What's the Weather Like in Porto in January
Generally known as the coldest month of the year, January in Porto is not exactly frosty, nor is it snowy. On the contrary, expect heavy precipitation and cool temperatures as part of the mild winters typical for this northern region of Portugal.
Temperature
The average temperature is 10°C (52°F), steady over the second and fourth week of the month, while its high average reaches 14°C on sunny days, and its nights stay chilly at a low end of 6°C.
Sunshine Hours
The days are quite short, with up to 4 hours of sunshine and a timid 25% chance of sunny days to begin with - bright and spunky nonetheless for this time of year, but you will need a jacket.
Humidity
Humidity reaches 80% in January, and tends to stay at these levels throughout the entire winter.
Rainfall
Rainfall reaches 110mm in consistent waves over half of the month in total, with a significant 47% chance of rainy days on average. We recommend packing a serious winter jacket and an umbrella if you plan on spending a holiday in Porto during this time of the year, in order to not let any rain spoil your gastro-tour or your pilgrimage through all of its splendid landmarks.
Wind
Wind speed stays friendly but sometimes gusty in this area of the North Atlantic Ocean, with averages of 5m/s which bring about 21% chances of windy days - usually the higher average expected out of the entire calendar year, and a 27% chance of clouds - more notably during the rainy weeks.
Sea Temperature
The ocean temperature is very low at 14°C (58°F), so swimming is out of the question unless you've lost a bet, and have a steady supply of hot chicken soup in your hotel room afterwards! However the views are phenomenal during this time of the year, with dramatic blue waters lined by foamy waves and an endless skyline. A walk on the beaches near Porto is a crisp delight in January, provided you pack a decent windbreaker to shield you from any sudden northern gusts.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Porto, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Porto in January
Ribeira do Porto Hotel
Porto has a spectacular variety of hotels to enjoy in any month of the year, and January is certainly no exception, as it is subject to excellent deals, particularly for a long term stay. The wonderful 3-star Ribeira do Porto Hotel, for example, standing proud and beautiful in a prime location of the Ribeira District - Porto's historical center - offers splendid double rooms for just £60 per night for couple. All its suites are elegantly decorated, offering views of the Douro River, and come fitted with air conditioning, flat screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms.
The hotel features a 24-hour reception and a traditional bar, the A Tasca, which also serves a lovely breakfast buffet. Porto's most desired wine cellars are within walking distance, across the bridge.
Vera Cruz Porto Downtown Hotel
Voted Hotel of the Year 2014 by numerous booking sites, the Vera Cruz Porto Downtown Hotel boasts two very proud stars and rooms for just £34 per night. It's situated in the heart of the Ribeira District and overlooks the popular and splendid Aliados Avenue. All of its rooms have en suite bathrooms with luxury amenities, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, and the executive rooms also offer spacious work desks, while the suites come with private balconies. Vera Cruz has a 24-hour front desk and a gorgeous rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a continental breakfast made with nothing but local and fresh ingredients.
B the Guest Downtown
For only £49 per night, B the Guest Downtown faces the Bolhao Market and is another notable location in the historic center of Porto. Its modern style decor is further developed throughout its 10 comfortable rooms, which feature street or city rooftop views. All the suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat screen cable TV, a lovely sitting area, as well as a working desk, a fully stocked minibar and private bathrooms with locally produced toiletries.
The hotel also features its own wine bar and snack bar, and you can choose to have breakfast served in your room or at the breakfast buffet. And to further amplify your experience of Portuguese hospitality, you also have access to numerous facilities and services, including dry cleaning, laundry, ironing, groceries delivery, as well as room service, daily maid service and a safety deposit box for your precious belongings.
Beaches for January for Porto
Miramar Beach
Porto is only 2 miles away from the Atlantic Ocean, so if you fancy a walk by the beach even in winter, you can jump on a train or bus and go see the beautiful Miramar Beach. It's only 10 kilometers away from the city, and it borders a small town famous for the Chapel of Senhora Pedra, a stunning 17th century chapel situated on a rocky mound beaten by foamy waves. The views are spectacular and you'll most certainly enjoy every second spent here.
The Douro riverfront is a more comfortable option, as it borders the Ribeira district and is riddled with cool souvenir shops, cafes and terraces, fashion stores and bookshops waiting to be individually browsed and enjoyed, even in January.
Restaurants and Bars for Porto in January
Sushi Place Foz
If there's one area in which Porto will absolutely never disappoint, it's definitely the cuisine, as the city overflows with tapas bars, traditional cafes and restaurants, as well as international gastro-pubs and avant-garde venues which do not fear to experiment with flavors and tickle your taste buds. The Portuguese are, in fact, impressive masters of sushi, and the best example we could possibly think of is Sushi Place Foz, Porto's number one spot for fresh sushi and yummy bento boxes, with friendly prices ranging between £11 and £35; it's often referred to as one of Europe's top sushi bars altogether, so expect nothing but excellence.
Pedro Lemos
And if you're in search for gastronomical excellence, the Pedro Lemos is definitely a good stop - named after its patron chef, a master of Portuguese cuisine schooled and trained all over Portugal, this splendid and distinguished restaurant is one of the most desirable eateries in all of Porto, boasting a selection of phenomenal dishes, each more rooted into traditional flavors than the other, each looking to draw you in and make you fall in love with Porto's rich culinary heritage. Mind you, the menu is nothing but simplicity and good taste, but if you're a brave foodie, you can certainly embark on the rich and elaborate 8-course menu, a proper feast and genuine salute to Portugal itself.
Café au Lait
For drinks and more drinks, there is a former textile warehouse refurbished as the wonderful Café au Lait on Rua Galeria de Paris - a popular meeting place for coffee, tea and snacks during the day, this place turns into a vibrant and fun bar with cool tones of jazz, blues, soul and even pop, where the people come together for a glass or two of wine, a smooth long drink and a digestive liqueur after a hearty dinner.
Dick's Bar
Dick's Bar is a wicked tribute to Dick Yeatman, one of the most notable producers of Port wine in history - this is where you want to stop if you want to sample some of the best Port wines out there, along with a fine-crafted cocktail and the lush atmosphere of a private club in the heart of the Yeatman Hotel.
Pitch
However if you plan to go out and have some fun, shake a leg and meet new people, the Pitch is where you want to be on a Saturday night! It's one of the coolest spots in town, and its rocks the club scene with fabulous DJs who thrill their crowds with nothing but the best in deep house and electro vibes; the upstairs bar areas sports a stylish '60s retro design and is perfect for a relaxed chit-chat over drinks prior to all the dancing and mad fun.
Things to Do in Porto in January
Serralves Museum
While it's not exactly the peak season in the peninsula, Porto has a grand variety of events and places to go to in January. Most notably an artistic and cultural center, the city boasts a variety of museums and venues to visit any day of the year, including the magnificent Serralves Museum, a set of two buildings which are as much a work of art as the exhibits they hold inside. This marvelous example of contemporary art holds an impressive art collection and is surrounded by an absolutely stunning park, perfect for long walks and a panoramic view of the museum itself.
Church of Sao Francisco
Porto is well known for its extravagant churches and cathedrals - the best example is the Church of Sao Francisco, which features one of Europe's most lavish and luxurious interior, completely covered in gold and overflowing with gothic archways, splendid religious sculptures and memorable scents of wax and incense. For another immersion into extravagant design, make sure you see and take plenty of pictures of the Dom Luis Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, before the Eiffel Tour rose in the heart of Paris.
Bolhao Market
And don't forget to shop around the Bolhao Market, Porto's top activity during the weekends, for both locals and tourists - a Mecca of fresh produce and artisanal delights. You should also shop at the fabulous Lello & Irmao Bookshop, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece complete with a grand staircase and stunning stained glass features - not to mention its impressive collection of books and photo albums; if you want to bring home pages of Portugal's fascinating history, culture and art, this is where you will find the best excerpts.
