Lively cities, medieval castles, and wine…so much wine: there are a variety of experiences to be had in Portugal. Everything from the history to the food is rich here. Most travel sites claim that late spring and early fall are the ideal times to visit Portugal due to favorable weather and density of crowds. This may be true but that doesn’t mean that visiting during the off-season should be overlooked. Here are some reasons why you should visit Portugal in November.
The weather is cool yet pleasant. Sunshine and maxi dresses are fun but so are partly cloudy coverage and booties. Cool weather makes walking five miles up and down Lisbon’s numerous hills more tolerable. Yes, there will be rain but that’s what umbrellas and god forbid, ponchos are for. Expect temperatures in the mid-50s.
Porto 
Lisbon 
Monforte 
Monsaraz
There are fewer tourists. November is off-season which means there are significantly fewer tourists compared to the summer months. There are still groups by the bus load, but you won’t feel like you’ve just arrived at Coachella. Visiting museums and historical sites are much more enjoyable and informative experiences when you aren’t overwhelmed by other people.
Sites are still open. There are some destinations that close during the off-season but that isn’t the case for popular cities in Portugal. But do anticipate shorter hours and fewer activities. However, it just frees up time for you to eat and drink more wine!
A Vida Portuguesa in Porto 
Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon 
Castelo de Monsaraz
Discounts are offered. To lure travelers, hotels offer significant discounts for their rooms. Live like a king, unicorn, or whatever at a hotel you normally wouldn’t book because of the cost. Try to negotiate a cheaper price for tours that may otherwise go unbooked.
Charm Palace in Porto 
Torel Palace in Lisbon 
Torre de Palma in Monforte
Catch the best waves. I know NOTHING about surfing but apparently the best time to go is in fall. During this time of year the swells start to develop and the water is the warmest. You’ll just have to take my word for it or Google it.
Visited Portugal in November? How was your experience? Share in the comments!
