It's Better than Snow

Sure, the rainy weather can be a bit of a nuisance, but have you seen what other parts of the country deal with each winter?

Portlanders will gladly put on a rain coat or open an umbrella over shoveling their car out of feet of snow.

Beard Washing Weather

We all know that men that love their beards—but no one loves a dirty beard.

If you have a friend or a loved one who struggles with crumbs in their facial hair, consider locking them out of the house next time it rains. If you really want them to get the hint leave a bottle of beard shampoo near the front door.

Fewer Tourists

San Diego and Los Angeles can keep their 70 degree days in December and January—and all the tourists that come with it.

We'd rather keep Portland all to ourselves, and the rain helps us do that. It's weirder that way.

Beautiful Scenery

Without Oregon's notorious gray skies and wet weather, there would be no luscious green land scapes to enjoy on those sunny days.

Just look at the Northeast—even their beautiful winter days are marked by views of barren trees and slushy streets.

It Makes for A Challenge

We Portlanders don't like taking the easy way out and are always up for a challenge.

Well, try this one on for size—commuting in the rain multiple times a week. After a few winter months in the city, you'll be a pro at driving in bad weather.

Playing in Puddles

Every once in a while, it's good to let the kid inside you come out and play again.

With no parents to tell  you might catch a cold, this weekend could be the perfect chance. Slip on your rain gear and go jump around for old times' sake.

It Beats Talking Politics

Everyone know that there are just a few things that polite people don't discuss—cheif among them politics and religion.

The wet weather gives us plenty of other, more polite talking points. What could be better small talk than chatting about the weater?

It Sets The Mood

Is there anything more romantic than a lover waiting in the rain? The classic move trope is a cliche for a reason—it really is a sweet moment.

With the rainy season approaching you'll have no shortage of opportunity to impress the object of you affection with rain soaked flowers and a kiss.

Catch A Movie

Who doesn't love going to catch a movie? Rainy days provide the perfect chance to head to your local cinema and catch a flick.

Combine this with our earlier point about setting the mood. Standing outside your significant other's home with flowers and a pair of movie tickets? Sounds like the start of a great date night to us.

We Have Better Skin

Californians, Arizonans and Nevadans can keep their warm rays of the sun during the cold months, and we'll keep our healthy looking skin.

According to the National Institute on Medicine, the sun's rays can cause premature aging or even skin cancer. We'll stick with the rain, thanks.

The Smell of Rain

Only the finest and most sublime fragrances are captured as scented candles. People spend plenty of good money buying candles to make their house smell like it just experienced a miniature storm.

Well, we Portlanders don't need to spend all that money! Just take a few steps outside your house on any given week. You're almost guaranteed to get a nose-full of that post-rain scent.

Good News for the Flowers

While the rain may be bad news for those who love the outdoors, it's could new for organisms that make their homes outdoors.

The more than adequate amounts of rain that fall on Portland each year help the Rose City live up to it's name, with plenty of beautiful flowers and gardens, even near the heart of the city.

Gray Skies Mean Good Art

Sure, those constantly gray skies overhead can be a bit of a downer, but they sure do make for some great art. 

The depressed artist is a cliche for a reason—many of culture's bet creators struggle with their mood. Those gray skies help ensure Portland'smany artists stay down in the dumps and inspired.

Quiet City Streets

If you've never taken a walk or drive around Portland when the rain is out and the people are not, give it a shot next time the rain falls down.

When a bad rain hits, the city empties out. The typically busy boulevards and avenues nearly become a ghost town. It's a weird—and peaceful—phenomonon.

Photo: The Portland Art Institute on a rainy day; via Wikimedia Commons

Curling Up With a Book

There are few things better than sitting against a window inside a warm home with a cup of coffee and a good book. Whether it's a mystery novel, a biography or a tear-jerker, it's always a good idea.

The soft pitter-patter of the rain against your window should provide the perfect amount of background noise to help you get lost in your new favorite story.

Enjoy the Great Indoors

We Portlanders are known for our healthy lifestyle and active personalities. It's a city full of hikers, mountain bikers, runners and boaters.

But, every once in a while the rain is the perfect excuse to enjoy the great indoors. No matter what your relaxation method of choice, a rainy day is a perfect time to indulge.

Enjoy A Museum

Portland has no shortage of museums—perfect for when you want to duck out of the rain and learn a thing or two.

Next time a shower hits, check out the Portland Art Museum or the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Photo: The Portland Art Museum via the Portland Art Museum's Facebook page.

Taking A Walk in the Rain

Walking through wet streets and stepping over puddles is good for more than your heart health—it can help clear the mind too.

The next time the rain is nothing more than a mist or light drizzle, try going for a walk. You may be able to ease your mind in the process.

Shopping Days

If the rain washes out your outdoor plans, then maybe you just need to get some new, more fashionable rain gear for next time.

We deal with so much wet weather, you'll want to make sure you're properly outfitted so that next time, the rain won't stand between you and your carefully laid plans.

Sleeping Late

The sound of rainfall outside is the perfect background noise to get a few extra hours of shut-eye.

There's no hiking or biking to be had on those kinds of mornings—it's a washout. So turn off your alarm clock and get some rest.

Darkness Rules

With heavy rains also come heavy winds, and that combination makes for plenty of power outages.

That is far from all bad however—take advantage of that darkness! Scary stories are even more creepy by candlelight, and romantic encounters can become even more magical.

Rain Selfies are the Best

Portland's wet and windy weather means our selfies, snapchats and instagram posts are on point.

Who doesn't look better with some sexy wet hair being flown gacefully behind our head? There's a reason rockstars and models make sure to travel with fans—and we don't mean the human kind!

Great Fishing

Those who love fishing rarely mind getting a little wet—it sort of comes with the territory. Portland's rains make for great conditions for anglers in the area.

According to Best Fishing in America, the city's rains make the winter an even better time to hook a fish than the spring or summer.

Active Animals

It may seem counterintuitive, but damp, rainy days are the best times to check out the Oregon Zoo.

According to USA Today, the cool weather means the animals stay alert, and you don't have to deal with the crowds of possibly the most terrifying animals in the world—other people.

More Time To Eat

If you find youself with some free time because the weather interfered with your plans, just head down to one of Portland's many resturaunts.

There's no better time for a big, satisfying meal than a rainy day. Grab an early dinner and then settle in for a long sleep—sounds like a great night to us.