The best times to visit Porto

The cultural dynamo that is Porto has a packed calendar of festivals, concerts, markets and countless other events throughout the year. There’s always something going on in the city, so weather and visitor numbers should be the prime considerations for planning your trip.

Whether you’re seeking warm weather and open-air celebrations or budget deals without the crowds, you’ll find your ideal scenario in this detailed guide to the best times to visit Porto.  

The high season (June–September) is the best time for festivals and beach-going

Porto’s summer brings long warm days and plenty of cloud-free skies. The city gets less rainfall at this time of year, though even in summer, occasional showers are possible. June is also the kickoff to Porto’s busiest time of year for events, with outdoor music festivals, saintly processions (including one by fishing boat) and some of the city’s biggest celebrations.

The temperatures averages around 23°C (73°F) but periodic heatwaves push temperatures into the high 30s (high 90s). July and August are the warmest months of the year, and you’ll find tripeiros (Porto locals) cooling off at Praia de Matosinhos and other nearby beaches. Keep in mind that even on the hottest days, ocean temperatures can feel brisk on Portugal’s northern beaches.

Predictably, summer coincides with the peak visitor season in Porto. You can expect higher hotel prices and bigger crowds wherever you go, and you’ll want to reserve well ahead at top restaurants.

Enjoy mild weather and wine during Porto’s shoulder seasons (March–May & October)

Porto’s shoulder seasons fall during the spring and autumn months. Colorful blooms fill the parks around the city from late March to early May, and if you take a day trip to the countryside, you can see wildflowers on scenic hikes through northern Portugal’s nature reserves.

Late September and October bring bright autumn (fall) colors to the city’s parks and tree-lined streets. The spectacle is especially dramatic along the banks of the Douro River upstream from Porto. This is also grape-harvest season at wineries in the Douro Valley, so you’ll have the opportunity to see wine-making and grape-stomping in action.

The…