Things to Do in Porto in April

April Weather in Porto

18°C (64°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

117 mm (4.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Easter festivities transform the city - Passos do Senhor processions wind through Cedofeita and Miragaia neighborhoods with elaborate street decorations and traditional sweets like folar da Páscoa sold at every padaria
Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 25-40% compared to summer months, with quality quintas in Douro Valley offering rooms for €80-120 instead of peak season €180-250
Mild temperatures ideal for Porto's steep climbs - walking from Ribeira up to Clérigos Tower (1.2 km/0.7 miles of cobblestone inclines) becomes comfortable at 15-18°C rather than exhausting summer heat
Francesinha season peaks - locals consume more of Porto's iconic sandwich during cooler months when the heavy cheese and meat dish feels satisfying rather than overwhelming in summer heat

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers hit 10 days per month - sudden downpours can last 45-90 minutes and turn Porto's polished stone streets dangerously slippery, especially around Sé Cathedral area
Atlantic winds create 'feels like' temperatures 3-5°C colder than actual readings - that 16°C afternoon can feel like 11°C near Foz do Douro waterfront
Limited daylight for sightseeing - sunset around 7:30pm means outdoor photography at Miradouro da Vitória loses golden hour lighting earlier than summer months

Best Activities in April

Port Wine Cellar Tours in Vila Nova de Gaia

April's mild temperatures make the 15-minute walk across Dom Luís I Bridge comfortable, while cooler cellars provide perfect contrast to spring weather. Harvest season preparation means cellars showcase 20-year tawny ports at optimal tasting temperature. Crowds are 30% smaller than summer peak.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for premium cellars. Tours typically cost €15-35 with tastings. Morning slots (10am-12pm) offer best lighting for cellar photography and avoid afternoon rain probability. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Douro Valley River Cruises

April marks the start of cruise season with terraced vineyards showing fresh green growth against dramatic valley walls. Water levels are optimal after winter rains, and temperatures stay comfortable for deck viewing at 16-18°C. Tourist boats resume full schedules after winter maintenance.

Booking Tip: Full-day cruises range €45-80 with lunch included. Book 10-14 days ahead as April marks season reopening with limited vessel availability. Morning departures (9am) maximize daylight hours. Check current cruise options in booking section below.

Historic Center Walking Tours

Cool April air makes Porto's notorious hills manageable - the 200m (656ft) elevation change from Ribeira to Batalha becomes pleasant exercise rather than summer's sweat-inducing climb. Medieval alleys stay comfortable for 3-4 hour explorations, and spring light enhances azulejo tile photography.

Booking Tip: Small group tours cost €20-40 per person. Book 3-5 days ahead to secure English-speaking guides. Start tours at 10am to avoid morning mist and finish before potential afternoon showers. See current tour options in booking widget.

Aveiro and Costa Nova Day Trips

April brings migrating birds to Ria de Aveiro wetlands while colorful Costa Nova beach houses emerge from winter maintenance. Canal boat rides become comfortable at 15-17°C, and the 75km (47-mile) train journey offers spring countryside views. Ovos moles season begins at local confeitarias.

Booking Tip: Day trips range €35-60 including transport and boat rides. Train tickets cost €7-12 each way if traveling independently. Book tours 1 week ahead as April marks season restart. Reference booking options below for guided excursions.

Livraria Lello and University District Cultural Tours

April's moderate crowds mean 20-30 minute waits instead of summer's 2-hour queues at the famous bookstore. University of Porto students are active (avoiding summer break), creating authentic academic atmosphere. Cooler temperatures make the 1.5km (0.9-mile) walk between cultural sites comfortable.

Booking Tip: Livraria Lello tickets cost €8 (applied to book purchases). Combined cultural tours range €25-45. Book Lello tickets 2-3 days ahead online to guarantee entry slots. Tours available through booking widget below.

Matosinhos Fish Market and Beach Experiences

April marks fresh Atlantic fishing season with daily catches of robalo and dourada at Matosinhos market. Beach walks become pleasant at 16-18°C with strong Atlantic breezes. Local marisqueiras serve seasonal shellfish, and the 6km (3.7-mile) metro ride from Porto center takes 25 minutes.

Booking Tip: Food tours including market visits cost €40-70 with tastings. Market operates Tuesday-Sunday 7am-2pm. Independent metro day passes cost €7. Book food experiences 1 week ahead for small groups. See current culinary tours in booking section.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

Passos do Senhor Easter Processions

Traditional Catholic processions wind through Porto's historic neighborhoods with elaborate religious displays, traditional music, and street decorations. Neighborhoods compete for most beautiful altar displays, and local bakeries sell traditional folar da Páscoa Easter bread.

Late April

Queima das Fitas Porto

University of Porto students celebrate end of academic year with parades, concerts, and traditional ribbon-burning ceremony. Historic center fills with academic traditions, live music venues host special events, and student-friendly restaurants offer celebratory menus.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Porto's limestone and granite streets become slippery when wet, especially the steep Rua das Carmelitas descent

Packable rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 45-90 minutes, often catching tourists between Ribeira and Clérigos Tower

Layering pieces for 9°C (48°F) mornings to 18°C (64°F) afternoons - thermal underlayer plus light sweater works better than single heavy coat

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index reaches 8 and Atlantic reflection intensifies exposure near Foz waterfront

Comfortable walking socks and blister prevention - Porto's cobblestones and hills challenge feet over 8-12km daily walking distances

Small backpack or crossbody bag - keeps hands free for navigating steep streets and protects belongings during sudden rain showers

Power bank and phone protection - April's humidity can affect electronics, and navigation apps drain batteries quickly on walking tours

Cash in small denominations - many traditional tascas and small shops don't accept cards for purchases under €10-15

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat francesinha during cooler months - order this iconic sandwich at tascas after 6pm when temperature drops and it feels satisfying rather than overwhelming

Train strikes occasionally affect suburban lines in April during academic year - check CP Comboios website morning of planned Aveiro or Braga day trips

Porto Card becomes cost-effective in April when museum queues are shorter - €13 day pass covers 6 museums plus metro/bus transport when you can realistically visit multiple sites

Afternoon rain typically starts between 2-4pm and lasts 90 minutes - schedule indoor activities like port cellars, museums, or shopping during this window

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind chill near the Atlantic - Foz do Douro and Vila Nova de Gaia waterfront feels 3-5°C colder than city center temperature readings

Wearing smooth-soled shoes on wet cobblestones - Porto's polished stone streets become dangerously slippery during April's 10 rainy days, causing tourist injuries

Planning tight outdoor schedules without rain backup - sudden 90-minute showers can derail walking tours and outdoor photography plans