The Best Time to Visit the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley changes dramatically through the year, from green spring vines and scorching summers to the September harvest, red and gold autumn leaves, and quiet, misty winters. Here’s the best time to visit the Douro, and what each season offers.

Quick answer: September is the classic time, with the grape harvest and warm weather. October brings the most beautiful autumn colours. May and June are green and pleasant. July and August are very hot (often well above 30°C). Winter is quiet, cool and misty, with some quintas on reduced hours.

Season by season

Spring (March to May)

Fresh green vines, wildflowers and pleasant temperatures. Almond blossom appears in the upper Douro in late February and March.

Summer (June to August)

Very hot in the valley, especially July and August. Visit early or late in the day, and choose a quinta with a pool. The historic steam train runs in summer. See Douro river cruises.

Harvest (September to early October)

The busiest and most atmospheric time, with grape picking, and at some quintas, traditional foot-treading in stone lagares. Book well ahead. See wine tours.

Autumn colours (late October to November)

The terraces turn red and gold, and crowds thin out.

Winter (December to February)

Cool, misty and peaceful, with lower prices. Some services are reduced. See the Douro in winter.

Tips

• Book quinta visits ahead in every season.
• Stay overnight to see the valley at its best. See where to stay in the Douro Valley.

More: the Douro itinerary, the Douro day trip from Porto and the best time to visit Porto.

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 Spotted something out of date?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