Portugal in October is quieter, cooler, and all-round more pleasant. The summer crowds are gone, which means that prices drop and you’ll no longer have to fight for space on the beach or queue for a table at dinner. It’s a good time to visit if you like warm days and cool nights, fewer tourists, near-empty beaches, and a little bit more elbow room wherever you go.
Shops, restaurants, and attractions are still open in Portugal in October, especially in the bigger towns and cities. The sea’s still warm enough for a swim, and there’s plenty going on if you want something more than lying on a beach all day.
What to Expect from the Weather Across the Country in Portugal in October
The Portugal weather in October is mostly mild, sometimes brilliant, with the odd shower thrown in. Across the country, daytime highs tend to sit between 20°C and 25°C. Nights are closer to 12°C or 14°C, so you’ll want a jacket or jumper in the evenings.
Rain becomes a bit more common this month, particularly up north. Still, most days are dry and sunny enough to spend outdoors. The Algarve tends to hang onto summer longer than other regions, so if you’re chasing sun, head south.
Lisbon Temperatures in October
The temperature in Lisbon Portugal in October is pretty consistent: highs of 22°C or so, and lows around 15°C. You might get a couple of rainy days, but nothing too crazy. Most of the time, it’s mild, with a mix of sunshine and clouds.
It’s ideal weather for walking around the city, warm enough that you don’t need a coat, but not so hot you end up hunting for shade every ten minutes. It’s also a great month for day trips out of the capital to nearby places like Setúbal, Comporta, or Cascais.
Best Activities for Portugal in October
October’s a brilliant time to get stuck into the things that are too sweaty, too crowded, or too expensive in the high season. Here’s what’s worth doing.
Explore the cities without the crowds
Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Évora all calm down in October. In Lisbon, you can hop on the famous Tram 28 without queueing or clinging on for dear life. In Porto, it’s a great time to take a stroll along the riverfront instead of being herded along by crowds. And in Coimbra, the university’s back in session, so the town feels alive again but without the tourists swamping it.
Walk the trails
The hiking season’s back. You’ve got proper walking weather (18–22°C and dry underfoot) in most parts of the country.
Try the Rota Vicentina on the Alentejo coast. It’s all cliffs, empty beaches, and fishing villages with good lunches. Up north, the Peneda-Gerês National Park has forests, waterfalls, and the odd wild horse if you’re lucky. Around Lisbon, the Sintra-Cascais National Park and Arrábida Natural Park are within an hour of the city and are definitely worth checking out. Down south, the Algarve is home to the Seven Hanging Valleys trail which winds along the region’s iconic limestone cliffs. Finally, if you’re in Madeira, October’s a sweet spot for the levada trails: green, quiet, and still warm enough for a swim afterwards.
Go wine tasting during harvest
October’s the tail end of the wine harvest, especially in the Douro Valley and Alentejo. Vineyards are busy pressing grapes, but not too busy to show you around.
You can tour the wineries and taste fresh vintages, all while seeing the landscape at its best. Some places still offer traditional grape-stomping sessions if you’re into that sort of thing (bring spare socks). Best of all, it’s relaxed. No coach tours, no rush, just good wine and fresh air.
Hit the beach (Yes, still)
The Algarve in October still gets 7–8 hours of sunshine a day, and the sea doesn’t suddenly turn cold on the 1st of October. You can still swim at Praia da Marinha, take a boat out to the caves at Benagil, or just lie out at Meia Praia without baking.
Better yet, the crowds are gone. Parking’s easier. Beach bars are still open. And you don’t need to get up at 7am to claim a decent spot on the sand.
Further up the coast, you’ll see surfers in Sagres, Ericeira and Peniche enjoying the beginning of the surfing season with consistent swells all along the Portuguese coast. It’s also the start of big wave season in Nazaré.
Head out for a round of golf
October’s ideal if you’re after a golf holiday that doesn’t involve slow play, packed fairways, or 35°C heat. Courses across the Algarve, Lisbon Coast, and even up north around Porto are still in great condition, but they’re far quieter than in peak summer.
The Algarve is the obvious choice, with championship courses like Monte Rei, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago offering world-class greens and proper autumn sun. If you’re based around Lisbon, try Oitavos Dunes or West Cliffs. Both courses are coastal and easier to book at short notice this time of year.
There’s more on the best courses and where to stay in our golf holidays in Portugal guide.
North vs South: Regional Differences
Up north (Porto, Braga, Douro Valley), it’s cooler and wetter. Pack accordingly. You’ll get a few more cloudy days, but it’s still good for sightseeing, wine tasting, and anything cultural.
Down south (Alentejo, Algarve), the sun sticks around longer. It’s drier, warmer, and still beach-appropriate. Towns like Tavira, Lagos, and Sagres are much more relaxed now that the summer rush is over.
If you’re heading to the islands, Madeira is warm and lush in October. You can expect great hiking and fewer tourists, with warm weather during the day. The Azores are a bit wetter but very green, ideal if you’re more into nature and don’t mind a bit of rain.
What to Pack
Start with layers. T-shirts and light trousers for the day, something warmer for the evenings. A rain jacket or small umbrella won’t hurt, especially in the north.
If you’re planning to walk a lot or go hiking, bring proper shoes. And if you’re heading south or to the islands, don’t forget your swimwear!
Is October a Good Time to Visit Portugal?
Yes. Portugal in October is a smart choice. The weather’s still good, flights and accommodation are cheaper, and there’s a lot more breathing space everywhere you go.
You’ll eat better and sleep better too. And you’ll probably spend less money than you would in July or August. Plus, you won’t be stuck in a queue to look at a castle or have to wait 40 minutes for your lunch.
If you’re ready to book, take a look at what’s available on Allure Villas. With properties throughout Portugal, including Lisbon, the coast, or somewhere quieter inland, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay that’s well-located and ready for your autumn getaway.