Aurora, Oregon, is a charming city located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, approximately 20 miles south of Portland. Situated in Marion County, Aurora enjoys a prime location amidst the beautiful landscapes of Oregon’s wine country. With a population of around 1,000 residents, Aurora maintains a small-town atmosphere with friendly neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. The city is known for its historic downtown district, which features well-preserved 19th-century buildings and antique shops, attracting visitors from near and far. Aurora is also home to several vineyards and wineries, contributing to the region’s reputation as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts.
Geographically, Aurora is characterized by its fertile farmland and rolling hills, typical of the Willamette Valley region. The city is surrounded by lush greenery, including vineyards, orchards, and fields of crops such as berries and hazelnuts. The Willamette River flows nearby, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, kayaking, and picnicking along its scenic banks. Major landmarks in the area include the Aurora Colony Historical District, a National Historic Landmark showcasing the city’s rich history, and Champoeg State Heritage Area, a state park offering hiking trails and interpretive exhibits.
Climate and Weather Overview
Aurora experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city receives ample rainfall throughout the year, contributing to the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. Summers are generally dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm, while winters are cool and damp, with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Overall, Aurora enjoys relatively mild weather year-round, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Average Monthly Climate Data
Below is a table detailing the average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in Aurora:
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 46 | 5.47 | 5 |
| February | 50 | 4.02 | 7 |
| March | 55 | 4.21 | 8 |
| April | 60 | 2.88 | 9 |
| May | 67 | 2.38 | 10 |
| June | 74 | 1.84 | 11 |
| July | 82 | 0.68 | 12 |
| August | 82 | 0.76 | 12 |
| September | 76 | 1.54 | 10 |
| October | 64 | 2.92 | 7 |
| November | 53 | 5.03 | 5 |
| December | 46 | 5.83 | 4 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Aurora is characterized by cool temperatures and frequent rainfall. Average temperatures hover around 46°F, with occasional dips below freezing. Precipitation averages 5.47 inches, with rain showers contributing to the damp conditions. Residents may experience around 5 sunny days, though cloudy skies are common. Despite the wet weather, outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching are still possible with proper attire and preparation.
Recommended Activities: Hiking in nearby parks, visiting indoor attractions such as museums or art galleries, attending cultural events.
February
February brings slightly warmer temperatures and decreasing rainfall to Aurora. Average temperatures rise to around 50°F, with precipitation decreasing to an average of 4.02 inches. Residents can expect around 7 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring local parks. Despite the cooler weather, February marks the beginning of springtime blooms, with flowers starting to emerge in gardens and parks throughout the city.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking in local parks, visiting botanical gardens to see early spring blooms, attending outdoor markets or festivals.
March
March brings milder temperatures and increasing sunshine to Aurora as spring begins to take hold. Average temperatures rise to around 55°F, with precipitation averaging 4.21 inches. Residents can expect around 8 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, and picnicking. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, residents can enjoy the vibrant colors of spring blooms and the sounds of birds chirping in the air.
Recommended Activities: Gardening or planting flowers, hiking in local parks to see spring blooms, picnicking in scenic spots.
April
April brings warmer temperatures and longer days to Aurora, with spring in full swing. Average temperatures rise to around 60°F, with precipitation decreasing to an average of 2.88 inches. Residents can expect around 9 sunny days, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s parks and trails. April also marks the beginning of the growing season, with farmers and gardeners busy planting crops and tending to their gardens.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, visiting local farmers’ markets, exploring parks and nature reserves.
May
May brings mild temperatures and abundant sunshine to Aurora, making it an ideal time to explore the outdoors. Average temperatures rise to around 67°F, with precipitation decreasing to an average of 2.38 inches. Residents can expect around 10 sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. May also marks the beginning of festival season in Aurora, with events celebrating everything from music and art to food and wine.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, attending outdoor festivals and events, visiting local wineries for tastings.
June
June marks the beginning of summer in Aurora, with warm temperatures and long days perfect for outdoor adventures. Average highs reach into the mid-70s°F, with precipitation decreasing to an average of 1.84 inches. Residents can expect around 11 sunny days, providing ideal conditions for activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. June also offers opportunities for exploring the city’s parks and recreational areas, where residents can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
Recommended Activities: Camping in local parks, fishing in nearby lakes and rivers, attending outdoor concerts and events.
July
July is typically the warmest month in Aurora, with average highs reaching into the low 80s°F. Precipitation decreases significantly to an average of 0.68 inches, with residents enjoying around 12 sunny days. The warm, sunny weather makes July ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and picnicking at nearby parks and lakes. Residents can also take advantage of the long days to explore the city’s outdoor attractions, including hiking trails, botanical gardens, and nature reserves.
Recommended Activities: Swimming or boating at local lakes, picnicking in parks, hiking on scenic trails.
August
August brings continued warm temperatures and sunny skies to Aurora, with average highs remaining in the low 80s°F. Precipitation remains low at an average of 0.76 inches, with residents enjoying around 12 sunny days. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping are popular during this time, as residents make the most of the remaining days of summer. August also offers opportunities for outdoor dining and socializing, with many restaurants and cafes offering patio seating and outdoor events.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, camping in local parks, dining al fresco at outdoor restaurants.
September
September marks the transition to fall in Aurora, with temperatures gradually cooling down and the landscape beginning to change colors. Average highs reach into the mid-70s°F, with cooler evenings signaling the arrival of autumn. Precipitation increases slightly to an average of 1.54 inches, though sunny days remain common. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and apple picking as they embrace the beauty of the changing seasons.
Recommended Activities: Hiking in local parks, apple picking at nearby orchards, attending fall festivals and events.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of fall foliage to Aurora, making it a beautiful time to explore the outdoors. Average highs dip into the 60s°F, with cooler evenings perfect for cozying up by the fire. Precipitation increases slightly to an average of 2.92 inches, though sunny days remain common. Residents and visitors can enjoy leaf-peeping drives, hikes through wooded trails, and visits to local pumpkin patches and orchards.
Recommended Activities: Leaf-peeping drives along scenic routes, hiking in local parks, visiting pumpkin patches and orchards.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and the first signs of winter to Aurora, with residents preparing for the holiday season ahead. Average highs drop into the 50s°F, with occasional frosts and freezes occurring overnight. Precipitation increases slightly to an average of 5.03 inches, with rain showers becoming more frequent than snow. Indoor activities such as visiting museums, attending cultural events, and shopping for holiday gifts become popular as residents seek refuge from the colder weather.
Recommended Activities: Visiting indoor attractions, attending cultural events and performances, exploring local shops and boutiques.
December
December brings cold temperatures and the holiday spirit to Aurora, with residents and visitors embracing the festive season. Average highs remain in the 40s°F, with occasional snow showers adding to the holiday ambiance. Precipitation decreases slightly to an average of 5.83 inches, though residents should be prepared for winter weather conditions. Outdoor activities may be limited due to the colder temperatures, but residents can still enjoy activities such as ice skating, sledding, and holiday light displays.
Recommended Activities: Ice skating at local rinks, sledding at nearby parks, attending holiday events and festivals.