What's the best time to visit Porto, Portugal?
The best time to visit Porto is from June to September, the dry season, when the city experiences daily highs in the low-to-high 70s and minimal rainfall. This period is Porto’s peak season, bustling with festivals like Serralves em Festa in June, Festival Mares Vivas in July, and the Douro & Porto Wine Fest in September.
Although hotel rates are higher during these months, ranging from $55 to $155 per night, Portugal remains an affordable destination, and the lively atmosphere and great weather make this the ideal time to experience Porto’s vibrant culture and events.
Discover the best time to visit Porto, Portugal to take in the sights, taste the famous Port wine, explore hidden gems, and eat your way across this eccentric, lively city.
We’ll show you the overall best, cheapest, least busy, and worst time to visit Porto so you can plan out the ideal vacation. Let’s jump in!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Porto
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The overall best time to visit Porto is in the dry season between June and September. During this time, daily highs reach the low-to-upper 70s, festival season is in full swing, and the city is bustling.
June, July, August, and September are the best months to visit Porto overall. If your travel dates are open, this is definitely the time of year to book your trip. It’s not the cheapest or least busy time of year to go – the peak season rarely is – but you’ll be rewarded with great weather, lots to do, and a lively vibe throughout the city.
Daily highs reach the low-to-high 70s, keeping the air pleasantly warm without feeling hot. Rainfall is minimal with less than an inch to about 2.5″ falling during this period.
Porto’s festival season is in full swing from June to September. This is one of the biggest reasons to plan your trip during this time of year!
Head to the Serralves em Festa art festival, the Regata dos Barcos Rabelos (when wine barrel transport boats race to the finish line), and the lively Festa de São João with costumes and fireworks in June.
July is when the Festival Mares Vivas (“Seas Alive”) happens at Vila Nova de Gaia. The famous Douro & Porto Wine Fest with food, wine, and retail booths is a mainstay in September.
Because this is such a popular time to visit Porto, many of the hotels in tourist-centric areas book up quickly and see rates skyrocket this time of year.
Here’s a look at how much Porto hotels cost from June to September:
- June: $59-$155/night
- July: $55-$144/night
- August: $56-$147/night
- September: $55-$146/night
Even though the rates tend to be higher in the most popular areas this time of year, Portugal is still very affordable to visit as a whole and the cost difference isn’t crazy between the peak summer season and cheapest season in the winter and spring.
Cheapest Time to Visit Porto
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The cheapest time to visit Porto is from November to March, aligning with the arrival of the rainy season and highs in the mid-50s to low 60s. Between the months of November to March, you’ll be able to find hotels for a lower price than any other season in Porto.
Rooms can be booked for as little as $37/night! It’s not surprising that November through March is the cheapest time to visit because this is the bulk of the rainy season in Porto.
You can expect anywhere from 8-11 rainy days each month this time of year. That means some of your plans to stroll through the city, play on the beach, or tour vineyards will be dampened by rainfall.
Having backup plans is key if you visit this time of year! Daily highs are comfortable and cooler from November to March, so add that to the “pros” column for an off-season Porto visit.
You won’t see highs above 62F or below 53F this time of year. Nighttime lows hang between 41-46F, so pack warmer clothes if you’ll be out and about in the evenings.
Plan to go to Feira do Artesanato do Porto – an arts and crafts fair – in December, the Dia de Reis, or King’s Day, in January, and costumed Carnaval, as well as the international film festival, Fantasporto, in February/March.
Here’s a look at the average hotel rates in Porto from November to March, the cheapest time of year to visit:
- November: $39-$103/night
- December: $41-$108/night
- January: $37-$98/night
- February: $39-$102/night
- March: $42-$111/night
January is the cheapest month of all for a visit, but it’s also the second-wettest month of the year in Porto. December is the rainiest month of the year here with nearly 7″ of rainfall.
November and February see 6+ inches of rain, making March (4.4″ of rain) the best month to visit if you want to go during the cheapest time of year.
Least Busy Time to Visit Porto
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The least busy time to visit Porto is from October to April. This is the rainy low season in Porto when the fewest tourists come to the city.
With the rainy season in full effect starting in October, tourist numbers in Porto start dwindling fast. More people come to the city when it’s drier and warmer in the summer and early fall.
That means those looking for less-crowded conditions in Porto will find October through April the perfect season to visit! It’s not the best weather, but prices are low and crowds are extremely limited.
During the slow rainy season, you’ll find more hotel availability, lower prices on food and tours, shorter or nonexistent lines at most attractions, and empty beaches. While the Atlantic Ocean is cool this time of year, you can brave the water and still enjoy a swim in October if you’re dedicated.
Head to the Festival da Francesinha (in honor of the dish by the same name) in October, observe All Soul’s Day (All Saints Day) in November, and the country’s Independence Day on December 1.
Venture over to nearby Lisbon for Carnaval in February and check out Fantasporto, a large film festival here, in February or March.
Holy Week is major in Portugal, with Passion Sunday (2nd Sunday before Easter) parades and processions held in Porto by the Nossa Senhora da Esperanca church. Locals burn effigies of Judas on Easter Day.
Hotel prices are one of the reasons visiting during the less-busy off season can be worth it in Porto. Here’s a look at the average hotel rates this time of year:
- October: $49-$129/night
- November: $39-$103/night
- December: $41-$108/night
- January: $37-$98/night
- February: $39-$102/night
- March: $42-$111/night
- April: $54-$142/night
While there are certainly downsides to visiting during the rainy season, low crowds and prices with several festivals happening can make it worth your while.
Worst Time to Visit Porto
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The worst time to visit Porto is between December to February. These months are the wettest part of the year and heavy downpours are unavoidable.
Heavy rainfall – the most of the entire year – is the main problem with visiting Porto in winter, especially between December and February. These are the wettest months of the year in Porto, with the city seeing up to 6.9″ of rain in a single month during this time of year.
That means leisurely strolls through the city to admire architecture, enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail at an outdoor table, or meander across a bridge over the Douro River may be crossed off the list with so much rain.
There are 8-11 rainy days per month during December, January, and February. It’s the worst time of year to visit Porto, but that doesn’t mean it’s a period you should avoid altogether.
Hotels are cheaper during the winter, which is part of Porto’s low season. You might pay as little as $37/night for a room if you come during the rainy winter season:
- December: $41-$108/night
- January: $37-$98/night
- February: $39-$102/night
While you’ll need to make backup indoor plans in case of imminent rainfall, this time of year can be good for visiting book shops, touring wineries, or hitting the many museums here.
Things to Consider
Interior view of the intricate Lello Bookstore (Livraria Lello) in June ’15/Nido Huebl/Shutterstock
What else should you know about traveling to lovely Porto? Here are some helpful travel tips to make the most of your stay in this charming city.
- Take advantage of public transportation. Porto is a difficult city to drive in, with narrow streets and hilly terrain that gets slammed with traffic and pedestrians. Take advantage of the city’s wonderful public transportation system by grabbing a Andante Card and adding credits when you arrive. You’ll be able to take the metro, tram, bus, or funicular cable car to get where you need to go.
- Ride the train to Lisbon. Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is only about 3 hours away and has so much to offer. If you’re in Porto, it’s worth taking the very scenic train ride south to Lisbon! You’ll pass through charming small towns like Aveiro and Coimbra on the way while avoiding tolls and the need to rent a car or take the bus.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes. Porto is a hilly city with steep streets that can leave you winded as you walk through town. Bring comfy shoes for walking to take stress off your knees, back, and feet while you walk and explore the sights of the city. It makes a huge difference – this isn’t a place to walk in heels or dress shoes!
- Learn a little Portuguese. Portuguese is the official language in Portugal (and Porto, by extension). While many tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants will have English-speaking staff, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with basic Portuguese phrases before you go. At minimum, you should learn how to say hello (“olá”), goodbye (“adeus”), and thank you (“obrigado”).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Got more questions about the best time to visit Porto and other cities you should consider nearby? Here’s a look at the most frequently asked questions travelers have about this fascinating city on the Costa Verde.
What is the best time of year to visit Porto, Portugal?
The best time to visit Porto, Portugal, is during the spring and early summer months, particularly from May to June, when the weather is warm and sunny.
When is Porto's weather most pleasant for tourists?
Porto's weather is most pleasant from May to September, offering mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
What are the peak tourist months in Porto?
The peak tourist months in Porto are July and August, when the city experiences its highest temperatures and tourist numbers.
When is the off-season in Porto for fewer crowds and lower prices?
The off-season in Porto is from November to February, providing fewer crowds and lower prices, but with cooler and potentially rainy weather.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Porto?
Overall, you’ll have the best visit if you go to Porto between June and September. This is the dry peak season when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for all activities – the beach, festivals, sightseeing, eating, drinking, and tours.
Head to Porto with 2-3 days to spend taking in all the wonders and charm of this gem in Portugal and you’ll be better for it. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass – or three – of Port wine!