Weather in Portugal in November

As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crisp edge, November is a particularly cozy time for traveling to Portugal. This is a time of year when the summer crowds have dispersed, leaving behind a tranquil atmosphere.  It's a perfect month for strolls on the beach, scenic drives, and exploring cities like Lisbon or Porto. Here is our guide to the weather in Portugal in November.

The weather in Portugal in November at a glance

The weather in Portugal in November makes it a great time to visit.

• November in Portugal brings cooler temperatures and some rain, so it's a good idea to pack a jacket and an umbrella.
• Temperatures usually range from 54°F to 68°F (12°C to 20°C), which is mild but not too warm.
• This time of year is quieter for tourism, meaning fewer crowds and more affordable accommodation rates. 

What is the weather like in Portugal in November?

November in Portugal tends to feel like the start of winter, especially up north. You’ll get cooler temperatures, shorter days, and a noticeable increase in rainfall. Across the country, daytime highs usually sit around 59 to 68°F (15 to 20°C), but it can dip lower, especially in the evenings. Nights often feel chilly, so it’s definitely jacket weather.

Rain is fairly common this time of year, with monthly averages between 3 and 5 inches (80 to 120 mm), depending on the region. The north usually sees more rain than the south, particularly later in the month.

Outdoor plans can still work out, but it’s worth staying flexible for your trip to Portugal this month. Hiking trails may get muddy, and beach time isn’t really on the cards. That said, cities like Lisbon and Porto are still great for wandering, and most museums, restaurants, and cultural sites stay open year-round.

Roads can get slick in the rain, so take your time if you're driving. Just bring layers and a decent raincoat, and you’ll be set for a quieter, slower-paced visit.

Heading to Portugal? Let someone who lives there plan your route. Meet our Portugal travel experts.

Average temperatures in November

November is when things start to cool down and the rainy season picks up. Across the country, daytime highs usually land between 60°F and 68°F (16 and 20°C), while nighttime temperatures often dip into the mid-40s to low 50s (7 to 10°C). It’s noticeably cooler and wetter than in summer, but still fairly mild, especially compared to northern Europe.

But how to plan a trip to Portugal during this month? You’ll get around 10 hours of daylight at the start of the month, dropping to about 9 by the end. The sea temperature hovers around 63 to 66°F (17 to 19°C), which feels pretty chilly for swimming unless you're used to cold water or have a wetsuit. Expect mixed weather. You might get a string of dry, mild days or a run of gray skies and rain, so it's good to pack for a bit of everything. 
 

Porto and northern Portugal

November in the north tends to be the wettest part of the country. Porto sees average highs around 57 to 60°F (14 to 16°C) and lows near 46 to 50°F (8 to 10°C). Rainfall is common, and it can feel damp, especially with cloudy skies hanging around. You’ll want to bring layers and a rain jacket if you’re visiting this time of year. It’s not freezing, but the mix of cooler air and moisture can feel brisk, especially in the evenings.  

Lisbon and central Portugal

Lisbon and central Portugal are a little warmer and drier than the north. Daytime highs usually reach the mid-60s °F (17 to 19°C), and lows hover in the low 50s °F (11 to 13°C). November brings more rain than October, but there are still dry stretches. You might get sunny afternoons where a light jacket is enough, but evenings cool off quickly. While it’s not quite beach weather, the city is pleasant for walking, with fewer crowds than in peak season. The city stays active well into the evening, and it's a great time for a Lisbon city break. 

The Algarve and southern Portugal

Down south in the Algarve, November is still relatively mild. Daytime highs hit the upper 60s °F (19 to 20°C), and nights dip into the mid-50s °F (12 to 14°C). Rain is more frequent than in summer but usually comes in short bursts. You’ll still get stretches of sunny weather, which makes the region a good pick for off-season trips. The ocean is cooler, around 64°F (18°C), so swimming isn’t ideal unless you’re wearing a wetsuit. Still, the beaches are quiet, and the air feels crisp. 

Madeira

Madeira stays warmer than the mainland, with daytime highs in the low 70s°F (21 to 23°C) and nighttime temps rarely falling below the mid-60s°F (17 to 19°C). November is part of the island’s wetter season, but the rain usually comes and goes quickly. You’ll still see a good amount of sunshine. The sea remains relatively warm at around 72 to 73°F (22 to 23°C), so swimming is still an option. 

Is November a good time to visit Portugal?

November can be a bit hit or miss in Portugal. The weather shifts into cooler, wetter territory, especially in the north and along the coast. Expect mild daytime temperatures, but bring a rain jacket! Showers are common, particularly around Porto and Lisbon. The Algarve tends to stay a little drier and warmer, though the ocean’s too chilly for a swim.

That said, there are still some real upsides to traveling now, and this can be, for many, the best time to visit Portugal. With most of the crowds gone, places like Sintra, the Douro Valley, and central Lisbon feel much more relaxed. Accommodation prices tend to drop, and you’ll likely find yourself sharing the view with more locals than tourists. Fall colors linger in the countryside, and the cooler weather makes indoor activities more appealing. If you're comfortable with unpredictable weather and don’t need beach days, November can be a quieter, more laid-back time to see Portugal.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• Quieter month with fewer tourists
• Mild weather perfect for city exploration and hiking
• Beautiful fall colors in Douro Valley and Alentejo
• Local seasonal events like wine celebrations and chestnut festivals
• Peaceful coastal walks along empty beaches

What about crowds and costs?

By November, the summer crowds are long gone, and for this reason, it's a great time to plan your Portugal itinerary. Most places feel calmer, even the more popular cities and tourist spots. It’s a good time if you prefer slower travel and don’t mind that some smaller attractions might be running on reduced hours.

Prices usually drop too. Flights, hotels, and even some activities cost less than in the peak or shoulder seasons. You might find discounts or last-minute deals, especially on accommodation. It’s worth checking what's still running, but overall, it’s a solid month if you're trying to keep costs down.

If you're looking for a similarly quiet time but with less chance of rain, late February or early March might also be worth considering.

Where to go in Portugal in November

November’s a good time for museums, long lunches, and coastal towns that feel calm again after summer. Here are our favorites for this month, or for more ideas, see our guide to the best places to visit in Portugal.

Alentejo Region

Alentejo in November feels open and relaxed. The trees shift into fall colors, and the pace of life matches the season: slower, quieter, but still full of character. Évora is a solid place to start. It’s compact and walkable and has a mix of Roman ruins, whitewashed houses, and old city walls. From there, it’s easy to take short drives to places like Monsaraz, which overlooks the Alqueva Reservoir and is especially peaceful in the off-season. Marvão is another small hilltop town worth the climb, perched on a granite crag with wide views. The region’s known for its food too, so this time of year is good for trying local dishes in less touristy settings. 

Sintra

Sintra is a lot more enjoyable in November without the lines and day-trippers. It might be misty or overcast, but that just adds to the atmosphere. You can actually take your time walking through Pena Palace or exploring the yards at Quinta da Regaleira without feeling rushed. Monserrate is usually quiet, and the surrounding trails are nice for walking now that it’s cooler. For 6-day Portugal trips with a couple of days in Lisbon, November is a good month to give Sintra more than a rushed afternoon.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Down in the Algarve, Ria Formosa shifts into winter mode with fewer tourists and more birds. November is when a lot of migratory species show up, so it’s a good time to visit if you like quiet landscapes and wildlife. You’ll likely see flamingos, spoonbills, and other water birds moving through the lagoons and marshes. It’s easy to explore, either on foot along the trails or by boat through the channels. The light’s softer in November, and it’s a nice time to just be out there, even if you’re not into birdwatching.

What to do in Portugal in November

November is a good time to be in Portugal if you're into a slower, more local kind of travel. The crowds from summer are long gone, and things feel more grounded. You’ll find seasonal festivals, regional food traditions, and a few experiences that don’t really happen at any other time of year.  Here are some of the best things to do in Portugal in November.

Coruche International Ballooning Festival

This festival takes place in Coruche, a town in the Ribatejo region. It’s known for its cork forests, but in November, the main event is up in the air—literally. Dozens of hot air balloons elevate off around sunrise and sunset, and it’s a quiet, colorful sight over the hills and farmland. You can book a balloon ride if you’re up for it, but you don’t need to be in the air to enjoy it.  This is a great thing to do when on a trip to Portugal with kids. 

Olive harvesting

November is when the olive harvest kicks off in Portugal, and it’s a good time to visit rural estates and farms. A lot of places let visitors join in on the process. You might help knock olives from the trees with long sticks or just watch how they’re processed at traditional mills. These aren’t polished tours, it’s more about getting a feel for the work and the rhythm of the season. It usually ends with a tasting: fresh olive oil, bread, maybe some cheese and wine. Don't miss our guide to the best restaurants in Portugal to keep the tastings going.

St. Martin's Day

St. Martin’s Day falls on November 11 and is celebrated pretty widely across Portugal, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. It’s known as Magusto and usually involves gathering around a fire, roasting chestnuts, and drinking the season’s first wine. People also make jeropiga, a sweet fortified wine that’s easy to find this time of year. Some towns put on street fairs or markets, with music and food stalls. It’s not a huge tourist event, but if you’re around, it’s a nice addition to your trip.
 

Plan your trip with our Portugal itineraries

If you’re visiting Portugal in November, taking a look at a sample itinerary can help you balance your time between cities and the coast. Here are some great Portugal itinerary guides to follow:

• Portugal 5 days itinerary: Spend 2 days in Lisbon, exploring Alfama, Belém, and Baixa. Then head to Porto for 3 days, checking out Ribeira, visiting wine cellars, and taking a river cruise.
• Portugal one week itinerary: This guide will take you from Foz do Minho to Nazaré, Caparica, Galapos, Comporta, and the Algarve beaches.
• Portugal 10 days itinerary: Explore Lagos, Évora, Elvas, Lisbon, Coimbra, Serra da Estrela, Porto, and Peneda-Gerês National Park in 10 days.