Portugal in October: A Rainy Aesthetic
Cloaked in the flaming colors of fall, October is an ideal month for travelers eager to explore Portugal beyond its quintessential beaches. However, despite it being a mostly sunny month, rainfall gradually picks up, and the temperature drops as it gets closer to November. Overall, this is a great month to catch some insanely scenic landscapes. Opt for a picturesque train ride through the Douro Valley for your dose of spectacular fall foliage, or go on a hiking trip in Portugal, preferably in its only national park, Peneda-Gerês, to soak up the seasonal splendor. Lovers of watersports might want to head for Portugal in October as surfing is at its peak during this time of year.
Portugal Weather in October
Autumn is truly in and at home in Portugal in October. The weather during this time of year is unpredictable at best. Days are warm and pleasant, while nights are chilly. Owing to its Mediterranean weather pattern, the Algarve in the south is one of the sunniest and comparatively drier regions during this time. An average daily high of 23°C in this part of the country means that you can still steal some beach days to relax by the water or swim in a 20°C sea.
Meanwhile, the capital city of Lisbon encounters mild days with temperatures not exceeding 23°C. However, as the evening falls, the temperature drops to about 15°C. This area records an average rainfall of 101mm spread over eleven days during October. Porto in the north is usually cooler and wetter than Lisbon, with a daily average high of 21°C and an average low of 12°C. Here you can expect nine days of rainfall during October.
For a more in-depth seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Portugal.
Weather in Portugal in October - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 15 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 15 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 9 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 59 | 60.8 | 66.2 | 68 | 71.6 | 78.8 | 82.4 | 82.4 | 80.6 | 73.4 | 64.4 | 59 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 46.4 | 48.2 | 51.8 | 53.6 | 57.2 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 64.4 | 59 | 53.6 | 48.2 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 100 | 85 | 53 | 68 | 54 | 16 | 4 | 6 | 33 | 101 | 128 | 127 |
Why Visit Portugal in October
In addition to great weather conditions (albeit with a fickle undertone), there are a lot of perks to be had during your stay in Portugal in October.
- Better rates: October falls in the autumnal shoulder season when actions everywhere are winding down but not exactly out. With dwindling tourism numbers, demand for accommodation and services plummets. You can expect 20 to 30 percent price cuts in hotel booking, vehicle rentals, and flight fares.
- Lesser crowds: The summer rush that was there in September has completely died by now. Tranquility returns to resort towns and there are no queues outside highlights. You can chill at a restaurant or a bar to your heart's content and set the pace of your trip without feeling rushed.
- Festivals and events: If you missed out on a pilgrimage to Fatima in May, you can join this auspicious religious celebration on October 13. For a one-of-a-kind, wine-harvesting festival, travel only 30 minutes to the outskirts of Lisbon to Bucelas, where Festa do Vinho e Vindimas is held. Jazzheads are in for a treat this month as the Angra do Heroísmo International Jazz Festival takes place in the archipelago of the Azores.
- Surfing season: October sees gigantic waves and consistent wind, both of which make this month part of the official surfing season in Portugal. If you feel inspired but not confident enough to take on the big swells, head for Nazare or Ericeira.
- Grape-harvest season: October is the time of vindima, or grape harvest, in Portugal. Spend a day harvesting grapes in a vineyard while exploring the Douro Valley. You might also want to do some wine sampling with a scrumptious harvest lunch amid dollops of fresh countryside air and stunning fall scenery.
Where to go and what to do
As the weather cools down quite a bit, the time is ripe to embark on an epic road trip to discover the allure of the Algarve. Explore its rural interiors, home to quaint villages dotted with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Venture out to its westernmost point, Cape Saint Vincent, and go all the way to Tavira, plonked on its eastern end.
For some leaf-peeping, visit the charming town of Sintra, known for its rolling hills and fairy tale castles. It is an enchanting experience to catch the leaves turning into bright shades of orange, red, and yellow. Skipping the Douro Valley during the fall harvest season is a sin. Not only will you be swallowed in by spectacular views of terraced vineyards and fiery fall colors, but you can also participate in traditional aspects of grape harvest like picking and stomping.
What To Bring
Since the weather might be slightly unpredictable during this month, you might find some rainy interruptions in your trip. All this means that it is important to carry rain gear and warm clothes that can be worn in layers as well as light jackets while heading for the country during this time of year.
The weather in Portugal in October strikes a tricky balance between a sunny display with minimal gloom, a pleasant temperature that is yet not unbearably cold, and a handful of dry days with low-to-medium showers. With a low cost and quieter time, it is no surprise that Portugal in October is a magnet for budget travelers. Check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in Portugal if you need ideas for your trip to Portugal tour. A 10-day trip would provide you with an extensive tour of the country. If you have fewer days in your itinerary, a 7-day trip would give you a good glimpse of the country. To pick the pearls of Portugal this month, get out to local experts to customize a trip for Portugal.
So, look no further if you are planning on booking your trip to Portugal in October.
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