September: 86 places at their best

Portugal, Europe

Porto in November

The rainy season begins in earnest. Cheap, but some days are a washout.

TradeoffsCool and wet, highs near 62F (17C)
The Ribeira waterfront on the Douro, Porto
PortoPhoto: flowcomm, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

November is a month of real tradeoffs in Porto. The rainy season begins in earnest. Cheap, but some days are a washout.

Weather
Cool and wet, highs near 62F (17C)
Crowds
2 of 5
Prices
2 of 5

What November is like in Porto

November is cool and wet, with highs near 62F (17C), and the rainy season starts in earnest. Some days are a washout. Crowds are low and prices drop. Museums, port lodges, and restaurants stay open, but some Douro quintas and river cruises cut back.

It suits travelers after a cheap city break centered on food, wine, and museums. Pack for rain and keep plans flexible, with indoor backups for every day. If you want to see the Douro Valley at its best or walk the city in sunshine, choose May or September.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Porto this month.

01

Cozy cafes

Porto's old cafes are at their best on a rainy day. Settle in with a coffee and a pastry.

02

Port tastings

The lodges in Gaia are quiet and welcoming. It is a good month to try a longer tasting.

03

Serralves on a dry day

Autumn color in the gardens is a nice surprise between rain showers.

What to pack for November

  • A waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof, grippy shoes
  • A warm sweater
  • A sturdy umbrella

Our timing tip

Confirm Douro tours are running before booking, since some quintas and cruises reduce service in winter.

Book Porto for November.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Things to do in Porto

Full guide
01

Ribeira and the Dom Luis I Bridge

Walk the upper deck at sunset for the classic view, then eat along the waterfront or cross into Gaia.

Tickets and tours →

02

Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia

Taylor's, Graham's, Sandeman, and others offer cellar tours and tastings. Book ahead in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Livraria Lello

A famous neo-Gothic bookshop with a crimson staircase. Entry is ticketed and timed; the first slot beats the lines.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Torre dos Clerigos

The Baroque bell tower with a climb to one of the best views over the city.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

Serralves Foundation

A contemporary art museum, an Art Deco villa, and large gardens west of the center.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

Palacio da Bolsa

The 19th century stock exchange with its gilded Arab Room, visited by guided tour.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Book Livraria Lello for the first time slot of the day. By late morning, the line wraps around the block in summer.
  • Stay in Cedofeita, Bonfim, or Boavista rather than the Ribeira for quieter nights and more local restaurants.
  • Visit the Douro Valley on a weekday and go by train or with a small tour to avoid the big coach groups.
  • Walk the Ribeira and bridge early in the morning. Cruise and tour groups arrive later in the day.

Know before you go

  • Porto's major sights, port lodges, and museums are open all year. Winter hours are sometimes shorter.
  • Some Douro Valley quintas and river cruises reduce operations in winter; check before planning a winter valley trip.
  • Many museums close on Mondays. Public holidays like June 24 (Sao Joao) close many businesses in the city.
  • Some restaurants close on Sundays, especially family-run places outside the tourist core.

Porto in November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Porto?

November is a month of real tradeoffs in Porto. The rainy season begins in earnest. Cheap, but some days are a washout.

What is the weather like in Porto in November?

Cool and wet, highs near 62F (17C).

Is Porto crowded in November?

November is one of the quieter months in Porto; most sights can be done without long waits.

Keep planning Porto.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Porto in OctoberThe month before: Mild, highs near 70F (21C), rain returningBest
  2. 02Porto in DecemberThe month after: Cool and wet, highs near 58F (14C)Tradeoffs
  3. 03Porto in MayThe next best month: Pleasant, highs near 68F (20C)Best

Also at their best in November

Everywhere in November

Where else is good in November?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

Sort these two things first.

Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

  • Travel insurance.

    Faye

    A missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.

    Visit Faye
  • eSIM data.

    Saily

    Set up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.

    Visit Saily

Our top-rated travel gear

Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.

Packing CubesEagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

compression set

Check price ~$50
ChargerAnker Nano II 65W

Anker Nano II 65W

65W GaN listed

Check price ~$30
TrackerApple AirTag (4-Pack)

Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

4 per pack listed

Check price ~$89
Travel PillowTrtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow

packs flat

Check price ~$65
AdapterEPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

all-region listed

Check price ~$20
Luggage ScaleEtekcity Luggage Scale

Etekcity Luggage Scale

handheld hook

Check price ~$10

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.