Things to Do in Porto in November

November Weather in Porto

16°C (61°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

173mm (6.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic Atlantic storms create spectacular wave displays at Foz do Douro - November brings 4-5m (13-16ft) swells perfect for storm watching from Farol de Felgueiras
Wine harvest celebrations continue through early November with 15-20% lower prices on port tastings at Vila Nova de Gaia cellars before Christmas tourism peaks
Chestnut season peaks with roasted chestnuts (castanhas assadas) sold on every corner for €3-4 per cone - locals gather at Jardim do Morro for traditional chestnut festivals
Hotel prices drop 40-50% from October peaks while restaurants offer winter menus featuring game meats and hearty northern Portuguese specialties unavailable in summer

Considerations

Frequent rainfall makes outdoor exploration challenging - expect 10-15 rainy days with sudden downpours that can last 2-3 hours, particularly affecting riverside walks
Atlantic winds reach 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) making coastal areas uncomfortably cold, especially at Matosinhos beach and Foz promenade
Daylight hours shrink to just 9.5 hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 5:00pm) limiting sightseeing time and creating rushed itineraries

Best Activities in November

Port Wine Cellar Tours in Vila Nova de Gaia

November's cooler temperatures make the underground cellars more comfortable while harvest celebrations continue through early month. Tastings cost 30-40% less than summer peak season, and you'll experience the quieter, more intimate side of port education. The weather drives locals indoors, creating authentic tasting experiences alongside Portuguese wine enthusiasts rather than tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Book directly with quintas 3-5 days ahead for €15-25 tastings including 4-5 ports. Avoid weekend afternoons when domestic tourists visit. Look for cellars offering paired Portuguese cheese and charcuterie experiences. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Azulejo Tile Workshop and Museum Tours

Rainy November days are perfect for exploring Porto's indoor cultural treasures. Traditional azulejo workshops operate year-round but November offers hands-on tile painting classes for €25-35 with local artisans who have more time to teach detailed techniques. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo provides 2-3 hour experiences away from weather concerns.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions typically cost €25-45 for 2-hour experiences. Book 7-10 days ahead as local art schools often fill weekday slots. Look for workshops including traditional Portuguese motif instruction and kiln firing options.

Douro Valley River Cruises with Winter Scenery

November transforms the Douro Valley into a golden-brown landscape as vine leaves change color before falling. River cruises run year-round with heated indoor areas, offering dramatic views of terraced vineyards in autumn colors. Cooler weather means clearer air for photography and fewer crowds at quinta stops along the river route.

Booking Tip: Full-day river cruises typically cost €45-65 including lunch and one quinta visit. Book 10-14 days ahead for better cabin selection. Choose cruises with covered outdoor decks and heating systems. Weather can affect scheduling, so book refundable options.

Traditional Portuguese Cooking Classes

November brings seasonal ingredients like chestnuts, game meats, and preserved fish that define northern Portuguese winter cuisine. Local cooking schools focus on hearty dishes perfect for the weather - caldo verde, francesinha preparation, and traditional Portuguese desserts. Indoor activities become social gathering points for food-loving travelers.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range €40-75 for 3-4 hour experiences including meal and wine. Book 5-7 days ahead for better chef availability. Look for classes featuring seasonal November ingredients and traditional northern Portuguese winter recipes.

Covered Market and Food Hall Tours

Mercado do Bolhão and covered food halls become November gathering spots where locals shop for seasonal produce and warm prepared foods. Guided food tours cost €30-50 and include 5-6 tastings of regional specialties. The indoor markets provide weather protection while offering authentic cultural immersion with vendors who have time to explain seasonal ingredients.

Booking Tip: Food market tours typically cost €35-55 for 2-3 hour experiences with 6-8 tastings. Book morning tours (9-11am) when markets are most active. Look for tours including both traditional markets and modern food halls for comprehensive experiences.

Bookstore and Literary Café Tours

November's weather makes Porto's famous bookstores and literary cafés particularly appealing. Livraria Lello becomes less crowded while maintaining its magical atmosphere, and traditional Portuguese cafés serve hot chocolate and pastéis de nata to locals seeking warmth. Literary walking tours include indoor stops at historic cafés where Portuguese writers gathered.

Booking Tip: Livraria Lello charges €5 entry (deducted from book purchases). Literary tours cost €15-25 for 2-3 hour experiences including 2-3 café stops. Book weekday morning slots for smaller groups and better café seating availability.

November Events & Festivals

November 11

São Martinho (St. Martin's Day) Celebrations

November 11th brings traditional Portuguese celebrations with roasted chestnuts, jeropiga (sweet wine), and outdoor festivals despite cool weather. Local neighborhoods organize community gatherings with traditional music and seasonal foods. Restaurants offer special São Martinho menus featuring game meats and autumn ingredients.

Early to Mid November

Chestnut Harvest Festivals

Throughout November, various neighborhoods host weekend chestnut festivals in covered market areas and community centers. These local events feature traditional music, craft demonstrations, and extensive chestnut-based food offerings beyond simple roasted nuts - chestnut soups, desserts, and traditional preserves.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - not just water-resistant, as November brings 173mm (6.8 inches) of rainfall with sudden heavy downpours lasting 2-3 hours

Layerable clothing system including merino wool base layers - temperatures fluctuate between 9°C (48°F) and 16°C (61°F) throughout single days

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Portuguese limestone sidewalks become extremely slippery when wet, especially in Ribeira district

Compact umbrella that handles wind - Atlantic gusts reach 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) and will destroy cheap umbrellas within hours

Warm scarf and hat for coastal areas - wind chill factor makes Foz do Douro and Matosinhos feel 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder than actual temperature

Power bank and phone protection - frequent indoor/outdoor transitions and photo opportunities in variable weather drain batteries faster

Quick-dry pants or jeans - avoid cotton bottoms as they stay damp in 75% humidity and frequent light rain

Light fleece or wool sweater for indoor spaces - many traditional restaurants and wine cellars aren't heated to modern comfort levels

Daypack with waterproof compartments - essential for protecting electronics, documents, and purchases during unexpected rain

Lip balm and hand cream - Atlantic winds and indoor heating create surprisingly dry conditions despite high humidity outdoors

Insider Knowledge

Metro Line Violet extension to Vila Nova de Gaia opens January 2025, but November 2025 still requires bus connections or walking across Dom Luís I Bridge - plan extra 15-20 minutes for cellar visits

Francesinha restaurants serve lighter 'meia francesinha' portions during colder months - locals know to ask for this half-portion option that's still filling but costs €6-8 instead of €12-15

November Atlantic storms create the year's best wave-watching opportunities at Farol de Felgueiras lighthouse - locals gather here during storm warnings for dramatic photography, but bring windproof gear

Pharmacy and grocery stores close earlier (6-7pm) in November compared to summer hours - stock up on essentials before traditional Portuguese dinner times

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming museums and attractions keep summer hours - many reduce operating hours in November with last entry 90 minutes before closing instead of summer's 30-60 minutes

Booking coastal restaurants for outdoor dining - November weather makes terrace dining uncomfortable, but many tourists don't realize restaurants close outdoor sections until arrival

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - morning sunshine often turns to afternoon storms within 30 minutes, catching tourists without proper rain gear far from shelter