Fall In Portugal: Best Autumn Activities

Last Updated on November 15, 2023 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 the cloudier days and cooler nights that can make your stay in Portugal a lot more unforgettable. Everything calms down after the busy summers, the streets are emptier, and romance is in 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

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 22^nd and December 21^st show us a different side of Portugal than most travelers know. During this season, most of the tourists are gone, so the residents get to enjoy Portugal with much more privacy and tranquility.

Although Portugal is a small country, its various regions have very different characteristics. Let’s tell you more about each region so you can decide where to stay during the 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:

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.

Botanical gardens like the ones in Massarelos turn even more beautiful, and sitting in the parks becomes an activity you look forward to every day. 

Let’s look at the average temperatures from the table below:

• 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. 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.

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 very similar to that of the Algarve, and retirees have become increasingly fond of these islands. Perhaps it’s the fact that they get excellent quality of life at almost half the price.

Look at the table below to know what you should pack for your trip during this season:

• 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, people used to enjoy a beautiful harvest, food, and celebration in the countryside of Portugal. It was the so-called summer of São Martinho, and families celebrated at the fire with chestnuts and new wine, usually around November 11^th.

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.

• Read Also: How Adopting The Portuguese Way Of Life Can Make You Happier.

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 this season isn’t boring at all either. 

Despite the fact that summer is one of the busiest times, fall in Portugal also has its fair share of traditions and festivals.

There’s always plenty to do, new food to try out, and places to explore 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.

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 – 31^st October

November: 

• All Saints’ Day: Nationwide – 1^st 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 – 1^st December
• Christmas: Nationwide – 25^th December 
• Festival of the Boys: Bragança – 24^th to 26^th December
• New Year’s Eve: Nationwide – 31^st December

Visit Sintra and its monuments

The charming historical village of Sintra is located just outside Lisbon, in the middle of a mountain range with its own vegetation. As it has its own microclimate, Sintra and its monuments are beautiful, shrouded in mist, which enhances the potential to allure in this fairy tale land.

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 region, widely known as one of the most favorite regions for expats, is almost always busy with tourists. Summer in Portugal is definitely the busiest time of the year, and sometimes people wish to be away from the 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!

What do people wear during fall in Portugal?

As you already know, during fall in Portugal it’s usually cold, and it rains with some regularity. Although not as much as in wintertime, it’s worth investing in warmer, cold-weather clothing. 

It’s time to put your swimwear in the back of the closet and take your sweaters out. Put on some cozy socks and enjoy the chilly air freshening up 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?

The quality of life stays the same whether it’s winter, summer, spring, or fall in Portugal. No wonder thousands of people from different countries choose to live here! The Portuguese way of life has much to do with what you can have in this land.

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!