Things to Do in Porto in September

September Weather in Porto

24°C (75°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

71mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Harvest season brings peak wine tourism - quintas offer special tastings and barrel samples unavailable other months, with grape picking experiences running €45-75 per person
Perfect hiking weather with 14-24°C (58-75°F) range - no summer heat exhaustion on Caminho de Santiago or Douro Valley trails that can reach 35°C (95°F) in July-August
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak summer, with luxury quintas dropping from €200+ to €120-150 per night
Festival season peaks with Festa de São Mateus (late September) bringing traditional music, regional food stalls, and artisan markets that locals actually attend rather than tourist-focused summer events

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall with 71mm (2.8 inches) spread across 10 days means outdoor plans need flexible backup options - morning sun can turn to afternoon showers within hours
Atlantic Ocean temperature drops to 18°C (64°F) making beach activities less appealing than summer's 22°C (72°F) - wetsuit required for surfing at Matosinhos
Shorter daylight hours with sunset around 7:30pm by month's end limits evening photography and outdoor dining compared to summer's 9pm sunsets

Best Activities in September

Douro Valley Harvest Experiences

September is the only month to witness grape harvest (vindima) in action. Temperatures of 14-24°C (58-75°F) make vineyard walking comfortable while avoiding summer's scorching heat. Local quintas offer foot-treading experiences and barrel tastings of current vintage unavailable year-round. Morning mist over terraced vineyards creates exceptional photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book harvest experiences 2-3 weeks ahead as spots fill quickly. Full-day tours typically cost €80-120 including lunch and tastings. Look for small-group operators (8-12 people maximum) for authentic experiences. Half-day options available for €45-65.

Porto Historic Walking Routes

Ideal weather for exploring Ribeira and Miragaia districts without summer crowds or winter rain. September's 70% humidity feels comfortable for uphill climbs to Clérigos Tower (76m/249ft high). Early morning (8-10am) offers golden light for photography before afternoon temperatures peak. Rain gear needed for occasional 20-30 minute showers.

Booking Tip: Self-guided is perfect in September weather, but guided tours cost €15-25 per person for 2-3 hours. Book walking tours focusing on azulejo tiles and architecture rather than just historical facts. Audio guides available for €8-12 daily rental.

Atlantic Coast Surfing Lessons

September brings consistent swells to Matosinhos and Espinho beaches with fewer summer crowds. Water temperature at 18°C (64°F) requires 3mm wetsuit but conditions are perfect for beginners. Morning sessions (9-11am) avoid afternoon winds that pick up around 2pm. Waves typically 1-2m (3-6ft) - ideal learning conditions.

Booking Tip: Lesson packages typically €35-50 for 2 hours including wetsuit and board. Book 5-7 days ahead as September is popular with locals. Look for schools offering flexible rescheduling for weather. Group lessons cheaper than private (€80-100).

Northern Minho Region Day Trips

September weather perfect for Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima visits - comfortable 20-22°C (68-72°F) daytime temperatures for walking medieval streets. Grape harvest season means local restaurants serve seasonal dishes like rojões com castanhas. Less tourist congestion than summer but all attractions still operating full hours.

Booking Tip: Day trips by regional train cost €6-12 return compared to tours at €55-75 per person. Rent a car for €25-35 daily to visit multiple towns. Pack light rain jacket for afternoon showers. Local buses connect smaller villages for €2-4 per journey.

Aveiro and Costa Nova Excursions

September's mild weather ideal for moliceiro boat rides through Aveiro's canals without summer heat. Striped houses of Costa Nova photograph beautifully in September's softer light. Beach walks comfortable at 20°C (68°F) but bring layers for evening temperature drops to 14°C (58°F).

Booking Tip: Moliceiro rides cost €8-12 per person for 45 minutes. Combined Aveiro-Costa Nova tours typically €45-65 including transportation from Porto. Train tickets Porto-Aveiro cost €3.50 each way. Book accommodations early if staying overnight - September popular with domestic tourists.

Peneda-Gerês National Park Hiking

September offers perfect hiking conditions with daytime temperatures 18-22°C (64-72°F) and minimal summer crowds. Waterfalls still flowing from summer rains but trails dry enough for comfortable walking. Early autumn colors begin appearing in higher elevations above 800m (2,625ft). Wildlife more active in cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking free with proper maps (€5-8 at park centers). Guided day trips typically €65-85 including transportation and lunch. Book mountain accommodations 2+ weeks ahead - September busy with Portuguese hikers. 4WD tours available for €45-60 per person.

September Events & Festivals

Late September

Festa de São Mateus

Porto's largest traditional festival featuring regional food vendors, folk dancing, and artisan crafts. Local families attend making it authentic rather than tourist-focused. Traditional grilled sardines, bifana sandwiches, and regional wines available from dozens of stalls. Live folk music performances nightly.

Throughout September

Douro Harvest Festivals

Multiple quinta-based celebrations throughout Douro Valley during grape picking season. Each winery hosts traditional foot-treading demonstrations, harvest dinners, and folk music. Authentic community events where locals celebrate vintage completion.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - September averages 10 rainy days with showers lasting 20-45 minutes, often in afternoons

Layering pieces for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - cotton t-shirts for 24°C (75°F) afternoons, light sweater for 14°C (58°F) mornings

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - historic Porto's steep cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, elevation changes up to 100m (328ft)

Compact umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for short downtown walks and café hopping

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 even on partly cloudy days, reflection off Douro River intensifies exposure

Light scarf or pashmina - useful for 14°C (58°F) evening river walks and air-conditioned restaurants

Quick-dry clothing - 70% humidity means cotton takes longer to dry, synthetic blends better for active days

Closed-toe shoes for wine tastings - many quintas require covered shoes in production areas, flip-flops prohibited

Small daypack with rain cover - essential for Douro Valley day trips and hiking, protects electronics during sudden showers

Power bank and waterproof phone case - September's variable weather perfect for photography but battery drains faster in cool temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Book Douro Valley accommodations by early August - September harvest season is when wealthy Lisbon and international visitors come, driving up prices and availability

Eat lunch between 12:30-2pm when locals do - many traditional restaurants close 3-7pm, and September brings seasonal dishes like chanfana and castanhas that disappear by October

Take morning trains to Douro Valley (8-9am departures) - afternoon return trains fill with day-trippers and wine tour groups, evening services reduced in September vs summer schedule

Local supermarkets stock seasonal items in September - fresh chestnuts, new olive oil, and regional preserves unavailable other months, perfect for picnic supplies at 40% less than tourist shops

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming beach weather - September ocean at 18°C (64°F) requires wetsuit for swimming, many tourists pack summer beachwear and can't enjoy coastal activities

Not checking restaurant hours - many family-run tascas reduce September hours as kids return to school, several close Mondays that stayed open in summer

Booking only outdoor activities - 10 rainy days means indoor backups essential, many visitors don't research museums, covered markets, or wine cellars for weather delays