Weather in Porto

About Porto

Porto stacks colour-washed buildings impossibly high above the Douro River—a UNESCO sight that takes your breath away. Port wine cellars age across the water in Vila Nova de Gaia; vintage boats bob below; azulejo tiles cover everything. This is Portugal's most photogenic city.

Country

Portugal

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September

Currency

EUR

Language

Portuguese

Things to do in Porto

Stroll the Ribeira waterfront at all hours for changing light Ride a vintage wooden rabelo boat on the river Tour port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia Climb the Livraria Lello bookshop's famous spiral staircase Visit the Torre dos Clérigos for city views Walk the Ponte Luis I bridge high above the river

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

February

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

March

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

May

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

22C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

24C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

October

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

Porto tumbles down steep hillsides to the Douro River in a jumble of tiled facades, wrought-iron balconies and the famous port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia across the water. It's a working city as much as a tourist one — trams rattle past laundry hanging from windows, and the riverside Ribeira district feels lived-in even as it fills with visitors sampling tawny ports at sunset.

Best areas to stay in Porto

Ribeira

The UNESCO-listed riverside district, with colourful houses, cafes and views across to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Home to the port wine lodges and cellars, plus rooftop bars with views back over Porto's skyline.

Baixa / Aliados

The central business district, with grand boulevards, São Bento station's famous tiled murals and shopping streets.

Foz do Douro

Where the river meets the Atlantic, with promenades, beaches and seafood restaurants.

Getting to Porto

✈

Flights

Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport has direct flights from across Europe, connected to the centre by metro.

⏱

From London

~2.5 hours by air from London.

🚕

Getting around

The metro, trams and buses cover the city well; the historic centre's hills are best tackled on foot with good shoes or by funicular.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Porto?

May, June and September offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is warm and busy, while winters are mild but rainy.

Should I visit a port wine cellar?

Yes — the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from the old town, offer tours and tastings covering the region's famous fortified wines.

Is Porto walkable?

The historic centre is very walkable but extremely hilly; trams, a funicular and Porto's metro help on steeper routes.

What food is Porto known for?

The francesinha, a hearty meat-and-cheese sandwich smothered in sauce, is the local signature dish, alongside fresh seafood and, of course, port wine.

Is Porto good for a day trip from Lisbon?

It's possible but tight — Porto deserves at least two days, and is also a good base for day trips to the Douro Valley wine region.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Fell in love with Porto within an hour of arriving — the riverside views with a glass of port at sunset are hard to beat, and it's much cheaper than Lisbon.

James W. · June 2024

★★★★★

The cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia were a highlight, and São Bento station's tiles are worth a stop even if you're not catching a train.

Mariana C. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Hillier than I expected, so pack comfortable shoes, but every uphill street seemed to end in a great viewpoint or café.

Dave H. · March 2024