Winter Weather in Cornelius Oregon

Learn about Winter Weather In Cornelius Oregon

Curious about Winter Weather In Cornelius Oregon? Here’s the simple truth: winters are mostly mild, wet, and gray with a few chilly snaps. This guide explains what that feels like day to day, how to prepare, and where to check local conditions before you head out.

Quick Answer

Winter in Cornelius (December–February) is usually cool and wet. Expect daytime highs in the mid-40s to low-50s, nights in the mid-30s, frequent rain or drizzle, and occasional fog. Snow is rare but possible a few days each winter. Roads can get slick early mornings; higher routes and the Coast Range see more ice and snow.

What Winter Weather In Cornelius Oregon Means

Cornelius sits in the Tualatin Valley between Hillsboro (about 3 miles east) and Forest Grove (about 4 miles west), roughly 25 miles west of Portland. The climate is maritime: mild temperatures, lots of clouds, steady rain, and infrequent—but possible—snow and freezing rain.

Why People Search for This in Cornelius, Oregon

  • You’re moving here and want to know if you’ll need snow tires.
  • You’re visiting wineries around Forest Grove and wonder about road conditions.
  • You commute over Cornelius Pass or toward US-26 and need to plan for early-morning ice.
  • You’re looking for kid-friendly, rainy-day activities nearby.

What to Expect

  • Temperatures
    • Days: typically 43–52°F
    • Nights: typically 32–38°F (occasional freezes)
  • Precipitation
    • Frequent light-to-moderate rain, drizzle, and mist.
    • Snow: uncommon on the valley floor; minor events some winters, bigger storms every few years.
    • Freezing rain: possible during cold snaps, more common east of Portland, but can happen here.
  • Wind and storms
    • Periodic Pacific storms with gusts 20–35 mph. Short power outages can happen.
  • Fog and visibility
    • Morning fog is common, especially near fields and wetlands across the Tualatin Valley.
  • Daylight
    • By December, sunset is around 4:30 pm; mornings are slow to brighten.
  • Roads
    • Bridges and shaded curves freeze first.
    • TV Highway (OR‑8) is usually clear but can pond after heavy rain.
    • Routes over higher terrain—like Cornelius Pass Road, US‑26, and OR‑6 (Wilson River Hwy to Tillamook)—see more ice/snow.
  • Outdoors
    • Trails at Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park, ~12 miles south) and local parks get muddy; closures possible after storms.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Clothing and gear
    • Waterproof jacket, layers, and warm hat.
    • Waterproof shoes/boots with grip; sidewalks can be slick with leaves or frost.
    • Keep an umbrella or light rain shell handy.
  • Driving
    • Start early on cold mornings; watch for black ice, especially near fields and bridges.
    • Keep wipers, tires, and headlights in good shape.
    • Chains are rarely needed in town, but carry traction devices if heading over US‑26 or OR‑6.
  • Home prep
    • Have a flashlight, batteries, and phone charger for windstorm outages.
    • Clear leaves from drains to reduce street flooding near your home.
  • Things to do on wet days
    • Cornelius Public Library for children’s activities and quiet work space.
    • Fernhill Wetlands (Forest Grove) and Jackson Bottom Wetlands (Hillsboro) for winter birding on clearer days.
    • Nearby Tualatin Valley wineries and Hillsboro/Forest Grove coffee shops for cozy afternoons.

Best Local Resources

  • National Weather Service (Portland): Detailed forecasts and storm warnings for Washington County.
  • ODOT TripCheck: Live cameras and road conditions for TV Hwy (OR‑8), US‑26, OR‑6, and OR‑47.
  • Washington County Roads: Storm debris, flooding, and closure updates.
  • PGE Outage Map: Power restoration times in Cornelius and surrounding areas.
  • TriMet Alerts: Bus 57–TV Highway/Forest Grove snow routes and delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Weather In Cornelius Oregon

  • Does it snow in Cornelius?

    • Occasionally. Most winters bring a few flurries or a brief light accumulation. Major snowstorms are uncommon but can happen every few years.

  • How far is Cornelius from Portland?

    • About 25 miles west of downtown Portland (roughly 35–55 minutes, traffic and weather dependent).

  • Are roads to the coast affected?

    • Yes. US‑26 (to Seaside) and OR‑6 (to Tillamook) can see snow, ice, and chain requirements in winter. Check TripCheck before you go.

  • What’s the best time to visit in winter?

    • For quieter wineries and fewer crowds, January–February are calm. Aim for midday for better light and slightly warmer temps.

  • Is it kid friendly in winter?

    • Yes. Try the Cornelius Public Library, indoor pools at Shute Park (Hillsboro) or Forest Grove, and short walks at local wetlands on clearer days.

Summary

Winter in Cornelius is mild, rainy, and occasionally icy. Expect mid‑40s days, mid‑30s nights, frequent drizzle, and rare snow. Drive carefully on cold mornings, especially toward the Coast Range. Dress in waterproof layers, keep an eye on TripCheck and NWS, and enjoy cozy indoor spots and nearby wineries.

  • Rainy-Day Things To Do Near Cornelius (Hillsboro & Forest Grove)
  • Safest Winter Routes from Cornelius to the Oregon Coast
  • Hagg Lake in Winter: What to Know Before You Go
  • Moving to Cornelius: Weather, Commute, and Everyday Essentials