In November, the weather in Portugal will remain pleasant enough for sightseeing, sitting on the beach with a book, or enjoying a cookout. The sun should be shining in most of the country. As always, we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket as the Portuguese autumns tend to be wetter than the summers. Also, while there are fewer tourists and more travel bargains in Portugal in November, make the most of its mild climate. There are many things you can do at this time of year.
Portugal Weather in October
In Lisbon, the average temperature during the day peaks at 64 F and at night drops to around 53 F. This time of year has higher than normal humidity rates, averaging around 80 percent. Portugal is a subtropical Mediterranean country. You can expect rain for about half the days of the month. The warmest parts of Portugal are Lisbon and the Algarve, the region that includes the southernmost coastal cities.
There is much to see and do in Lisbon, and even in November, the weather is pleasant enough to comfortably visit the site and enjoy the city’s miradors or viewpoints. Make sure you take a hotel with a beautiful view of the city, if you can.
If you have a few warm days, head to the beach. The average high temperature in the Algarve in November is 68 F. The average low temperature is 52 F. You could even dip your toes in the water, average sea water temperatures are 64 F this time of year .
Porto and the Douro Valley are a bit cooler in October than the rest of the country. For example, in Porto, the average temperature is about 10 degrees cooler at 55 F. Average high is 62 F and average low is 47 F. In November, you should still be able to stroll around Cais de Vila Nova de Gaia, where Port wine cellars offer beautiful views while you enjoy a Port wine or just something to eat. Consider taking a tour of the famous Croft Winery, the oldest winery in Porto.
It can get cold in the Douro Valley, especially at night, but this can be more pleasant than visiting the valley during warmer temperatures in summer or low temperatures in winter. The average high temperature in Vila Real in the Douro Valley in November is 56 F. The average low temperature is 42 F. Of course, even on the train, you can enjoy many of the views of the Douro Valley. You can book a day tour of the wineries and then find a nice comfortable bed at a nearby hotel.
What to pack
In November, it is better to dress in layers. You can go out in the morning with a jacket on. You may not need it by noon. The nights will generally cool down to the point where you will need it again. You will not need to pack your short sleeve shirts unless it is a T-shirt. Long sleeves are your best bet. At the very least, if you have a warm day, you won’t need to wear your jacket if you have long-sleeved shirts.
Don’t forget to bring a sweater and a light jacket (waterproof, preferable). Comfortable closed shoes, or a pair of slippers, are the best option for exploring Lisbon or the valley. You should pack an umbrella.
November events in Portugal
Cheer on marathon runners at the Porto Marathon, visit the Lisbon Film Festival or the Vodafone music festival, or enjoy the local religious culture at the San Martín Fair in Portimao.
- Maratona do Porto (Porto Marathon): The Porto Marathon takes place in November, starting and ending in Parque da Cidade. This event is known in Portugal and internationally, attracting participants from all over the world. It combines sea and river views of three cities, Porto, Matosinhos and Gaia. The Porto Marathon course shows the best of this region as it passes past bridges and wineries.
- Lisbon and Sintra Film Festival: Set in both Lisbon and the tourist city of Sintra, this annual festival offers film screenings, lectures, readings, master classes, concerts and exhibitions.
- Vodafone Mexefest – This music festival features artists from all genres including rock, pop, electronic, indie, jazz, funk, and folk. Theaters, churches, restaurants, a garage and even a railway station on Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon are used as festival venues.
- Feira de Sao Martinho (Saint Martin Fair): Saint Martin’s Day falls on November 11, but the Saint Martin festival in Portimao, in the Algarve, lasts for about a week. This ancient festival has been going on since 1662 and is a true sample of Algarve culture. There are stalls, street food, and carnival games to enjoy. To be like the locals, sample some roasted chestnuts from a street vendor and sample the first wine of the year.
Travel tips
- Take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, a resort town in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains in Portugal, where you can visit the three palaces of Regaleira, Pena and the Royal Palaces and the Castle of the Moors. This is a popular day trip from Lisbon.
- While in Porto, you’ll want to be sure to grab a Francesinha sandwich, a regional favorite that originated in Porto. It is essentially a sandwich but comes in abundant layers of ham, sausage, cheese, and roast beef. Bufete Fase is one of the best places for an authentic Francesinha, don’t let its humble and basic decor prevent you from dining there. Then stop by the Se Cathedral, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the facade makes this cathedral look like a real fortress, while the interior is softer and more artistic.
- If you want to stay in Lisbon in October, there are some cheap hotels in the area. Also, there is a list of great hotels to visit during your stay in Porto and some hotels that won’t break the bank in the Algarve.
