November in Portugal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Portugal experiences warm weather year-round, making it an excellent destination for outdoor travel. November is one of the best times to visit because of its pleasant temperatures, but it is also one of the rainiest. However, the rain doesn't put a damper on festive events happening in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and the Douro Valley.

From film screenings to centuries-old cultural festivals, there are plenty of things to do in Portug this time of year where you can take full advantage of the temperate weather of this European coastal country.

Portugal Weather in November

The Mediterranean climate of Portugal keeps the temperatures relatively pleasant throughout most of November, though northern parts of Portugal may experience colder, wetter weather this month. The average temperature for November in Portugal is 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), and it rains around 13 days out of the month in most of the country. However, you may experience slightly different weather depending on where you go.

• Lisbon average temperatures: 64 F (18 C) / 53 F (12 C)
• Porto average temperatures: 62 F (17 C) / 47 F (8 C)
• Algarve average temperatures: 66 F (19 C) / 52 F (11 C)
• Douro Valley average temperatures: 56 F (13 C) / 42 F (6 C)

Portugal's southernmost regions of Lisbon and the Algarve, which includes several coastal cities, experience the best weather this time of year. Lisbon has higher than usual humidity rates in November, averaging about 80 percent, and you can expect rain for nearly half of the days of the month. In the Algarve, you might even be able to dip your toes in the water because the average seawater temperatures are around 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) this time of year.

Porto and the Douro Valley are a little cooler in October than the rest of the country. In November, you should be able to still stroll along the Cais de Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine cellars are, so consider taking a tour of the city's famous Croft Winery, the oldest winery in Porto. 

It can get chilly in the Douro Valley, particularly at night, but this can be more pleasant than visiting the valley during the hotter or colder months. Of course, even on the train, you can take in many of the Douro Valley's views, so book a day-long tour of the wineries, then find a nice comfy bed in a close-by hotel.

What to Pack

In November, it is best to dress in layers. While cool mornings and evenings may require a jacket, you most likely won't need it in the midday heat. However, you will not need to pack your short sleeve shirts, shorts, or swimming trunks unless you plan to spend a few days at the beach in southern Portugal. Do not forget to bring a sweater, a light jacket (waterproof, preferable), and an umbrella for sudden rainstorms. If you plan on doing a lot of walking or touring Lisbon on foot, comfortable, closed-toe shoes are also necessary.

November Events in Portugal

From the annual Porto Marathon to St. Martin's Fair in Portimao, there are plenty of seasonal events happening across Portugal in November. Whether you're looking to enjoy a movie at one of the biggest film festivals in the country or you'd rather spend the day listening to the biggest name in Portuguese music, you're sure to find a great event no matter where you go this month.

• Maratona do Porto: The Porto Marathon takes place on the first Saturday in November, starting and ending in the Parque da Cidade. The marathon course shows the best of this region by going over bridges and past wine cellars in the coastal cities of Porto, Matosinhos, and Gaia.
• Lisbon and Sintra Film Festival: Set both in Lisbon and the resort town of Sintra, this annual festival offers film screenings, conferences, readings, master classes, concerts, and exhibitions for two weeks in mid-November each year.
• Vodafone Mexefest: Spread across several venues along the tree-lined Av da Liberdade in Lisbon, this one-day music festival features a variety of concerts from Portuguese artists on the first Friday in November each year. Theaters, churches, restaurants, a garage, and even a railway station are used as the festival's venues.
• Feira de Sao Martinho (St Martin's Fair): While the Day of St. Martin falls on November 11, the St. Martin's festival in Portimao in the Algarve lasts about a week. This annual festival has been taking place since 1662 and is an authentic slice of Algarve culture featuring art exhibits, vendor stalls, street food, and carnival games to enjoy.

November Travel Tips

• November is considered the off-season for travel in Portugal. Expect to find cheaper accommodations and airfare this time of year, but also be sure to book hotels in advance and make dinner reservations in popular destinations like Lisbon and Porto, especially during event weekends.
• It's relatively easy to get around Portugal by train or bus, but if you want to see some destinations off the beaten path, you'll need to rent a car or book a charter service while you're there.
• For a great fall day trip from Lisbon, head to the foothills of the Sintra Mountains to find the resort town of Sintra, where you can visit the Regaleira, Pena, and Royal palaces, as well as its famous Moorish Castle.
• In Porto, grab a francesinha sandwich, a regional favorite originating in the city that features abundant layers of ham, sausage, cheese, and roast meat. Located conveniently close to the 12th-century Se Cathedral, Bufete Fase is one of the city's best places for an authentic francesinha.
• Fall foliage is still in full effect in early November, and there are plenty of great places you can go leaf-peeping across Portugal this time of year. The country's first and only national park, Peneda-Gerês National Park, is a must-see if you're visiting Porto, but you'll find plenty of fall colors in and around Douro Valley, Lisbon, and Algarve.