Portugal in November: Weather, Events and Where to Go

November is when Portugal slows down for winter: cooler, wetter days in the north, but mild sunshine in the south, roasted chestnuts on every corner, new wine and no crowds. It’s great for city breaks, wine country and the Algarve’s quiet beaches. Here’s what to expect.

Quick answer: expect around 17°C in Lisbon and 18–19°C in the Algarve, with more rain than October. Highlights: São Martinho (11 November, chestnuts and new wine), the Golegã Horse Fair, Web Summit in Lisbon, MotoGP in the Algarve, Nazaré’s big waves and the first Christmas lights at the end of the month.

Why go in November

The summer crowds have gone, hotel prices drop and the queues at places like Sintra and Belém are much shorter. Days are shorter too, with sunset at around 5.15pm in Lisbon by the end of the month, so plan your sightseeing for the morning. It’s a good month for food lovers: chestnut season, new wine, game dishes and hearty soups all arrive together.

The weather is mixed. You can get a run of warm, bright days, especially around São Martinho, followed by a week of Atlantic storms. Pack for both, and keep a few indoor plans up your sleeve.

Weather

• Lisbon: highs around 17°C, with some rainy days.
• Porto and the north: cooler (around 15°C) and wetter. November is one of the rainiest months here.
• The Algarve: mild and often sunny, 18–19°C. The sea is still around 18°C, cool but swimmable for some.
• Madeira: around 22°C.
• Inland and the mountains: cold nights, and the first snow can fall on Serra da Estrela late in the month.

What’s on

• São Martinho (11 November): roasted chestnuts, água-pé and jeropiga, and often a few days of warm “São Martinho summer”. Towns and schools hold a magusto, a chestnut-roasting party.
• Golegã Horse Fair (6–15 November in 2026). The Feira Nacional do Cavalo fills this small Ribatejo town with Lusitano horses, riders in traditional dress and street parties. Golegã is about 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive from Lisbon.
• Web Summit in Lisbon (9–12 November 2026). Around 70,000 people attend, so book hotels early.
• LEFFEST, the Lisbon and Estoril Film Festival (6–15 November 2026), with screenings across Lisbon.
• MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal near Portimão (20–22 November 2026). The race was moved back a week from its original date, so check before you book.
• Carcavelos’ Capítulo Perfeito surf contest: the waiting period for 2026 runs from 1 November to 15 December, and the event day is called at short notice when the waves are right.
• Aljezur Sweet Potato Festival (usually the last weekend of November), with dishes made from the local sweet potato.
• Christmas villages and lights start at the end of the month. Óbidos Vila Natal and Perlim usually open in the last days of November. See Christmas in Portugal.

The Golegã Horse Fair

The fair is one of the most traditional events in the Portuguese calendar, and it always runs over São Martinho. The heart of it is the Largo do Arneiro, a sand arena in the town centre where riders parade their horses all day. Around it, you’ll find stables, tack stalls, chestnut sellers and bars that stay busy late into the night. Weekends and 11 November are the busiest days, so arrive early or stay nearby. Santarém and Tomar are both within easy reach for a longer trip. See Tomar.

Where to go

• Lisbon and Porto: museums, food and fado. See Lisbon on a rainy day and Porto on a rainy day.
• The Algarve: walks, golf and empty beaches. See the Algarve in winter.
• Madeira: the warmest option. See Madeira.
• Nazaré: big waves. The giant swells at Praia do Norte usually arrive between October and March. See Nazaré.
• The Douro Valley: the harvest is over, but the vineyards often turn red and gold in early November. See the Douro in winter.

Lisbon in November

Lisbon is at its busiest during Web Summit week, when hotel prices jump, so try to avoid those dates if you’re not attending. Some major museums are closed for work: the National Tile Museum has been shut for restoration since November 2025, and the National Museum of Ancient Art has been closed since September 2025, with both due to reopen in late 2026. Check their websites before you plan a visit. The Glória, Bica and Lavra funiculars and the Santa Justa lift are closed, so plan on walking, taking the tram or using the metro.

The Algarve in November

The Algarve is calm and green after the first rains. It’s a good month for the coastal path from Praia da Marinha, for golf, and for quiet towns such as Tavira. The A22 motorway along the coast has been toll-free since January 2025. Book accommodation early for MotoGP weekend, when hotels around Portimão fill up.

What to eat and drink

• Roasted chestnuts: sold in paper cones from street carts in Lisbon and Porto.
• New wine: água-pé is a light, young wine, and jeropiga is a sweet, strong drink made from grape must.
• Comfort food: caldo verde, cozido à portuguesa and roast pork. See caldo verde.
• Game: the hunting season brings wild boar, partridge and hare to menus, especially in the Alentejo and inland areas.

Tips

• Bring a waterproof and shoes with grip. Lisbon’s stone pavements get very slippery in the rain.
• Some beach businesses and water parks are closed. Beach lifeguards are mostly off duty too, so swim with care.
• Great hotel prices, except during Web Summit week in Lisbon.
• Check opening hours: some attractions switch to shorter winter hours from November.
• 1 November (All Saints’ Day) is a public holiday, and some shops close.
• Daylight: make the most of the mornings. By late November, it’s dark before 5.30pm.

FAQ

Is November a good time to visit Portugal?

Yes, for city breaks, food and quiet sightseeing. Prices are low and crowds are thin, though you should expect some rain, especially in Porto and the north.

Is it warm enough for the beach in November?

The Algarve often has sunny days of 18–19°C, which is fine for a walk or lying on the sand. The sea is around 18°C, so swimming is only for those who like cool water, and most beaches have no lifeguards.

What is São Martinho?

São Martinho (St Martin’s Day) is on 11 November. People celebrate with roasted chestnuts and new wine at chestnut parties called magustos.

When is Web Summit in Lisbon?

In 2026, it runs from 9 to 12 November. Hotel prices in Lisbon rise sharply that week, so book early or choose other dates.

More: October, December and Portugal in autumn.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.