Porto

Porto – What you should know

Porto on the Atlantic coast of northern Portugal has a noticeably wetter climate than the Algarve: the Atlantic brings the city frequent winter rainfall and mild temperatures of typically 7–14°C (45–57°F). In return, Porto in spring and autumn with temperatures of 16–24°C (61–75°F) and lush green countryside is extraordinarily beautiful. The city of bridges and azulejos shows an almost romantic side on rainy days with wet lanes and steaming pastelerias.

The summer months June to September are the driest and warmest period: temperatures of typically 22–26°C (72–79°F), little rain and sufficient sunshine for the beaches around Matosinhos and the vineyards of the Douro Valley. Porto itself stays cooler than Lisbon — Atlantic breezes keep the heat in check.

A climatic trademark of Porto is the Nevoeiro — the Atlantic fog that settles over city and river especially in the spring and autumn mornings and bathes the terraces of the wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia in a diffuse light. It usually lifts by noon, leaving a brilliant afternoon. October is the insider tip for connoisseurs: the grape harvest in the Douro Valley is in full swing, temperatures are pleasant, and the golden light of the autumn afternoon over the river is one of the most beautiful travel images of southern Europe.