Weather and light in May
| Marker | May |
|---|---|
| Temperatures | about 12 to 21 °C |
| Rain | still possible, showers rarer than in April |
| Sunset | between 20:45 and 21:10 |
| Sea | about 15 to 16 °C: no swimming |
| Crowds | medium, rising towards the end of the month |
What to do in May
It is the ideal month to do everything on foot and on a terrace: the Ribeira, the cathedral, the Crystal Palace gardens, then a sunset at the Jardim do Morro. The six bridges cruise is pleasant in the late afternoon, with more departures than in winter. The Gaia cellars and the Douro Valley, all green, can be visited without the summer heat. The water is too cold for swimming, but the beach and surfing at Matosinhos are possible with a wetsuit.
Events of the month
- 1 May: public holiday (Labour Day), a Saturday in 2027.
- 27 May: Corpo de Deus, public holiday, a Thursday in 2027.
- Early May: Porto students traditionally celebrate the Queima das Fitas, with a parade and concerts; dates change every year, check the city's agenda before you go.
Prices and booking
May is shoulder season: hotel prices rise compared with April but stay below June and July. Book the 1 May and 27 May long weekends early. The Livraria Lello and the cellars are booked a few days ahead. Budget: travel budget for Porto.
What to pack
A light jacket, a foldable raincoat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes for the cobbles. A sweater for evenings on the river.
Going further
Porto in April, Porto in June and the best time to visit Porto.
