When to Visit Porto
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the wettest month in Porto, with nearly 6 inches of rain spread across many days. The temperatures are mild by northern European standards but can feel chilly when combined with the dampness and Atlantic winds. You'll find the city quiet with locals outnumbering tourists, and the gray skies are part of the winter package here.
February
February sees slightly less rain than January but still qualifies as properly wet. The temperatures tick up just a degree or two, and you might catch some sunny breaks between systems. It's still off-season, so you'll have museums and restaurants largely to yourself, though some smaller attractions might have reduced hours.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures gradually warming and rainfall starting to ease up a bit. You'll see more sunny days mixed in with the rainy ones, and the city starts to feel more alive as locals spend more time outdoors. It's still shoulder season, so you're getting decent value without the summer crowds.
April
April brings proper spring weather with noticeably warmer days, though rainfall actually ticks back up slightly. The Douro Valley starts to green up beautifully, and outdoor cafés begin filling up with people taking advantage of the improving weather. You'll want layers since mornings can still be cool while afternoons warm up nicely.
May
May is when Porto really starts to shine—temperatures reach comfortable levels, rainfall drops significantly, and the city hits that sweet spot before peak summer tourism. The longer days mean more time to explore, and the weather is generally reliable enough to plan outdoor activities. This is one of the most pleasant months to visit, honestly.
June
June transitions into summer with warm, increasingly dry weather and the famous São João festival on the 23rd bringing the city to life. Rainfall becomes minimal, and you'll see locals and visitors alike taking full advantage of the riverside and beaches. It's getting busier with tourists but hasn't quite hit peak summer crowds yet.
July
July is peak summer with the warmest, driest weather of the year—you'll barely see any rain at all. The Atlantic breeze keeps temperatures from getting oppressive, though afternoons can feel warm when you're climbing Porto's steep hills. This is high season, so expect crowds at major attractions and higher prices across the board.
August
August matches July for heat and sunshine, with similarly minimal rainfall and peak tourist numbers. Many locals actually leave the city for their own holidays, which can make some neighborhoods feel quieter despite the tourist presence. The beaches and riverside areas are at their busiest, and you'll want to book accommodations well in advance.
September
September is arguably one of the best months to visit—temperatures remain warm but the peak crowds start to thin out, and you'll still see mostly dry weather. The ocean is at its warmest after a summer of heating up, and the light takes on that beautiful early autumn quality. Prices begin to drop as high season winds down.
October
October sees a noticeable increase in rainfall as autumn properly sets in, though temperatures remain quite mild and pleasant for exploring. The changing season brings harvest time in the Douro Valley, making it ideal for wine tourism. You'll need to pack for variable weather, but the thinning crowds and lower prices make it attractive for many visitors.
November
November is when Porto's wet season really kicks in, with the second-highest rainfall of the year. The days get noticeably shorter and the temperatures drop to more jacket-worthy levels. Tourism slows considerably, which means better deals and a more local experience, though you'll definitely need to embrace the rain as part of the package.
December
December is the wettest month in Porto, with over 7 inches of rain typically falling throughout the month. The holiday season brings festive decorations and a cozy atmosphere to the city, though the weather keeps most activities indoors. Temperatures are mild compared to northern Europe, but the combination of rain and wind off the Atlantic can feel quite raw.