Weather in Porto in May

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May is the month many travellers underrate because they are waiting for summer. The weather in Porto in May crosses 20 °C in the day for the first time in the year, rain falls below 90 mm and the sun shines for 258 hours. It is the start of the easy half of the year. With 258 hours of sunshine and nights averaging 11.6 °C, it is also the first month when evenings outdoors feel comfortable with just a light layer.

The first warm month

The Porto weather may average temperature rainfall figures: a high of 20.1 °C (68.2 °F), a low of 11.6 °C (52.9 °F) and 89.6 mm (3.5 in) of rain. That rain total is the lowest since the previous September, and sunshine at 258 hours is second only to the three summer months.

Evenings are still fresh, so a light layer earns its place. A day by the river or a first Douro trip becomes a reasonable plan to book ahead, with a glance at the IPMA forecast before the day.

May is the first month of the year when Porto's weather reliably favours outdoor plans. The daytime high passes 20 °C, rain falls to 89.6 mm, and sunshine reaches 258 hours, more than double January's 124. Nights at 11.6 °C are mild enough for an evening walk with a light layer.

The month still carries some of spring's changeability, so a wet day is possible, but long dry spells are more common than in any month before it.

May is the first warm month, at an average high of 20.1 °C.

Late May and June

Porto weather late May moves towards June, which averages 23.5 °C (74.3 °F) by day with just 39.9 mm (1.6 in) of rain. The weather in Porto end of May is therefore a good bet for outdoor plans, with less rain behind it and summer ahead.

Compare April, June and the full year on the Porto weather page.

A May itinerary can put the Douro Valley, the river and the viewpoints at the centre of the trip rather than on standby. A full day in the valley is easier to schedule in May than in April, and a late-afternoon river cruise makes the most of the long bright evenings.

For clothes, pack for warm days and cool evenings: light layers, a thin jacket and comfortable walking shoes for the steep streets between the river and the upper town. Sun protection is worth bringing too, with 258 hours of sunshine across the month. An umbrella is less essential than earlier in the year but still sensible for the odd showery day.

Common questions

Is May a good month to visit Porto?

For weather, yes: highs of 20.1 °C, 258 hours of sunshine and 89.6 mm of rain make it the first warm month.

Is it warm enough to sit outside in May?

In the day, yes. Nights average 11.6 °C, so bring a layer for the evening.

Does it rain in Porto in May?

Less than in any month from October to April, with an average of 89.6 mm.