Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by Maryam Siddiqui
Tourists really light up Portugal during the summers. People buzzing around, children laughing, adults soaking up the sun – the atmosphere is magical. But some people save their holidays specifically to experience fall in Portugal.
There’s something about Portugal’s cloudier days and cooler nights that makes a stay here even more memorable. After the busy summer months, everything slows down, the streets grow quieter, and a sense of romance fills the air.
Find out what Portugal is like during fall and know the best things to do and experience. Some places in the country seem better when summers are over! Follow the article till the end to discover where the magic is actually found.
What to expect about fall in Portugal
In Portugal, fall kicks off with the autumn equinox, just like in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. It usually happens around September 22 or 23 each year.
Like most European countries, Portugal has outstanding characteristics in each season throughout the year. The temperatures drop, rain returns, vegetation changes color, and people prefer to eat stews and soups instead of salads and ice creams.
The days between September 22nd and December 21st show us a different side of Portugal than most travelers know. Fall reveals a different side of Portugal than most travelers usually see. With most tourists gone, residents get to enjoy the country in greater privacy and tranquility.
Despite its small size, Portugal’s regions each have their own unique character. Let’s explore each region so you can decide where to stay during your fall in Portugal:
Lisbon in the fall
Although Lisbon is beautiful all year round, autumn brings a unique charm to the Portuguese capital. Historic courtyards gain new trees, the skies become more colorful, and chestnut smoke fills the streets with a warm aroma. It still has much friendlier temperatures than other European capitals.
You might even like the capital city more during fall, especially if you’re not too fond of busy tourist centers and long queues at your favorite restaurants. Lisbon itself is a very busy city, so people who want to explore it without bumping into people a lot would prefer this season.
See what the weather is like in Lisbon during the fall:
| October | November | December | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 18.7 °C (65.7 °F) | 14.6 °C (58.3 °F) | 12.3 °C (54.2 °F) |
| Rainfall | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Data is from Climate Data.
Porto in the fall
Autumn in northern Portugal is the most classic and perhaps the most beautiful in the entire country. Some of Portugal’s coldest and wettest cities, such as Porto, are located here. Fortunately, the climate is pleasant for those who like the cold and has sunny days from time to time.
Multiple municipalities around Porto are still quite calm even during busy months. But when you combine the tranquility with fall in Porto, it creates a moment you want to live in forever.
Located among the best neighborhoods in Porto, the botanical gardens in Massarelos become even more beautiful, and spending time in the parks turns into a daily pleasure you truly look forward to.
This fall, Porto is buzzing with things to do! You could hop on a boat and cruise down the beautiful Douro River, join a guided walking tour to soak up the charm of the city streets, or, if you’re up for a little adventure, try a guided kayaking trip right in Porto. Whatever your vibe, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season here.
Let’s look at the average temperatures from the table below:
| October | November | December | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 16.8 °C (62.2 °F) | 12.2 °C (54 °F) | 10 °C (50.1 °F) |
| Rainfall | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
Data is from Climate Data.
- Porto is one of the best cities for expats, but there are a lot more. Read our article Living In The North Of Portugal and discover more cities in the northern region that are equally amazing.
Algarve in the fall
The southern region of Portugal, the Algarve, is fortunate to have very mild autumn. Despite getting colder and rainier, temperatures don’t drop as much, and it’s still possible to wear light clothes and go to the beach. Sunny days in autumn are the Algarve’s specialty.
The best part about Algarve in the fall is probably its empty beaches. This beautiful city is among the most popular destinations in Portugal. To give you some context, in 2024 the Algarve welcomed about 5.2 million guests which is an all time record. Don’t get us wrong; we absolutely adore tourists wholeheartedly! But listening to the waves crashing in silence is something we’ll always look forward to.
The southern region has many beaches and fewer trees around; although there’s nature all around, the colors don’t change as drastically. The sea is colder than in summer, so people prefer to go hiking, visit the vineyards and shop for fresh fish from the market in Olhão.
Check the table below to understand what we mean when we say you’ll still be able to wear light clothes.
| October | November | December | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 19.7 °C (67.5 °F) | 15.9 °C (60.6 °F) | 14 °C (57.2 °F) |
| Rainfall | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
Data is from Climate Data.
Madeira in the fall
Thanks to its tropical climate, Madeira Island, located in the middle of the North Atlantic, is a great destination in autumn. It has year-round sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and stunning natural landscapes.
The atmosphere is quite similar to that of the Algarve, and these islands have become increasingly popular with retirees, perhaps because they offer an excellent quality of life at nearly half the cost.
Look at the table below to know what you should pack for your trip during this season:
| October | November | December | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 18.5 °C (65.4 °F) | 16 °C (60.7 °F) | 14.6 °C (58.2 °F) |
| Rainfall | 76 mm (3 in) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Data is from Climate Data.
- Is the rent in Madeira cheaper than in the Algarve? What about the facilities that the region offers to expats? Read our article on the Cost of Living in Madeira and add another favorite destination to your list.
Saint Martin’s Day and Magusto Festival
Now that you know all about the weather in Portugal’s different regions, you’re probably wondering what you can do to make the most of your time here.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best events to attend in Portugal during these months; keep reading to know where you can be a part of them. Before moving to that, let’s tell you something traditional about this time of the year.
In mid-autumn, Portugal’s countryside once came alive with harvests, food, and celebrations. This period, known as the “summer of São Martinho,” was marked by families gathering around the fire to enjoy chestnuts and new wine, typically on November 11th.
Nowadays, Saint Martin’s day is still celebrated in many different countries in different ways. Even though most of the tradition is not alive anymore, in most Portuguese cities, you’ll find chestnut sellers everywhere.
It’s a joyful celebration where friends and family gather together to enjoy a bonfire on chilly nights. Adults sing and dance around while sipping on Jeropiga, and the children play and enjoy the fun.
Best things to do during the fall in Portugal
There are plenty of ways to have fun, even if you’re not the biggest fan of cool weather. Here are some unmissable things to do during fall in Portugal:
Events during fall in Portugal
Of course, fall can’t compete with summer with all its music festivals and traditional events during the months, but the season is far from dull. Even though summer in Portugal is the busiest time, fall also offers its own traditions and festivals to enjoy.
There’s always plenty to do, new places to explore, and great spots to wine and dine with your loved ones. Halloween arrives soon after fall starts, and you can make some amazing memories sharing this holiday with your new friends and neighbors.
You probably know that Portuguese people are very hospitable and welcoming, so even if you’re spending these months away from your family back home, you’ll still have a friend or two to share this beautiful time with.
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Check out some events and festivals that you’d enjoy during this season:
October:
- Feira de Outubro: Vila Franca de Xira – Early October
- Feira de Santa Iria: Faro – Mid October
- Festival of the Discoveries: Lagos – Late October
- The National Gastronomic Festival: Santarem – Late October
- Festival da Francesinha: Porto – Late October
- Halloween: Nationwide – 31st October
November:
- All Saints’ Day: Nationwide – 1st November
- Feira de Sao Martinho: Golegã – Early November
- National Horse Fair: Golegã – Early November
- Porto Marathon: Parque da Cidade do Porto – Early to late November
December:
- Independence Day: Nationwide – 1st December
- Christmas: Nationwide – 25th December
- Festival of the Boys: Bragança – 24th to 26th December
- New Year’s Eve: Nationwide – 31st December
Visit Sintra and its monuments
The charming historic village of Sintra sits just outside Lisbon, nestled in a mountain range with its own unique vegetation. Thanks to its microclimate, Sintra and its monuments are beautiful, often wrapped in mist, adding to the enchanting, fairy-tale atmosphere of the place.
Join a vintage at a Portuguese vineyard
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a European vineyard and joining a vintage? Well, autumn is the season of harvests, so it’s the perfect time to do it!
Across the country, many wine farms open their doors to people who want to have the real winemaking experience, from harvesting grapes to wine tasting. Definitely one of the best things to do during fall in Portugal!
Become a part of the world-renowned Port wine experience and taste some of the best ones out there!
Enjoy the empty beaches in the Algarve
The Algarve, one of the most popular regions among expats, is almost always bustling with tourists. Summer is by far the busiest season in Portugal, and it’s a time when many people long to escape the constant hustle and bustle.
Fall in Portugal, specifically the Algarve region, is when residents usually enjoy the amazing beaches for themselves. The atmosphere is calmer, there are very few people around, and you get to experience tranquility.
As for the weather, the temperatures are still good, the sun is shining, and the cool wind refreshes your soul like no other. Traveling to Portugal in the fall is definitely one of the best times to spend in the Algarve.
Explore Peneda-Gerês National Park
If you’re searching for natural scenery with amazing views and a typical fall look, you must visit the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Located in the northern region of Portugal, around 100 km from the city of Porto, the national park is a sight for sore eyes. It gets even more beautiful during autumn. No wonder it’s one of the points of pride in the country! You will be pleased to also find out that entry to this national park is free. For more information about activities, fees and guided tours reach out to their website.
What do people wear during fall in Portugal?
As you know, fall in Portugal usually brings cooler weather and fairly regular rainfall, though not as much as in winter. It’s the season to swap your swimwear for sweaters, pull on some cozy socks, and let the crisp air refresh your soul.
After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothes. Therefore, you should consider investing in:
- Clothing with a collar and long sleeves
- Waterproof jackets and raincoats
- Umbrella
- Waterproof boots and cozy socks
- Give preference to wool and cotton
If, however, you come from a cold country and are used to low temperatures, you will love autumn in Portugal. You’ll be amazed at the comfort of being able to wear shorts and T-shirts in November.
You’re free to wear whatever clothes you’re comfortable in, whether that means layering up or roaming around in your summer clothes.
Want to keep up with the expat community in Portugal?
In Portugal, the quality of life remains the same throughout the year, whether it’s winter, summer, spring, or fall. It’s no surprise that thousands of people from around the world choose to settle here, drawn by the unique Portuguese way of life and all that this land offers.
Before you relocate, we’d suggest experiencing Portugal during one of the best seasons there is. Join our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats, and stay connected to the expat community to make your relocation easier and faster.
Viv Europe is always here to help you, no matter what season it is! If you need any help relocating or even having a guide in the country, you can count on our professionals. Contact us today, and let’s start building your dream step-by-step!
