The Ultimate Guide to Porto in Winter
I spent an entire January living in Porto, and I came away with one conclusion. Porto is one of the most underrated winter destinations in Europe!
While Southern Portugal sees lots of sun, even in the winter months, Porto becomes a misty, magical place from December to March. Sure, it’s also a bit damp at times, but that only adds to the city’s enchanting atmosphere.
Winter also happens to be one of the least expensive times to visit Porto, with cheap accommodation by Western Europe’s standards. So, shrug off the crowd-choked riverside and clogged cafes of summer in favor of having the city almost to yourself!
This guide will tell you what to expect in terms of weather, things to do, and what to pack for Porto in winter.
Winter Weather in Porto
Despite being in Northern Portugal, Porto has a Mediterranean climate which means it stays fairly mild in terms of temperature year-round.
It can be rainy in Porto during the winter months, and we certainly had our fair share of rain. You can expect an average of 15 rainy days in January in Porto alone, but we found there to be a good mix of rain, fog, and plenty of sunny days to enjoy too.
On average, temperatures range from 57° as a high to 44°F as a low during the winter in Porto.
As you can see from the pictures below, Porto can be beautifully sunny and warm or cold and foggy in the winter months!
What’s the weather like in December in Porto?
Temperatures range from a high of 58°F to a low of 45°F (14°C–7°C) in the evenings. December is the rainiest month in Porto, with over seven inches of rain on average.
Visitors to Porto in December have the added benefit of getting to see the city all dressed up for the holidays!
What’s the weather like in Porto in January?
Temperatures drop just slightly from December, ranging from 57°F to 43°F (13°C–6°C). January is another rainy month in Porto, clocking in at an average of over five inches.
What’s the weather like in February in Porto?
Temperatures start to show an upward trend in February in Porto, hovering between 59°F and 45°F on average. February is also a bit less rainy, averaging just over 4.5 inches.
Why Porto is one of the best winter destinations in Europe
- Mild Weather: You might get rained on, but the temperatures aren’t likely to dip below 50° during the day in Porto.
- Fewer crowds: The swell of summer crowds has all but dwindled to a few travelers in the winter months. That means inexpensive accommodation options galore.
- Cozy bars and restaurants: If you love cozy bars and restaurants to hole up in, Porto is a dream! Tuck into romantic spots like Capela Incomum or Brasão Cervejaria.
- Experience the holidays: Like most countries in Europe, Porto comes alive during the Christmas season with festive light displays and markets.
- You’ll still spend plenty of time outside: Despite the fact that Porto is often gloomy and rainy in winter, there are plenty of sunshine days too which means you can still get outside!
Things to Do in Porto in Winter
Just because it’s winter in Porto, doesn’t mean that you have to retreat indoors! Here are a few ideas of what to do in Porto from December to March (and all year round).
Paint your own azulejos
Whether it’s cold and rainy — or you just love those beautiful blue and white Portuguese tiles — painting your own azulejos is a wonderful way to spend a winter day in Porto.
Sign up for a class with workshops like Gazete, a sister duo who will also teach you about the history of azulejos.
Grab a glass of wine inside a chapel
One of my absolute favorite bars in Porto happens to be tucked inside a 16th-century chapel! Capela Incomum is the place to go for a romantic winter evening.
Sip local, organic wine or one of their specialty port cocktails, perfectly paired with Portuguese cheese and other nibbles like cod croquettes.
Capela Incomum is also wonderful on a summer day, sitting beneath the leafy beech tree in the courtyard out front.
Tour a port house
Speaking of port, taking a tour of a port house is a must no matter what time of year you visit Porto.
You’ll learn more about the interesting history and inner workings of the port industry, see giant port wine barrels, learn more about the aging process, and, of course, get to taste the goods!
I loved visiting Burmester, tucked in the shadow of the Dom Luis I Bridge. Originally founded in 1750, this is one of the less expensive options but they don’t skimp on delicious port wine or an in depth tour.
Escape the weather on a day trip
There are so many wonderful day trips by train from Porto! From the colorful houses and canals of Aveiro to the castle and melt-in-your-mouth pastries of Guimarães, you’re truly spoiled for choice.
Often times if the weather is bad in Porto, it’s nice and sunny somewhere else, especially if you head further south towards Aveiro or Coimbra.
Visit a museum
While I wouldn’t say that Porto is a city that’s particularly known for its museums, it sure has a lot of them!
A few favorites are the WoW – Wine Museum and the Palacio da Bolsa.
WoW – Wine Museum dives deep into the process of wine making both across the world and in Portugal. There are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep the experience interesting, including learning your favorite wine and even a small wine tasting at the end!
The real draw to the Palacio da Bolsa for me is the stunning architecture. Also known as the Stock Exchange Palace, visitors can take a tour that leads you to the soaring Hall of Nations, into the gilded Court Room, and into the gorgeous Arabian Room, among over a dozen other nooks and crannies.
See a fado show
Nothing captures the spirit of Portugal like fado. A melancholy style of folk music that originated in Lisbon, these tunes are soulful to their core and often about lost sailors and other macabre topics that will pull at your heartstrings.
A solo singer and Portuguese guitarist is all that’s needed to captivate the room. While fado might be a daughter of Lisbon, you’ll find plenty of fado bars in Porto too like Ideal Clube de Fado (which includes a glass of port) and Casa da Guitarra.
You can also combine the fado experience with dinner or a port wine tasting to up the ante!
Eat a francesinha
There’s nothing better than a piping hot meal that will stick to your ribs after a day of exploring Porto in winter — and Portugal’s second city has just the dish.
Francesinha is a Portuguese take on the French classic, croque monsieur. A ooey, gooey, spicy delight, the francesinha is essentially a steak, sausage, and ham sandwich, covered in cheese, topped with a fried egg, and surrounded by a savory and slightly spicy tomato sauce.
You’ll find this dish at lots of restaurants across the city. One of my favorites is at Brasão, which has several locations in Porto and makes for the perfect, romantic atmosphere to hide from the rain in. A few other francesinha hot spots are Lado B and Cafe Santiago, also great choices.
Another favorite winter dish in Northern Portugal that you’ll find all over the city is caldo verde, a potato and kale soup often topped with linguica sausage.
Step inside a church
Seek shelter from the gloomy weather in one of Porto’s beautiful churches. While their facades and striking azulejos are all the rage, their interiors are often just as dreamy.
The Igreja de São Francisco in particular is worthy of a visit. While its Gothic exterior is jaw dropping, it’s the interior that truly takes the cake with its gilded wood carvings that stretch all the way to the ceiling.
Peruse a pastelaria
There’s no doubt that the sweet smell of a Portuguese pastelaria will tantalize your nose at some point on your trip to Porto.
Duck inside one of these confectionary treasure troves and you’ll find treats like the famous pastel de nata, bolo de arroz, queijada, and my absolute favorite pão de deus, a brioche bun topped with a coconut custard mix.
I loved popping in to Confeitaria São Domingos, tucked right around the corner at the southern end of the Ruta das Flores (in the heart of the historic center). You can grab pastries and a cafe pingado to go or sit in for a delicious breakfast!
Visit the Mercado do Bolhão
What better way to while away a rainy Porto day than by sifting through delicious local food? The Mercado do Bolhão boasts everything from wine bars to local honey producers, fresh seafood, and delicious Portuguese cheeses.
Market stalls are partially covered while the central courtyard is completely covered, making it a bit chilly but still comfortable if it rains.
What to avoid doing in Porto in winter
Unlike other cities in Europe that see snow and ice, there aren’t many things you can’t do in Porto in winter. I never felt like I couldn’t go out and do the typical sightseeing!
That being said, a visit to the beach isn’t very pleasant in the winter. The Atlantic is cold and beaches in Porto can be really windy. Still, while we didn’t visit the beach, we did pay a visit to the pretty Foz do Douro neighborhood.
We walked along the sea and had lunch outside at an oceanfront restaurant. Definitely something I wouldn’t be able to do in Chicago in winter!
Another popular activity that you might want to avoid during colder months in Porto is taking a Douro River cruise. As long as the weather isn’t windy or raining, you might still be able to get away with it. Views aren’t quite as beautiful as spring, summer, and fall when the vines are covered in leaves.
What to Pack for Winter in Porto
As a cold weather lover, I wasn’t too worried about the winter temperatures in Porto. Still, you want to prepare for lows of at least 50°F.
The number one piece of gear you’ll need for a winter trip to Porto is a rain jacket! Even better if it doubles as a windbreaker. I love my Columbia rain jacket and have brought it on every trip. It’s compact but keeps me nice and dry. Win, win!
A light coat is also a good item to pack for winter in Porto. While you won’t need a bulky, puffy coat, you can opt for a light weight coat that’s also waterproof so you don’t have to bring two different jackets.
As Porto sees a lot of rain, the mossy cobblestones and steep streets tend to get slippery when it rains or is foggy. Bringing a pair of shoes that have good traction is a great idea. Even better if they’ll also keep your feet toasty.
I would also recommend bringing smaller winter clothing items like a hat, scarf, and lightweight gloves, just in case the temperature dips a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Porto in Winter
Is it worth visiting Porto in winter?
Yes! Porto in winter is a haven for those who love traveling in the off season, without the crowds. In my opinion, it’s worth visiting Porto at any time of year, but especially in the winter months when crowds are nowhere in sight, temperatures are mild, and prices are cheap.
How warm is Porto in winter?
Temperatures typically range from 57° as a high to 44°F as a low during the winter in Porto. These temps can fluctuate depending on the year.
What is the coldest month in Porto?
The coldest month in Porto is January.
Does it snow in Porto?
Snow is very rare in Porto, but flurries do fall every five years or so.
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