Things to Do in Porto in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Porto
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring weather brings Porto to life with temperatures around 18°C (64°F) - warm enough for outdoor exploration without the summer heat that sends locals to the beach. You'll actually enjoy walking the steep hills between neighborhoods, and café terraces fill up with people who've been hibernating all winter.
- Tourist numbers haven't peaked yet, meaning you can photograph the Livraria Lello without elbowing through cruise ship groups, and restaurants in Ribeira don't require reservations three days ahead. The sweet spot before school holidays flood the city with families.
- April marks asparagus season in northern Portugal, and you'll find white asparagus from Peso da Régua on menus throughout the city. Local markets overflow with spring produce - fresh peas, broad beans, and the first cherries from the Douro Valley. Restaurant terraces reopen after winter, and the energy shifts noticeably.
- The Douro Valley explodes with almond blossoms in early April, creating those postcard-worthy landscapes you see in travel photos. Day trips from Porto take about 2 hours (100 km/62 miles) by car or train, and the vineyards are significantly less crowded than summer months when wine tourism peaks.
Considerations
- Rain happens unpredictably - those 10 rainy days don't follow a pattern, and April showers can last anywhere from 20 minutes to half a day. The Atlantic weather system means conditions change quickly, and you might experience three seasons in one afternoon. Indoor backup plans aren't optional.
- Evenings still require layers as temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F) after sunset. That romantic riverside dinner you pictured? You'll need a jacket, and outdoor seating isn't always comfortable. The city hasn't fully shifted to summer mode yet, so some beach clubs and seasonal venues remain closed.
- The Douro River water temperature sits around 13°C (55°F) - far too cold for swimming. Beach weather at Matosinhos or Foz is unreliable, with wind often making it unpleasant even on sunny days. If your Porto dream involves beach time, you'll likely be disappointed.
Best Activities in April
Douro Valley Wine Estate Visits
April offers ideal conditions for exploring the Douro Valley before summer heat makes the terraced vineyards exhausting to navigate. Temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F) in the valley - warmer than Porto due to the microclimate - and the almond blossoms create stunning photography opportunities in early April. The spring light is softer than summer's harsh glare, and tastings feel more intimate with fewer tour groups. Quinta estates that close for winter typically reopen by early April.
Porto Walking Food Tours
Spring weather makes multi-hour walking tours through Porto's neighborhoods actually enjoyable rather than sweaty endurance tests. April brings seasonal specialties like white asparagus and fresh peas to restaurant menus, and you'll taste preparations that disappear by summer. The 70% humidity isn't oppressive yet, and the variable weather means indoor market visits feel natural rather than like you're hiding from heat. Tours typically cover 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) over 3-4 hours.
Coastal Route Cycling to Matosinhos
The 8 km (5 mile) coastal path from Foz do Douro to Matosinhos becomes rideable in April after winter storms subside, though you'll want to check weather forecasts as Atlantic winds can still be fierce. The route offers spectacular ocean views without summer's intense UV exposure - though that UV index of 8 still requires sunscreen. You'll pass locals surfing at Praia da Luz and can stop at seafood restaurants in Matosinhos that aren't yet packed with summer crowds. Temperatures stay comfortable for cycling, typically 15-18°C (59-64°F) during the day.
Port Wine Lodge Tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia
April's variable weather makes the historic port wine lodges across the river ideal for mixing indoor tastings with outdoor terrace time when sun breaks through. The lodges aren't overwhelmed with cruise ship groups yet, and you'll get more personalized attention from staff during tastings. The cool temperatures are actually perfect for appreciating vintage ports without palate fatigue from heat. Walking between lodges along the riverside involves about 2 km (1.2 miles) total, manageable in spring weather with occasional rain jacket deployment.
Guimarães and Braga Day Trips
These historic cities north of Porto become genuinely pleasant to explore in April as temperatures reach 17-19°C (63-66°F) - warm enough for comfortable walking through medieval streets and hilltop sanctuaries without summer's energy-sapping heat. Guimarães sits 55 km (34 miles) from Porto, Braga 53 km (33 miles), both reachable by train in under an hour. The spring light enhances the granite architecture, and you'll have space to actually appreciate the UNESCO sites without summer tour bus chaos. Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary in Braga involves climbing 116 m (381 ft) via baroque stairway - much more pleasant in April than July.
São Bento Station and Azulejo Trail Walking
April's unpredictable weather makes azulejo-focused walking tours smart planning since you're moving between covered spaces and can duck into churches or station halls when rain hits. The traditional Portuguese tiles photograph beautifully in April's softer light without summer's harsh shadows. Routes typically cover 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles) through Baixa and Miragaia neighborhoods, visiting São Bento station, Igreja do Carmo, and lesser-known chapel interiors. The mix of indoor and outdoor works perfectly with variable conditions.
April Events & Festivals
Queima das Fitas Porto
University students celebrate the end of academic year with a week-long festival typically running late April into early May. The streets fill with students in traditional academic dress, concerts happen throughout the city, and the parade down Avenida dos Aliados draws massive crowds. It's chaotic, loud, and genuinely fun if you enjoy festival energy - but accommodation prices spike and restaurants get slammed. The exact dates shift yearly based on the academic calendar.
Fantasporto Film Festival
One of the world's longest-running fantasy film festivals typically runs for about two weeks spanning late February through early March, though occasional screenings and related events sometimes extend into early April. If you're visiting in the first week of April, check the festival website as closing events or special screenings might still be happening at Rivoli and other venues throughout the city. This matters mainly if you're a film enthusiast looking for something beyond typical tourist activities.