Portugal in October: Weather, Events and Where to Go

October is one of the best months to visit Portugal: the summer crowds have gone, the sea is still warm, the light is golden, and there’s plenty going on, from the end of the Douro harvest to surf contests and the start of Nazaré’s big-wave season. Here’s what to expect.

Quick answer: expect around 22°C in Lisbon and the Algarve, with mostly sunny days and the first rain later in the month. The sea is still warm after the summer. Highlights: the World Surf League at Peniche, Nazaré’s big waves, the Fátima pilgrimage (12–13 October) and the Lisbon Marathon. Prices drop after the summer.

Why go in October

October gives you the best of two seasons. Days are still warm enough for the beach in the south, but city sightseeing is far more comfortable than in July or August. Queues at Sintra’s palaces and Lisbon’s big monuments are shorter, flights and hotels cost less, and the vineyards turn red and gold. The main trade-off is that the weather becomes less reliable as the month goes on, especially in the north.

Weather

• Lisbon: highs around 22°C, cooler evenings around 15°C. Rain becomes more likely in the second half of the month.
• Porto and the north: around 19–20°C, with more rain from mid-month. Bring a waterproof.
• The Algarve: warm and sunny, often 23–24°C, perfect beach weather. The sea is usually around 20–21°C, a little cooler than in late summer.
• Madeira: around 24°C, with warm sea and the odd shower in the north of the island.
• The Azores: mild, around 21–22°C, but changeable, with more wind and rain than the mainland.

Daylight shortens fast. The clocks go back an hour on the last Sunday of October (25 October in 2026), so evenings get dark early after that.

What’s on

• The end of the Douro harvest (early October). Some quintas still offer grape-treading and harvest lunches in the first days of the month. See Douro wine tours.
• Lisbon Marathon along the coast (10 October in 2026). The route runs from the coast west of Lisbon along the river to Praça do Comércio, and a half marathon follows the next day, starting on the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Expect road closures on both days.
• Fátima pilgrimage (12–13 October). This marks the last of the 1917 apparitions, and the candlelit procession on the night of the 12th draws huge crowds. Book early. See Fátima.
• World Surf League, Peniche (scheduled for 16–25 October in 2026). The contest only runs on the days with the best waves inside that window, so check the live call before you travel. The pros surf at Supertubos beach, and watching is free. See surfing in Portugal and Peniche.
• Nazaré’s big-wave season begins. The giant waves come with big Atlantic swells, usually from October to March, so check the forecast before you go. See Nazaré.
• Motorsport at the Algarve circuit near Portimão. In 2026 the European Le Mans Series races there on 9–10 October, and the GT World Challenge Europe season finale follows on 16–17 October. See Portimão.

Where to go

• The Algarve: warm sea and quiet beaches. Boat trips to the Benagil caves and coastal walks such as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail are much calmer than in summer. Remember that you can’t swim to the Benagil cave or land on its beach, and kayaks may only go with a licensed guide. See the best Algarve beaches.
• Lisbon and Porto: perfect city weather for walking the hills. See things to do in Lisbon.
• The Douro: autumn colours in the vineyards, usually at their best from mid to late October. See the Douro itinerary.
• The Alentejo: cooler now after the summer heat, which makes Évora and the hill towns easy to explore. See Évora and the Alentejo.
• Madeira and the Azores: still lovely, with whale watching.

Lisbon on a rainy day

Several big Lisbon sights have changed recently, so check before you plan a wet day around them. Belém Tower reopened on 27 May 2026 with timed entry. The National Tile Museum has been closed for restoration since November 2025, with no confirmed reopening date as of October 2026, and the National Museum of Ancient Art closed on 29 September 2025 and is due to reopen in late 2026. The Glória, Bica and Lavra funiculars and the Santa Justa lift remain closed. See Lisbon museums.

What to eat and drink

• Roasted chestnuts: street sellers start appearing in Lisbon and Porto as the weather cools.
• New season wines: the harvest is in, and the Douro and Alentejo cellars are busy.
• Seafood and grilled fish: still at their best on the coast. See the seafood guide.

Tips

• Pack layers and a light rain jacket. Evenings and early mornings feel cool, especially near the sea.
• Boat trips may be cancelled more often as the swell builds. Leave a spare day if a trip matters to you.
• Water parks in the Algarve close for the season in September or October. Check opening dates before you plan a day around one.
• Lifeguards: the official bathing season has ended on many beaches, so lifeguards may not be on duty. Swim with care.
• Prices fall and hotels have availability, but book early for Fátima on 12–13 October and for Lisbon on marathon weekend.
• Lisbon airport taxis: fixed taxi fares from the airport start on 15 October 2026. Confirm the fare before you set off. See Lisbon airport to the city centre.

FAQ

Is October a good time to visit Portugal?

Yes. It is one of the best months: warm in the south, comfortable for city sightseeing, quieter than summer and cheaper too.

Can you swim in Portugal in October?

Yes, especially in the Algarve, where the sea is usually around 20–21°C. Many beaches no longer have lifeguards, so swim with care.

Does it rain a lot in Portugal in October?

The first half of the month is often dry. Rain becomes more likely from mid-October, especially in Porto and the north.

When do the clocks change in October?

On the last Sunday of the month, which is 25 October in 2026. The clocks go back one hour.

More: Portugal in autumn, November and the festivals calendar.

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