November is not the easiest month to visit Portugal, but it is one of the most interesting for those who approach it in the right way.

The key is flexibility. November weather can be genuinely poor, particularly in Porto and the north where heavy rainfall is common, but it can equally deliver bright, mild days that feel nothing like November should. The Algarve and Lisbon are the sensible choices this month. The southern Algarve stays drier and warmer than anywhere else in the country, while Lisbon offers enough indoor culture and city life to fill several days comfortably if the weather turns.

The other thing November does consistently is empty the country out. Tourist sights that require patience and planning in summer are simply there, waiting. Sintra, the Algarve's clifftop trails, the medieval towns, all of them are quiet in a way that feels genuinely special rather than merely convenient. November is also the cheapest month to visit Portugal, with bargain flights and heavily discounted luxury hotels available throughout.

Because it is low season, there is no pressure to plan far ahead. Hotels have availability, last minute flights are easy to find, and if the weather is poor in one region, switching to another is straightforward.

 

 

Portugal for me is heading to Nazare on a stormy and blustery day to watch the daredevil surfers attempt to ride the 30m waves. The cliff tops are filled with thousands of spectators, making it one of the best free spectacles in Europe, and one entirely unique to the autumn and winter months.

I have been exploring Portugal with my Portuguese wife since 2001. November is a month I approach with an open itinerary and genuine excitement. Get the flexibility right and you will find a Portugal that most summer visitors never see.

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

The weather in Portugal in November is best described as unpredictable, but here is the reassuring part: it will almost certainly be better than what you have left behind at home.

It helps to think of Portugal in three distinct climate zones, as the weather varies quite dramatically depending on where you are headed:
• The Algarve: Mild and largely dry, with a good mix of bright, sunny days and the occasional grey one. Rain is rare, and you will find yourself pleasantly surprised.
• Porto and northern Portugal: The coolest and wettest of the three, with a real possibility of heavy rain during your stay.
• Lisbon and central Portugal: A more unpredictable picture, with sunny spells and grey days taking turns, and a few wet days to expect along the way.

For the best weather Portugal has to offer in November, the Algarve is the clear choice. The majority of days will be dry and warm, with temperatures reaching around 18°C at their peak. It is not quite warm enough for sunbathing or a lazy afternoon by the pool, and you will want to pack a jacket for the evenings, but it is ideal for exploring. For me, the Algarve in November means day trip in a T-shirt during the day, then cutting my evening short because I forgot to bring a jacket to protect from the evening chill.

Lisbon sits somewhere in between. Expect cool but manageable temperatures, with daytime highs of around 17°C dropping to about 8°C at night, and considerably less rain than you would get further north. In Lisbon I am bringing out my little heater for our flat for the first cool nights of the year.

Porto and the Douro Valley are a different story in November. Moisture-laden winds rolling in off the Atlantic bring heavy rain across the mountainous north, and it can feel persistently wet. Honestly, I would steer you away from a northern Portugal trip in November unless you are very comfortable with the idea of rain being part of the experience.

For the best experience in November, I recommend basing yourself in one of the larger towns of the Algarve, such as Lagos, Albufeira or Vilamoura, or making Lisbon your home for the week.

November is, in my opinion, a fantastic time of year for a touring holiday in Portugal. The weather is comfortable without being too hot for sightseeing. The crowds have gone, the popular destinations are yours to enjoy, and accommodation bargains are there to be found.

Some of the itineraries I recommend most for November are:
1) A tour of the Algarve, taking in Tavira, Faro, Lagos and Silves.
2) A week in Lisbon with day trips out to Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal and Óbidos.
3) A tour of the Alentejo and central Portugal, visiting Évora, 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

For an Algarve touring holiday, I suggest beginning with a day exploring the historic city of Faro, before heading east to spend two nights in the charming town of Tavira. From there, base yourself in Lagos for the second half of the trip, with day trips out to Silves and Sagres. If time allows, a few days in Albufeira, Alvor or Vilamoura make a lovely addition.

For a Lisbon holiday, I recommend spending at least three days in the city, exploring the Alfama, Baixa and Belém districts. A full guide to three days in Lisbon be read here. The trip lends itself well to day trips out to Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal, Évora and Óbidos, all of which are easily reached by public transport.

A holiday in the Alentejo takes you wonderfully off the beaten path, and you will encounter very few other tourists along the way. I would say this route is best suited to more adventurous travellers, as a car is essential given the limited public transport in the region.

In November, I recommend Lisbon over Porto, and the main reason comes down to weather. Lisbon typically enjoys milder and drier conditions, with average highs of around 18°C (64°F), while Porto tends to be cooler and wetter, averaging around 16°C (61°F) and with noticeably more wet days throughout the month.

Lisbon also has a significant advantage on rainy days. When friends visit in November and it rains we are rarely stuck for things to do, and it helps Lisbon has a great food and nightlife scene. More cultural sights include, including the Gulbenkian Museum, LxFactory, Jerónimos Monastery, the Museu Nacional do Azulejo and the Museu Nacional dos Coches. Families are particularly well catered for, with the Oceanário de Lisboa and the Pavilhão do Conhecimento both well worth a visit.

Porto can absolutely be wonderful in November, but I would suggest keeping your plans flexible. A dry spell transforms the city, and if the weather is on your side, you will not be disappointed.

The Algarve is a popular choice in November thanks to its mild weather, but it is worth knowing that November is low season, and many of the smaller towns and resorts will be largely closed. For this reason, I recommend basing yourself in one of the larger towns such as Lagos, Albufeira, and Vilamoura where you will find plenty open and a good choice of accommodation.

If you are looking for a more authentically Portuguese experience, Tavira in the eastern Algarve is well worth considering. It retains its charm and character throughout the year and is a beautiful base for exploring the eastern Algarve. Please read my guide, Winter in the Algarve.

Tavira

If you are planning a family holiday to the Algarve in November, you will find it is an excellent time to travel. Prices are lower than in peak season, the resorts are quieter, and the mild weather still makes for a very enjoyable trip. Do bear in mind that some summer services and activities may not be running during November, so it is worth checking with your chosen resort before booking.

Here are the family-friendly resorts I recommend:
Pestana Blue Alvor - This all-inclusive resort has kids' clubs and multiple pools, with year-round activities that keep all ages entertained.
Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - A solid choice for families, with spacious rooms and a family entertainment programme that runs throughout the seasons
Pine Cliffs Resort - A stunning clifftop resort with family suites and kids' clubs, and some of the most beautiful views in the Algarve whatever the time of year.
Aquashow Park Hotel - Attached to a water park, this hotel is a great option in November as the indoor pool area means the fun continues whatever the weather.
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa - A luxurious resort that balances grown-up indulgences with excellent family amenities, including pools and a varied entertainment programme.
Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort - A beachfront resort with kids' clubs and diverse dining options that make it a reliable and enjoyable choice for families throughout the year.

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

I define beach weather as temperatures above 22°C with clear, sunny skies. By that measure, the Algarve might offer around five such days during November, which is a pleasant bonus if they come your way. Along Portugal's western coastline, however, conditions like that are rare at this time of year.

There are three areas I would steer you away from in November: the Douro Valley, the Serra da Estrela mountains, and the northern coastal towns.

The Douro Valley can be very wet in November. There may be some tempting bargains on boat cruises, but rain-soaked river cruising is rarely as enjoyable as it sounds, and I would not recommend planning your trip around it.

The northern coastal towns, particularly those north of Costa Nova and Aveiro, tend to experience strong winds, persistent rain, and are mostly closed down for the winter. Many of these Atlantic coastal towns can feel genuinely bleak at this time of year. The one exception worth mentioning is Nazaré, which comes alive with its legendary big wave surfing and the crowds of spectators who flock to watch it.

The Serra da Estrela mountains are best avoided in November altogether. The driving conditions can be treacherous, and there is little reward for the risk.

Lisbon is one of my favourite recommendations for a European city break in November, and that comes down to the sheer variety the city has to offer. Whatever the weather throws at you, there is always something wonderful to do.

If the sun does make an appearance, I suggest jumping on the train to the magical town of Sintra home to the whimsical Pena Palace and the atmospheric ruins of the Moors castle. On warmer days, 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 very few tourists about

When rain interrupts your plans, Lisbon's indoor attractions really come into their own. I particularly love the Oceanário, one of the finest aquariums in Europe, and the Jerónimos Monastery, whose Gothic architecture is breathtaking even on a grey day. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is superb for art lovers, while the creative LX Factory and the bustling Time Out Market offer a more contemporary side of the city. End your evening in Bairro Alto, where the bars are lively and the atmosphere is infectious.

In November, the main tourist attractions are almost deserted, and you can explore entirely at your own pace. Lisbon is, in my opinion, the single best destination in Portugal in November, and it is the one I recommend above all others.
Related articles: Our Lisbon guide

The Algarve is a fantastic destination in November, so long as you accept that the resort towns will be quiet and the weather is not warm enough for sunbathing. Go in with the right expectations and you will have an enjoyable trip.

My advice is to base yourself in one of the larger resort towns such as Albufeira, Lagos or Vilamoura, which have substantial permanent populations and a good selection of restaurants and bars open throughout the year. If you want to experience some authentic Portuguese culture, the charming town of Tavira is well worth considering as a base, or at the very least a day trip. Faro or Silves are also excellent for a day out.

November is a genuinely good time to find a bargain in the Algarve. Search the hotel comparison sites and you may well find five-star luxury at three-star prices. I would also strongly recommend hiring a car, so that you are free to explore the region at your own pace rather than being tied to a quiet hotel complex or a sleepy town centre.

The western Algarve has lively resort towns and golden cliffs

November is also the start of the surfing season in the western Algarve, and the town of Sagres has a real surfing atmosphere and some outstanding beaches. If surfing is not your thing, there is still plenty to keep you busy. I particularly recommend hiking the Sete Vales Suspensos trail, joining a boat tour from Albufeira or Vilamoura on a calm day, or cycling the quiet roads around Burgau or Tavira.

For golfers, November is one of the best times to visit the Algarve. The weather is bright and dry without the punishing heat of summer, and prices are significantly lower than in September and October when demand is at its peak. Vilamoura is my recommended base for a golfing holiday.

Porto in November is difficult to predict. The weather can be bright and settled, or it can be persistently wet, and there is often little middle ground.

If the rain does set in, it is worth knowing that Porto has significantly fewer indoor attractions than Lisbon. The standout indoor experience is Port wine tasting in the many cellars that line the banks of the Douro River, and with over 14 cellars to choose from, that is no bad way to spend a rainy afternoon.

On dry days, I recommend taking a day trip to the picturesque city of Guimarães or the religious center of Braga. If you are lucky enough to have sunshine, hiring a car to explore the Douro Valley is something I would encourage without hesitation.

Given how variable the weather can be, my honest advice is to book Porto last minute, using the long-range forecast to guide your decision. If the outlook is rainy, Lisbon or the Algarve are likely to serve you better. If it looks dry, Porto can be a brilliant choice.
Related articles: Porto guide

Porto sits on the northern banks of the Douro River