open Studios at the Hoffman Center, the farm to table classes, meals and special events at North Fork 53, not to mention live music and entertainment at San Dune Pub, McGregor's Whisky Bar, and Rising Star Cafe.

Garibaldi holds their Annual Crab Races. Tons of fun! Tillamook features their Salmon Rendezvous, Gardner Association Tea, Bulls and Barrels Western Fun, North Oregon Coast Symphony, and lots more

Cannon Beach hosts the Stormy Weather Arts Festival, Dog Show on the Beach, Fall Quilt Exhibit, Fun Events at the American Legion Hall, Wine Tastings, Plays at the Coaster Theater, Savor Cannon Beach Wine and Culinary Festival, Cannon Beach Yoga Festival, and music and author readings at the Cannon Beach Book Company.

Travel further north to the Seaside Jazz Festival, the Half Marathon and the Bridge Tournament, or to Astoria, where you'll find the Annual Pacific Northwest Brew Fest, Great Columbia Crossing Walk/Run, Astor Street Opry Company Playhouse fall production, Fisher Poets Gathering, and lots of great events at the historic Liberty Theater.

All communities host Halloween and Holiday Festivities including Arts & Craft Shows, Holiday Bazaars, Tree Lighting Ceremonies, carolers galore, and let's not forget romantic Valentine's Day events!

#4 Oregon Coast Weather Assumption: Spring is Here - Time for Spring Break Parties and Bikinis on the Beach!

St. Petersburg Florida 1966

Do you fall into one of these two categories?

You stay away from the Oregon Coast during the spring break season, afraid of massive, wild or rowdy crowds?
Or are you already planning to pack up your bags and squeeze into transportation with as many as your close friends as possible, ready for some massive, wild or rowdy crowds?

Well, the stay away crowd can happily come on down to Manzanita and the Oregon Coast, and the already planning rowdy crowd needs to find something more suited to their vacation ideals.

The weather is good at the beach in the springtime, but still not bikini weather (if you're so inclined)!

Most days in April, 2014 averaged in the low to mid-60º range, a bit higher than the national average. There were a total of 18 days of measurable precipitation, and 13 of those days had less than a 1/4" of total daily rainfall.

May, 2015 had 13 days of measurable rainfall, with 10 of those days totalling less than 1/10" of rainfall. The average daytime temperature hovered around 65º, slightly lower than the national average. NOAA National Centres for Environmental Information, Record of Climatological Observations 2/26/16.

On the other hand, local Oregonians know that Manzanita is a wonderful spring break destination.

Alex Jordan - Directionally Challenged

Manzanita and most of the North Oregon Coast follow a quieter, slower pace of life than the more "livelier" spring or spring break destinations -- definitely not Florida Spring Break style!

In Manzanita, you'll find lots of family friendly outdoor activities, independent, yummy restaurants, and vacationers enjoying the slower pace of life our area has to offer.

Looking for spring activities around Manzanita and the North Coast area?

Get our your binoculars, because it's Spring Whale Watch all along the coast!

Down in Pacific City, the Reach The Beach Bike Ride signals the start of the biking season. In Tillamook you'll find Square Dancing, the Home and Garden Show, and the Arbor Day

Celebration at the Tillamook Forestry Center. Garibaldi holds their Annual Bluegrass Jam and Blessing of the Fleet. Rockaway starts their spring events with Bingo, Clogging, Thursday Line Dancing, Oregon Scenic Railroad Excursions, and the colourful Kite Festival.

Manzanita features their Poetry Fest, Friday Farmer's Market, and year round live music venues.
Cannon Beach events include the incredible, gigantic Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest, Savor Cannon Beach Food and Wine Festival, Spring Unveiling Art Festival, and Get Lit at the Beach Annual Literary Conference attracting well know authors.
Seaside jumps in with A Sweet Affaire Culinary Festival, Saturday Art Walks, Pouring of the Coast Craft Beer Festival, Oregon Ghost Conference, Necanicum Bird Discovery Day, and the Oregon Porcelain Art Retreat.
In Astoria, you'll find the Crab Seafood and Wine Festival, Astoria Sunday Market, Tenor Guitar Gathering, and Goonies Anniversary Celebration.

Also check more about Oregon Coast Passovers,

Alex Jordan - Directionally Challenged

#5 Oregon Coast Weather Assumption: Summers in Manzanita Mean Palm Trees and Frosty Drinks on the Beach

Welcome to July, 2015, where the average Manzanita daytime temperature was 72.4º.

Did we mention it was sunny, too? The total precipitation for the month was less than 1/3", and out of the six days with measurable rainfall, 4 of those measured 0.01". NOAA National Centres for Environmental Information, Record of Climatological Observations 2/26/16. Happily, August 2015 followed the same trend.

Nope, it doesn't scream tropical paradise, lounging around on the beach with cabana guys serving frosty drinks.

But it does mean that residents and visitors alike are out enjoying what's best about the Manzanita and North Oregon Coast areas. Besides the stunning scenery and incredible array of activities, you can find lots to do during summers at the beach.

Stop by the Tillamook County Fair or Garibaldi Days. In Rockaway you'll find the Firecracker Weiner Nationals, Friday Night Bonfire, Art Fair and Farmer's Market, Old Fashioned Carnival, Pirate and Costume Festival (Featuring Talk Like a Pirate Day), Fire Festival and Concert, and the Car and Bike Show.

Manzanita brings you the Friday Farmer's Market, Writer's Series, Manzanita Walk and Run, and Muttzanita. In Cannon Beach you'll find the Tuesday Farmer's Market, Plein Air and More Art Festival, and Cottage and Garden Tour.

Seaside swings into summer with Muscle and Chrome Show, Soccer in the Sand, Beach Volleyball Tournament, Hood to Coast Relay, Dance Cup Pacific NW Finals, Annual Beach Run, and Living History "Commenced Making Salt." The schedule in Astoria includes the Music Festival, Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Clatsop County Fair, and the annual Regatta.

Hopefully we've answered most of your questions about the weather in Manzanita and on the North Oregon Coast.

So pack your layers, make sure you bring a coin so you can forecast the weather with the best of them, and head on down to the Oregon Coast!

When you're heading to the Oregon Coast, be sure to try these terrific eateries:

Terrific Cannon Beach Breakfasts
Breakfast at the famous Wanda's Cafe can't be beat!
Check out these scrumptious affordable Manzanita Oregon area restaurants.
Does someone in your group require special diets? You'll want to read this list.