Porto is one of the largest urban areas in
Portugal also serving as its second in rank in the cities of the country, second only to Lisbon. Porto, traditionally known as Oporto, is among Portugal's oldest European centers and has since grown to earn the Global City title. The city is placed on the Douro River estuary with an extension to the Atlantic Ocean Coast. With deep preservation of history and culture, Porto is not only a stunning tourist attraction but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Porto is home to magnificently designed bridges along the port region, and beautiful streets crowned with cobble designs and ancient architectural designs. More attractions include the iconic Towers and baroque, some dating back into past centuries. Museums and galleries around town stock beautiful exhibitions that feature previous artworks and unique masterpieces.
Along the coastline, Porto features numerous beachside hotels and restaurants that serve delicious local seafood, as well as many beach bars and clubhouses that are famous for an ever-vibrant nightlife in the city.
Porto experiences a Mediterranean climate that is Köppen classified as Csb, often subjected to oceanic climate influences. The weather is characteristic of warm and dry summers and mild but rainy winters. Some rainfall is experienced during the dry season, but most of it is concentrated in the winter season, which also has episodes of long dry days with moderately high temperature.
During summer, from
June to
September, Porto is warm and moderately dry. The temperature ranges from between19°C (66.2°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). Extremely high-temperature readings are reported periodically, especially when the heat waves are experienced, and the temperature may rise to as high as 38°C (100.4°F). The hottest month of the year is
August and
July remains the driest month with the rain gauge only collecting 20.4mm (0.8") in precipitation.
During winter, from mid-
November to
February, Porto experiences mild and tolerable weather during the day, and cold nights and early mornings are common. The temperature remains moderately low with the mercury in the range of 5°C (41°F) and 15°C (59°F). There are occasional episodes of dry and warmer days than recorded. Winter receives the highest rainfall, with November and
December being the wettest months of the year. Both months register an average of 177mm (7") in precipitation, mostly experienced in the early afternoons. Winter has periodic episodes of days that are dry and warm over an extended period. Snowfall is rare, as the temperature barely drops below 0°C (32°F).
Spring and autumn are more of transitional seasons and are characterized majorly by mild and pleasant weather. Spring remains beautiful and scented with the blossoming of most of the flowery trees, making Porto a place to go to for picnics, photography, and sightseeing. Autumn, on the other hand, is even more beautiful and tourists take to touring the city amid the golden brown illumination under the crisp and fresh air.
The peak of the travel season in Porto is between
April and August, part of spring through summer. Besides the favorable weather, this period registers moderately low rainfall and as such an excellent time to tour the city without significant rain interruptions. Outdoor activities like visiting museums and galleries are rampant during this period, as are water activities and later basking in the warm sun.