The cultural dynamo that’s Porto has a packed calendar of festivals, concert events, markets and numerous different occasions all year long. There’s all the time one thing happening within the metropolis, so climate and customer numbers needs to be the prime issues for planning your journey.
Whether or not you’re in search of heat climate and open-air celebrations or price range offers with out the crowds, you’ll discover your perfect situation on this detailed information to the most effective instances to go to Porto.
The excessive season (June–September) is the most effective time for festivals and beach-going
Porto’s summer time brings lengthy heat days and loads of cloud-free skies. The town will get much less rainfall right now of yr, although even in summer time, occasional showers are attainable. June can be the kickoff to Porto’s busiest time of yr for occasions, with out of doors music festivals, saintly processions (together with one by fishing boat) and among the metropolis’s largest celebrations.
The temperatures averages round 23°C (73°F) however periodic heatwaves push temperatures into the excessive 30s (excessive 90s). July and August are the warmest months of the yr, and also you’ll discover tripeiros (Porto locals) cooling off at Praia de Matosinhos and different close by seashores. Remember that even on the most popular days, ocean temperatures can really feel brisk on Portugal’s northern seashores.
Predictably, summer time coincides with the height customer season in Porto. You may anticipate increased resort costs and greater crowds wherever you go, and also you’ll need to reserve nicely forward at high eating places.
Take pleasure in gentle climate and wine throughout Porto’s shoulder seasons (March–Could & October)
Porto’s shoulder seasons fall in the course of the spring and autumn months. Colourful blooms fill the parks across the metropolis from late March to early Could, and for those who take a day journey to the countryside, you possibly can see wildflowers on scenic hikes by northern Portugal’s nature reserves.
Late September and October carry vibrant autumn (fall) colours to town’s parks and tree-lined streets. The spectacle is very dramatic alongside the banks of the Douro River upstream from Porto. That is additionally grape-harvest season at wineries within the Douro Valley, so you may have the chance to see wine-making and grape-stomping in motion.
The climate is a little bit of a combination right now of yr, with extra rain than in summer time however fewer moist days than you’ll see in winter. Temperatures are close to good for out of doors actions, with each day highs of round 17°C (63°F) in March, and round 20°C (68°F) in October.
Get low cost offers and see a extra native aspect of Porto within the off-season (November–February)
Porto has a status for chilly, wet days in the course of the winter months. December is town’s wettest month, with a mean of round 15 days of precipitation. Even on these wet days, nonetheless, you will get patches of dry climate in between the storms.
Touring right now of yr means dressing in layers. You may need a chilly, misty morning, adopted by noon sunshine with highs of round 15°C (59°F) and night showers. January is the coldest month of the yr, although the night lows not often fall beneath 5°C (41°F).
In alternate for a little bit of chilly, damp climate, you possibly can avail of rock-bottom costs for flights and lodging. Rely on lodging reductions of as much as 50% off high-season charges.
January is for cultural escapes
When the climate turns dreary, plan your days round visits to artwork museums, medieval cathedrals and different indoor sights. When all else fails, retreat to a comfy cafe similar to Café Candelabro or a candlelit wine bar similar to Prova because the rains arrive.
Key occasions: Dia de Reis, IndieJúnior kids’s movie competition
February is for fantasy
Porto’s busy leisure calendar doesn’t decelerate in the course of the chilly days of February. Actually, it is a nice month for catching concert events on the Casa da Música and different venues. Movie lovers gained’t need to miss Portugal’s premier fantasy movie competition, Fantasporto, which regularly coincides with the costumed parades of Carnaval.
Key occasions: Carnaval, Fantasporto movie competition
March is for backyard walks with out the crowds
The temperatures are rising however the rains are nonetheless falling as Porto creeps towards springtime. Pack your umbrella and luxuriate in verdant strolls by the Jardim Botânico do Porto, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, and different inexperienced areas round city.
Key occasions: Vinyl data honest, Essência do Vinho wine honest
April brings springtime flowers in every single place
Whereas rain continues to be a risk, the showers fall much less continuously in April than within the earlier 4 months. Easter processions carry but extra coloration to the streets each in Porto and in close by Braga, which has Portugal’s largest Easter competition.
Key occasions: Easter celebrations, Liberation Day
Could is a superb month for out of doors actions
Hotter temperatures and longer days make the month of Could an excellent time for scenic walks alongside the riverbanks and throughout Porto’s bridges, in addition to boat journeys alongside the Douro and different out of doors actions. The crowds are starting to reach, with rising resort costs, however you possibly can nonetheless discover higher offers than you’ll in the summertime.
Key occasions: Queima das Fitas, Senhor dos Matosinhos, International Festival of Iberian Expression Theater (FITEI)
June is stuffed with summery celebrations
The summer time kicks off with vibrant festivals such because the 50-hour, continuous Serralves em Festa, and the revelry surrounding the Festa de São João, Porto’s largest celebration, marking the feast day of St John the Baptist. Unsurprisingly, resort charges rise as guests come to expertise the joie de vivre and heat climate.
Key occasions: Serralves em Festa, Festa de São João, Nos Primavera Sound, Festa de São Pedro da Afurada
July is for lengthy days outdoor
The driest month of the yr is a superb time to be out and about, although you’ll definitely have a variety of firm all through this stunning however busy month. E book out of doors eating at terrace eating places overlooking town, catch open-air concert events and movie screenings, and browse for treasures at avenue markets.
Key occasions: MEO Marés Vivas, LGBT+ Music Festival
August is the most effective month for seaside adventures
Porto packs in its largest crowds in August, so that you’ll must e book flights, lodging and top-tier eating places nicely upfront. This peak month coincides with the most popular temperatures, so you’ll want to embrace some days on the seashore to flee the warmth.
Key occasions: Cinema Fora de Sítio, Porto Busker Fest, Assunção de Nossa Senhora
September brings cooler temperatures to Porto
The hovering August temperatures plummet in September, although the crowds are largely nonetheless round. Catch the tail finish of Porto’s energetic open-air summer time competition season, hitting markets, becoming a member of yoga periods within the park and seeing open-air performances.
Key occasions: Porto International Circus Festival, Concertos na Avenida
October is full of autumn coloration
Cooler days arrive in Porto, and it’s a beautiful time to discover town, although you’ll must be ready for more and more frequent showers. The town is much less full of out-of-towners, particularly towards the tip of the month.
Key occasions: Amplifest, Competition Gastronómico Francesinha
November is for budget-friendly lodging
Issues get even wetter in November, Porto’s third rainiest month. On the upside, you’ll discover some superb offers on the subject of flights and lodgings.
Key occasions: Porto Marathon
December is full of vacation merriment
These drizzly afternoons and lengthy nights don’t dampen town’s spirits. Cheery Christmas markets, roasted chestnuts and colorfully embellished squares type a memorable backdrop to visits to Porto in December.
Key occasions: New Yr’s Eve, Artes & Ofícios Christmas market, São Silvestre do Porto race
