November can be a grey and dreary month, however a trip to Portugal can provide an exciting holiday with an invigorating dose of winter sun.

Portugal is nearly deserted of tourists in November, making it the ideal time to discover authentic Portugal and explore its many wondrous sights and attractions.

Visiting Portugal in November does need a bit of planning and some flexibility - as there can be poor weather - but the many positives easily outweigh the unpredictable weather. One of the best aspects is that November is the cheapest month to visit Portugal, and this is the time of year to bag a bargain flight or a heavily discounted luxury hotel.

The pretty town of Óbidos will be completely free of tourists in November

Due to the unpredictable and wet weather in November it is advisable to visit Lisbon, the Algarve, or eastern border region. The south and east regions generally have the best weather, while Lisbon offers a diverse selection of indoor activities. Travellers should be aware that Porto and northern Portugal often experience heavy rainfall in November, so are best avoided.

The Algarve lies along the southern coastline of Portugal and always has the driest and warmest weather in November. This mild weather makes it a fantastic month for activity-focused holidays, whether you're playing a round of golf in Vilamoura, hiking the Sete Vales Suspensos, cycling in the Serra de Monchique hills, or improving your surfing skills at Sagres.

 

 

Families planning a November holiday may find it advantageous to stay in one of the Algarve’s larger hotel complexes, such as Aquashow Park, Pestana Blue, or Jupiter Albufeira. These resorts often provide indoor activities and facilities, which can be particularly valuable on cooler or rainy days.

The lack of tourists and abundance of inexpensive hotel rooms also make November a wonderful month for a touring holiday, be that a multi-stop tour of the Algarve or combining Lisbon, the Algarve and Porto (weather depending).

One of the unique sights in November are the massive waves of Nazaré's coastline. These colossal waves attract daredevil surfers, who surf the 30-meter-high waves, while the town is buzzing with the many spectators who come to watch.

This article will provide a guide to Portugal in November and help you get the most from your holiday.

The Algarve will be peaceful and relaxing such as the little village of Ferragudo near Portimão

The weather in Portugal in November is best described as unpredictable, but will be significantly better than in your home country.

The weather in Portugal in November can be divided into three distinct areas:
• The Algarve – Mild and dry weather, with an equal number of bright sunny days as grey days; there is very little rain.
• Porto and northern Portugal – Cool days, with a high possibility of very heavy rain.
• Lisbon and central Portugal – An unpredictable mix of bright and sunny days and grey days – there will be some wet days.

The Algarve will always have the best weather in November, with the majority of days dry and warm (reaching a maximum of 18°C). The weather is not really hot enough for sunbathing or lounging by the pool, and you will need a jacket for the evenings.

Porto and the Douro Valley can be very wet during November, as moisture-laden winds blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean cause heavy rains to fall over the mountainous region. We would not recommend a holiday to northern Portugal during November, due to the possible wet conditions.

For a holiday to Portugal in November it is best to be based in one of the larger towns of the Algarve (such as Lagos, Albufeira or Vilamoura) or to stay in Lisbon.

November is a fantastic time of the year for a touring holiday of Portugal. The weather is not too hot for exploring, the popular tourist destinations will be free of tourists, and there can be amazing bargains for accommodation.
Some of the best itineraries in November include:
1) A tour of the Algarve, visiting Tavira, Faro, Lagos, and Silves.
2) A week in Lisbon with day trips to Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal, and Óbidos.
3) A tour of the Alentejo and central Portugal region, visiting Evora, Elvas, Marvão, Castelo Branco and Tomar.
4) A split holiday between Lisbon and the Algarve (based in Lagos, Tavira, or Albufeira).

The interactive map below shows these suggested itineraries. (Note: Zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend: 1) Tavira 2) Faro 3) Lagos 4) Sagres 5) Albufeira 6) Vilamoura 7) Lisbon 8) Sintra 9) Cascais 10) Setúbal 11) Óbidos 12) Evora 13) Elvas 14) Marvão 15) Castelo Branco 16) Tomar

A suggested route for touring the Algarve would include Faro, Tavira, and Lagos. Begin with a day exploring the historic city of Faro, then spend two days in charming Tavira. For the second part of the trip, base yourself in Lagos, taking day trips to Silves and Sagres. If you have more time, consider adding a few beach days in Albufeira, Alvor, or Vilamoura.

For a holiday in Lisbon, you could spend three days exploring the city, visiting the Alfama, Baixa, and Belém districts. A full guide to three days in Lisbon be read here. The trip can be extended with day trips to Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal, Évora, and Óbidos, all of which are easily accessible by public transport.

A holiday to the Alentejo region takes you off the beaten path, and you'll encounter few other tourists during your trip. This route is ideal for intrepid visitors, but it will require a car due to limited public transport options.

In November, it is better to visit Lisbon than Porto, and this is due to the weather. Lisbon typically has milder and drier weather in November, with average highs around 18°C (64°F), while Porto tends to be cooler and wetter, with average highs around 16°C (61°F). Lisbon also usually experiences fewer wet days during November.

If there is poor weather, Lisbon has many more indoor sights and activities than Porto. These include cultural sights such as the Gulbenkian Museum, LxFactory, Jerónimos Monastery, the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and Museu Nacional dos Coches. While for families, there is the Oceanário de Lisboa and Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Pavilion of Knowledge).

Porto can be great to visit if there is dry weather, which is why it's recommended to have flexible plans for a November trip.

The Algarve is a popular destination in November due to its mild weather. However, being the low season, many of the smaller towns will be fully closed. For a November trip, it is best to be based in one of the larger towns such as Lagos, Albufeira, and Vilamoura.

If you prefer a more Portuguese experience, consider Tavira in the eastern Algarve, which retains its charm year-round. For a full guide to where to go and what to do in the winter in the Algarve please read our guide, Winter in the Algarve.

Tavira

If you're planning a family getaway to the Algarve in November, you'll find it's an ideal time for a budget-friendly holiday.

The best family-friendly resorts are listed below, but be aware that some summer services and activities may not operate during November.

Pestana Blue Alvor - This all-inclusive resort offers kids' clubs and multiple pools. Year-round activities keep all ages entertained.
Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - With its family entertainment programs and spacious rooms, this hotel ensures comfort for all seasons.
Pine Cliffs Resort - A cliff-top resort features family suites and kids' clubs. Its stunning location offers beautiful views year-round.
Aquashow Park Hotel - A hotel complex which is attached to a water park, which has a indoor water pool area for the winter months.
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa - A luxury resort balances grown-up indulgences with family amenities, including pools and diverse entertainment options.
Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort - This beachfront resort offers relaxation and fun. Kids' clubs and varied dining cater well to family needs throughout the year.

Portugal does not really have beach weather in November. You may be lucky and have a couple of days of suitable weather in the Algarve, but it is highly unlikely through the rest of the country.

We typically define beach weather as temperatures above 22°C with clear, sunny skies. In the Algarve, you might experience around five days meeting these criteria during November. However, along Portugal's western coastline, such conditions are rare at this time of year.

The areas to avoid in November are the Douro Valley, the Serra da Estrela mountains and the northern coastal towns.

The Douro Valley can be very wet in November, and even though there may be bargains for the boat cruises, the (possibly wet) weather makes them not very enjoyable.

The northern coastal towns (north of Costa Nova and Aveiro) experience strong winds, possible rain and are mostly closed down for winter. Many of the Atlantic coastal towns can appear rather gloomy and bleak in November. The exception is Nazaré with its extreme surfing and bustling town full of spectators.

The Serra da Estrela mountains can be treacherous to drive through in November, and again best avoided.

Lisbon is a good option for a European based city break or holiday during November, and this is due to the huge variety that this vibrant city has to offer. For inclement days, there are numerous museums and indoor activities to visit, along with hundreds of trendy bars and stylish restaurants to choose from.

If the sun does show itself, hop on the train to the magical town of Sintra with the whimsical Pena Palace and the ruins of the Moors castle. If it is warm head to the characterful resort town of Cascais or the traditional beach town of Sesimbra.

If the sun shines head to the Pena Palace, which is magical with few tourists about

If rain interrupts your plans, Lisbon offers many indoor attractions. You could explore the impressive oceanarium, admire the Gothic architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery, or browse the extensive art collection at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. For a change of pace, wander through the creative LX Factory, sample local delicacies at the Time Out Market, and finish your day enjoying the lively atmosphere of Bairro Alto's bars. These options ensure your visit remains enjoyable, regardless of the weather.

In the low season, the main tourist attraction will be almost deserted, and you'll be able to visit at your own pace and free from the summer crowds. Lisbon is fantastic in November, and is our recommended destination.
Related articles: Our Lisbon guide

The Algarve is a fantastic destination in November, so long as you accept that the resort towns will be very quiet, and the weather is not warm enough to sunbathe.

Our advice is to stick to the larger resort towns, such as Albufeira, Lagos, or Vilamoura, which have large permanent populations and will have a decent selection of restaurant and bars open. To experience some Portuguese culture in your holiday, consider being based in the charming town of Tavira or having a day trip to Tavira or having a day trip to Faro or Silves.

November in the Algarve is the time to find a bargain hotel; search the hotel comparison websites to find a last-minute 5-star luxury for the price of 3-star mediocre. We would strongly advise hiring a car so that you can explore the region, and are not just tied to your deserted hotel complex or quiet town.

The western Algarve has lively resort towns and golden cliffs

November is the surfing season in the western Algarve, and the town of Sagres has a great surfing vibe along with some amazing surfing beaches.

Some good ideas for activities in November include hiking along the Sete Vales Suspensos trail, joining boat tour from Albufeira or Vilamoura (when the seas are calm!), cycling the quiet roads around Burgau or Tavira.

November is a popular season for golfing holidays in the Algarve, there is bright, dry weather but without the intense summer heat – November is also much cheap for golf than in September and October when prices are at their highest. Vilamoura is a good base for a golfing holiday.

Porto in November is difficult to predict, the weather could be good, or it can be very wet.
If it is wet, the city has significantly fewer indoor activities and sights than Lisbon. The main unique in-door experience is Port wine tasting in the many cellars that line the banks of Douro River, and with over 14 different Port cellars, there's a lot of Port tasting!

On dry days, consider day trips to the picturesque city of Guimarães or the religious center of Braga. If you're blessed with sunshine, renting a car to explore the stunning Douro Valleyis highly recommended.

Given the weather variability, it's advisable to plan your Porto visit last-minute, basing your decision on long-term forecasts. This approach allows you to take advantage of potential bargains while ensuring a more enjoyable trip. If the forecast looks rainy, you might consider opting for Lisbon or the Algarve instead.
Related articles: Porto guide

Porto sits on the northern banks of the Douro River

There can be some real bargains during November, as hotels slash their prices to attract the few visitors in the country.

One of the best methods to find bargains is to use a hotel comparison websites and only book rooms with free cancelation. This allows you to continue looking for something better, or change your plans if the weather deteriorates.

Insight: There will be more bargains in coastal towns, with fewer in Lisbon or Porto.

Personal opinion: We always recommended visitors to stay in local owned hotels, which employ locals and keeps tourist money within the country. Rental apartments seem appealing but are often owned by forging investors and push up house prices for locals – this is a real problem in Lisbon, Porto and certain areas of the Algarve.