Porto is all hills, and the stone gets slick. The walk from the Ribeira up to the Clérigos Tower, or across the top deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge, is steep, and the pavements turn slippery when it rains, which it does on 12 or more days in most months from October to March. Pack shoes with grip and a rain layer before you think about outfits.
Porto weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 17°C63°F | 14°C57°F |
| Low | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 9°C48°F | 11°C52°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 8°C46°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 9 | 18 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 16 | 15 | 12 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild but damp. Highs of 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F), lows around 8°C (46°F), and 14 rain days in January. Wind off the Atlantic makes it feel colder than it is, so bring a warm layer under a waterproof jacket instead of a heavy coat.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month of the year with 18 rain days, then it eases to 10 or 11 in April and May. Highs climb from 16°C (61°F) to 20°C (68°F). Layers and a shell are all you need for the port lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Summer
June–AugustThe best weather of the year. Highs of 23°C (73°F) to 25°C (77°F), and August has just 2 rain days. Evenings by the Douro cool to 16°C (61°F) or 17°C (63°F), so pack a light sweater even in July.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is warm and mostly dry at 23°C (73°F) with 8 rain days. Then the rain comes back hard, with 16 rain days in October and 15 in November, and highs drop to 17°C (63°F) by November. If you're doing a Douro Valley day trip, bring shoes that can handle muddy vineyard paths.
What to bring to Porto
0 of 21 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Its EU plug fits Porto's type C and F sockets, and with five USB ports your phone, camera and laptop charge off a single outlet.
Porto gets 18 rain days in March and 16 in October, and a shell that packs into its own pocket means a shower doesn't end your afternoon in Ribeira.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Porto's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zippers keeps a laptop and layers dry on those wet October and November walks.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Steep climbs and constant photos of the river burn through a phone battery, and this one plugs straight in with no cable.
Clothing
- Warm layer for under a rain jacket · 2Winter highs of 14–16°C, Atlantic wind feels colder
- Jeans · 2Work almost everywhere in relaxed Porto
- Shirts and tops in muted colors · 5
- Smart shirt · 1Enough for a good restaurant
- Light sweater · 1Summer evenings by the Douro cool to 16–17°C
- Light jacket · 1
Footwear
- Rubber-soled walking shoes with grip · 1 pairSteep, polished stone around Ribeira and the Sé
- Shoes for muddy vineyard paths · 1 pairDouro Valley day trips in autumn
- Waterproof socks or spare socks · 5 pairs16 rain days in October, 15 in November
Gear
- Sturdy windproof umbrellaWind off the Douro flips cheap ones; March has 18 rain days
- SwimwearSummer only; the Atlantic is cold most of the year
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenSummer highs of 23–25°C, August has 2 rain days
- Lip balm and hand creamDamp, windy winters
Documents and money
- Passport or national ID
- Card and some cash
Tech
- Phone charging cable
What shoes should you pack for Porto?
Grip matters more than looks here. The streets around Ribeira and the Sé are steep and the polished stone gets slick, especially between October and March. Go with rubber-soled sneakers or walking shoes, and leave flat leather soles at home.
What do people wear in Porto?
Porto is relaxed and casual. Jeans, sneakers and a light jacket work almost everywhere, and locals stick to muted colors with a decent coat in winter. A good restaurant rarely needs more than a smart shirt.
What plugs does Porto use?
Porto uses type C and F plugs at 230V, the standard two-pin European socket. UK and US visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V fine.
Tours and things to do in Porto
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Porto.
What should you leave at home for Porto?
Leave the heels at home. The hills and stone streets aren't worth a twisted ankle. Skip the beach bag unless it's summer, because the Atlantic at Foz and Matosinhos is cold for most of the year. A cheap umbrella won't last either, since the wind off the Douro flips them.
Around Porto
Packing for Porto: questions people ask
What should I wear in Porto in winter?
Highs are 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F), with rain on 14 days in January. A waterproof jacket over a warm layer works better than a heavy coat.
What is the rainiest month in Porto?
March, with 18 rain days. October and November are close behind at 16 and 15.
Do I need good walking shoes for Porto?
Yes. The city is steep and the stone pavements get slippery when wet, so pack rubber-soled shoes with grip.
Is Porto hot in summer?
Warm, not hot. July and August top out at 25°C (77°F), nights drop to around 16°C (61°F), and August has only 2 rain days.
What plugs does Portugal use?
Type C and F at 230V, the standard European two-pin plug. Visitors from the US and UK need an adapter.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.