Can you visit Porto all year round? What’s the weather in Porto like? In this article, we cover what you need to know about Porto’s weather: if it’s cold, how much it rains, what are the average temperatures during the year and much more.
Is the weather in Porto so cold?
I know that most of the people are scared about the weather in Porto, but let’s face it: it’s a wonderful city with a delicate touch of romanticism, no matter how grey the sky is.
Porto weather in December, January and February (winter)
As you might expect, the weather in winter is unpredictable. It’s not too cold though as on average it gets to about 16°C (61°F). You can have a super sunny day followed by a very rainy one, so you will need to be prepared. You have to consider that Porto is usually very wet. In the winter there will be only 13 dry days per month, on average. The weather in Porto after all is not that bad even in winter and you have a lot of side activities in the case it’s raining too much. Porto’s average temperature in winter:
Month | Minimum temperature | Maximum temperature |
December | 5°C (41°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
January | 5°C (41°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
February | 6°C (43°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
I know it does not sound so inviting, but you should consider that if you are going to travel during winter, you are going to save a lot of money.
Porto weather in March, April and May (spring)
Springtime in Porto is much nicer than winter. There is less rain and there is much more sunlight hours during the day and the prices for accommodation are still not too high because the city is not packed with too many tourists. Since spring is not overwhelmingly hot, you can enjoy a lot of “open air” activities like biking along Matosinhos without sweating too much or you can opt for a cruise on the Douro River, without risking a sunburn. The weather in Porto, during springtime is almost perfect, not too hot or too cold. Porto’s average temperature in spring:
Month | Minimum temperature | Maximum temperature |
March | 9°C (48°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
April | 10°C (50°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
May | 11°C (52°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
So, if you love traveling with mild temperatures and if you love to visit cities that are not packed with tourists, this is the season to go to Porto.
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Porto weather in June, July and August (summer)
If you love the sun, really nice weather and to be in around people from all around the world, this is the season you should choose to visit Porto. During this peak season, there are a lot of tourists enjoying this city for its weather and its attractions. Porto’s average temperature in summer:
Month | Minimum temperature | Maximum temperature |
June | 13°C (55°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
July | 15°C (59°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
August | 15°C (59°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
The most important festivity in Porto (probably more important than any other celebration in the year) is the 23 June, the day Saint John’s festival (also known as Festa de São João do Porto). It is amazing to visit the city decorated with streamers, to join street parties with traditional music and to see the fireworks reflecting in the Douro River. No doubt it is a magical night that you will remember for a very long time. During July or August, there are a lot of concerts, parties and “open air” cinema sessions so there is always something going on every night, for every taste. Also, the bars and the streets are full of people enjoying the warm night air. The only thing you should take into account is that the cost in peak season is likely to be high. I would recommend that you to book your flights and accommodation in advance.
Read Visit Porto for more tips and advice on things to do and where to stay.
Porto weather in September, October and November (autumn)
What’s the weather like in Porto during autumn? Is it worth going? Well, the answer is Yes. The temperatures in September and October particularly are still warm. During the day you can wear light clothing but you may need a jacket in the evening. Porto’s average temperature in summer:
Month | Minimum temperature | Maximum temperature |
September | 14°C (57°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
October | 11°C (52°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
November | 9°C (48°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Autumn is a very nice season to visit the second biggest city in Portugal. It is still warm and you can enjoy a lot of sunlight hours and the prices are not as high as they are in summer. I personally recommend visiting the Douro valley during this season as the colours of the leaves, the smell of wine and the sun will be an amazing and unforgettable memory of your holiday.
Here is the weather in Porto for the next seven days: PORTO WEATHER
When is the best time to visit Porto?
I know what you are thinking. The northern part of Portugal is not as sunny as the south so is it worth going there only in summer? Can I enjoy being there in winter? It depends on what you are looking for, because the summer is the most enjoyable season for outdoor activities like boat cruises, strolls in the vineyards or swimming at the beaches. However, the charm of this beautiful city will make you fall in love with it, no matter how cold it is or how bad it is raining. The first time I saw the Douro River from the top of the Dom Luis Bridge, I felt at peace with the universe. The slow flowing river, the bursting colours of the sunset in the background and that strange sensation of freedom in the air made me feel so relaxed. And then, it rained. Do you have any experiences to share about Porto and it’s unpredictable weather? Let us know in the comments below. Find out more about the weather in Portugal here.