Esperanza77

Hello all,
We want to do Porto in January (the date is not optional for business reasons), so we either go in January or not at all. I just read that Porto in January is usually very rainy. Anyone here been to Porto in the winter? We visited Lisbon before in November and the weather was beautiful. But I think Porto is rainier. Any insights?

We were originally planning to spend 4 nights in Porto, too much given the weather?

I would appreciate your opinions.

Thanks a lot

massimop

Kind of depends on what your agenda is. In some cases, when I know a place is having its rainy season, I book in more time because I want to both maximize my chances of catching a dry day and also because I want some flexibility about getting to indoor sights. I'd rather wait out a downpour inside before heading to my next destination because I'm packing a lot in for a short time.

But if your main idea for going to Porto is to spend more than 50 percent of your time doing outdoor activities, might not be worth it -- as rain and short hours of daylight would be quite the normal January experience (it's not palm tree country like Lisbon).

Esperanza77

Hi massimop
What we want to do there revolves around 3 things, walking and enjoying stere-life, and architecture, music, and food.

ribeirasacra

weather is unfortunately totally unpredictable.
I expect someone to point you towards a weather history site which will never give you the information you are seeking.
If it rains it rains, you are not made of sugar and you will not dissolve ;-)

jamikins

While not in January, we spent 3 nights in Porto the last weekend of Feb in 2015. We had 1 day of gorgeous sunny weather, and 1 day of rain.

In 2018 - who knows

massimop

Hi again esperenza,

If it were me with that agenda for Porto, I wouldn't go in January. If your interest in music means you plan to attend afternoon and evening music events unique to Porto, might be tempted, but otherwise no. I really dislike trying to look at architecture when its pouring rain, and not much street life to enjoy. I wouldn't to Porto for the food alone.

massimop

This illustrates the dilemma

The actual weather in Porto in January 2016

https://www.accuweather.com/en/pt/po...16&view=table#

The actual weather in Porto in January 2017

https://www.accuweather.com/en/pt/po...017&view=table

January is pegged as Porto's coldest, rainiest month. Climate change might be altering that. But despite 2017, the possibility of a repeat of 2016 would make me consider going someplace else for walking, architecture gawking and street life. You might reasonably see it differently.

Esperanza77

Thank you all for your insightful replies.
massimop, that a very interesting comparison.

We're still thinking of going and taking our chances, perhaps for fewer days. The hotel prices are excellent so we can benefit from that.

Esperanza77

massimop, looking at 2016 and 2017, it seems that the second half of January has better odds of less rain. Very helpful, thanks again.