Pacific Northwest FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Pacific Northwest.

When is the best time to visit Pacific Northwest?

When to visit the Pacific Northwest largely depends on the weather. The region is famous for being mild and rainy, but those aren’t always the most favourable conditions for outdoor exploration, so make sure you travel when the weather is at its best, like during the summer months of June to August when the weather will be warm and dry with daytime temperatures consistently reaching the mid-20s. During these months outdoor adventure is guaranteed with ideal conditions for both hiking and sightseeing. For those wanting to avoid any peak tourism seasons, the shoulder months of April, May and October are equally worthwhile as the weather tends to be mild with only small amounts of precipitation. Expect daytime highs around 17°C to 20°C and fair sunny conditions still ripe for exploration.

What is the official language of Pacific Northwest?

English is the official language spoken in the Pacific Northwest.

How do I manage my travel money in Pacific Northwest?

The official currency of the USA is the United States dollar (USD). Cash, credit, and debit cards are widely accepted, and cash machines are easy to access.

What places combine well with Pacific Northwest?

From the Pacific Northwest one can easily venture down into California – via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway – or up into the region’s most direct geographical neighbour, British Columbia in Canada. Both offer plenty to see and do, and either would combine seamlessly with a trip to the Pacific Northwest.

What are the main cultural events in Pacific Northwest?

February – PDX Jazz Festival
February – Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
March to May – Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest
April – Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
May – Northwest Folklife
May to June – Portland Rose Festival
June or July – Portland Pride
July – Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland)
July – Oregon Brewer’s Fest
July – Capitol Hill Block Party (annual music festival in Seattle)
August – Seafair (annual historic air and boating festival)
August – Anacortes Arts Festival
August to September – Oregon State Fair
September – Washington State Fair
September – Seattle International Film Festival
November to December – Festival of Lights (Portland)