Portugal in Autumn: Harvest, Big Waves and Warm Seas

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Portugal: the sea is at its warmest, the summer crowds have gone, the Douro is busy with the grape harvest, and in late October the giant waves start rolling into Nazaré. Here’s what to expect from September to November.

Quick answer: September is still summer, with warm seas and the Douro harvest. October brings golden light, big surf and the start of Nazaré’s big-wave season. November is cooler and wetter, with São Martinho chestnut feasts on 11 November. Prices drop and the beaches empty.

The weather

• September: warm and sunny (often 25–28°C), with the warmest sea of the year.
• October: mild (around 22°C), mostly sunny, with the first rains later in the month.
• November: cooler (around 17°C) and wetter, though the Algarve stays mild.

Autumn highlights

• The Douro harvest (September to early October): grape picking, treading and festivals at the quintas. In 2026 it started early. See Douro wine tours and Douro hotels. See harvest experiences.
• Nazaré’s big waves (October to March): watch the world’s best big-wave surfers on the biggest days. See Nazaré.
• Surf contests: the World Surf League event at Peniche’s Supertubos in October, and Carcavelos’ Capítulo Perfeito from November. See surfing in Portugal.
• Lisbon Marathon (October): a scenic route along the coast from Carcavelos to Praça do Comércio (10 October in 2026).
• Golegã Horse Fair (November): Portugal’s great horse fair (6–15 November in 2026).
• Web Summit and LEFFEST (November): Lisbon’s big tech conference and film festival. Book hotels early that week.
• São Martinho (11 November): roasted chestnuts, água-pé (young wine) and jeropiga, and often a spell of warm “São Martinho summer” weather.
• Aljezur’s sweet potato festival in late November.

Best things to do in autumn

• Beach days in September and early October with warm water and fewer people. See the best beaches in Portugal.
• Wine tasting across the country. See Portugal’s wine regions.
• Hiking in cooler temperatures, from Peneda-Gerês to the Costa Vicentina.
• City breaks without the summer heat. See 2 days in Lisbon.

Tips

• Pack layers and a light rain jacket from October.
• Boat trips can be cancelled more often as the swell picks up, so stay flexible.
• Some beach businesses close after mid-October.

More seasons: spring, summer and winter, or see the best time to visit Portugal.

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