Porto features a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city is known for its abundant rainfall in the cooler months, moderate seasonal temperature changes, and refreshing Atlantic breezes. Porto’s climate supports lush green landscapes and offers comfortable conditions for sightseeing, festivals, and beach visits from late spring through early autumn.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Porto’s climate is classified as warm-summer Mediterranean (Csb), with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Average highs range from 14°C in January to 25–26°C in August, while lows vary from 5–6°C in winter to 15–16°C in summer. Winters (November–March) are the wettest period, with frequent rain and strong Atlantic winds, but temperatures rarely drop below 5°C. Snow is extremely rare. Sunshine hours are limited in winter, averaging 3–4 hours per day, and humidity is high, making the air feel damp.
Summers (June–September) bring warm, sunny days with highs of 23–26°C and cooler nights, often requiring a light jacket after sunset. Rain is scarce, humidity remains moderate, and the city enjoys up to 10 hours of sunshine per day. The Atlantic Ocean keeps summer temperatures comfortable and prevents heatwaves from becoming oppressive. Spring and early autumn are mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 17–23°C, moderate rainfall, and increasing sunshine. Sea temperatures peak at 17–19°C in late summer, making beach visits possible, though the water remains brisk. Porto’s climate is also marked by high humidity and frequent breezes, especially near the coast and river.
Overall, Porto’s weather is milder and wetter than Lisbon or the Algarve, with lush greenery and a vibrant atmosphere. The city’s microclimates mean weather can shift quickly, so visitors should be prepared for both sunshine and showers, especially outside the summer months.
| Average climate data for Porto, Portugal | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 14 | 26 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 148 | 111 | 96 | 119 | 91 | 39 | 21 | 32 | 72 | 159 | 171 | 183 | 1,241 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 147 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 16 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 4 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
The best time to visit Porto is from late spring (May–June) to early autumn (September), when temperatures are warm (20–26°C), rainfall is low, and the city is lively with festivals and outdoor events. These months offer ideal conditions for sightseeing, river cruises, and enjoying Porto’s beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
The least favourable time to visit is during winter (December–February), when Porto is at its wettest and windiest. While temperatures remain mild (13–15°C), heavy rain and short daylight hours can limit outdoor activities. However, winter offers fewer crowds and lower prices for those who don’t mind the damp weather.
Porto has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city experiences moderate temperature changes, high humidity, and abundant rainfall in the cooler months.
Summer daytime highs in Porto typically reach 23–26°C, with cooler nights around 15–16°C. Heatwaves are rare, and the Atlantic breeze keeps temperatures comfortable, even on the hottest days.
Yes, Porto is one of southern Europe’s wettest cities, with most rain falling from November to March. Summers are much drier, with only occasional brief showers.
Winters in Porto are mild but cloudy and rainy, with only 3–4 hours of sunshine per day. However, there are still occasional bright days, and temperatures rarely drop below 5°C.
Snow is extremely rare in Porto. Winter temperatures are usually well above freezing, and frost is uncommon due to the city’s coastal location and Atlantic influence.
Bring layers, a rain jacket, and waterproof shoes for spring, autumn, or winter. In summer, pack light clothing, sun protection, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking Porto’s hilly streets.
The Atlantic Ocean near Porto is cool, with sea temperatures peaking at 17–19°C in late summer. Swimming is possible from June to September, but the water can feel brisk compared to southern Portugal.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (25.8 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (13.8 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 19.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (15.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (5.2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 10.7 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is September (18.1 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (13.7 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 16.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is December (182.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is July (20.5 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,241.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (17.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (5.1 days). Over the whole year there are 146.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 9.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 3.9 h). Over the whole year there are 6.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July and August (UV index: 8). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.9.
