Salem, OR Weather by Month and Climate Averages

How much rain does Salem get?

Salem gets 40.1 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 148 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 93% of the US.

December is the wettest month, with 7.0 in. July is the driest, with 0.3 in. December has the most rainy days, about 19.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 70 days, to August 28, 2023.

See where Salem ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days, rainiest cities in Oregon.

Does it snow in Salem?

The snowiest winter on record is 1992–93, with 32.0 in.

The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on February 13, 1995.

See where Salem ranks: snowiest cities in the US.

Salem weather by month

Salem weather in January

In January, Salem averages a high of 48°F and a low of 35°F. It gets 6.1 in of precipitation over about 18 rainy days. The sun is out about 18% of daylight hours. The January record high is 66°F (2024) and the record low is 6°F (1974).

Salem weather in February

In February, Salem averages a high of 52°F and a low of 36°F. It gets 4.5 in of precipitation over about 16 rainy days. The sun is out about 29% of daylight hours. The February record high is 71°F (1991) and the record low is -1°F (1989).

Salem weather in March

In March, Salem averages a high of 56°F and a low of 38°F. It gets 4.3 in of precipitation over about 18 rainy days. The sun is out about 31% of daylight hours. The March record high is 77°F (2019) and the record low is 12°F (1971).

Salem weather in April

In April, Salem averages a high of 61°F and a low of 41°F. It gets 3.1 in of precipitation over about 16 rainy days. The sun is out about 36% of daylight hours. The April record high is 91°F (2023) and the record low is 26°F (1970).

Salem weather in May

In May, Salem averages a high of 69°F and a low of 46°F. It gets 2.3 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The May record high is 100°F (1983) and the record low is 28°F (1985). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Salem weather in June

In June, Salem averages a high of 74°F and a low of 50°F. It gets 1.3 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 53% of daylight hours. The June record high is 117°F (2021) and the record low is 32°F (1976). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Salem weather in July

In July, Salem averages a high of 83°F and a low of 55°F. It gets 0.3 in of precipitation over about 2 rainy days. The sun is out about 79% of daylight hours. The July record high is 107°F (2009) and the record low is 38°F (1988).

Salem weather in August

In August, Salem averages a high of 83°F and a low of 54°F. It gets 0.4 in of precipitation over about 3 rainy days. The sun is out about 70% of daylight hours. The August record high is 108°F (1981) and the record low is 36°F (1980).

Salem weather in September

In September, Salem averages a high of 77°F and a low of 50°F. It gets 1.5 in of precipitation over about 6 rainy days. The sun is out about 56% of daylight hours. The September record high is 104°F (1988) and the record low is 26°F (1972). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Salem weather in October

In October, Salem averages a high of 65°F and a low of 43°F. It gets 3.5 in of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 46% of daylight hours. The October record high is 93°F (1970) and the record low is 20°F (2002). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Salem weather in November

In November, Salem averages a high of 53°F and a low of 39°F. It gets 6.0 in of precipitation over about 18 rainy days. The sun is out about 28% of daylight hours. The November record high is 74°F (2010) and the record low is 11°F (1985).

Salem weather in December

In December, Salem averages a high of 47°F and a low of 35°F. It gets 7.0 in of precipitation over about 19 rainy days. The sun is out about 22% of daylight hours. The December record high is 68°F (1993) and the record low is -12°F (1972).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Salem

July is the sunniest month in Salem, with sunshine about 79% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest, at 18%. Over the year the sun shines about 42% of daylight hours. Salem is cloudier than 79% of the US.

Humidity peaks in December at 86% and is lowest in July at 48%.

Wind averages 6 mph over the year, and March is the windiest month at 7 mph.

Salem has about 19 days a year above 90°F. Salem is cooler than 62% of the US.

Thunderstorms occur on about 5 days a year.

See where Salem ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.

First and last freeze in Salem

The first fall freeze in Salem typically comes around October 25, and the last spring freeze around April 22. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 186 days.

Salem weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Salem station is 117°F, on June 28, 2021. The coldest is -12°F, on December 8, 1972.

The wettest day on record brought 3.1 in of rain, on January 20, 1972.

40 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.

The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.7°F per decade since 1970.

The best time to visit Salem

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.

Winter (December–February) is chilly, with average highs around 49°F and lows near 35°F. Snow is possible.

Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 62°F and lows near 41°F.

Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 80°F and lows near 53°F.

Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 65°F and lows near 44°F.

Salem climate questions

How much rain does Salem get?

Salem gets 40.1 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 148 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Salem?

December is the wettest month in Salem, with 7.0 in. July is the driest, with 0.3 in.

How many rainy days does Salem have a year?

Salem has about 148 days with measurable rain in an average year. December has the most, about 19.

What is the hottest month in Salem?

July is the warmest month in Salem, with an average high of 83°F.

What is the coldest month in Salem?

January is the coldest month in Salem, with an average low of 35°F.

What is the record high temperature in Salem?

The record high at the Salem station is 117°F, set on June 28, 2021. The record low is -12°F, on December 8, 1972.

What is the sunniest month in Salem?

July is the sunniest month in Salem, with sunshine about 79% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Salem?

The first fall freeze in Salem typically comes around October 25. The last spring freeze is around April 22.

What is the best time to visit Salem?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.