Foz do Douro in August

May through October gives you the best weather for walking the coastal path and eating on terraces. Temperatures hover between 18-25°C, and rain stays mostly away. July and August bring crowds and higher prices. The beaches get packed with Porto families, and restaurants require reservations. But the long summer evenings are magical — sunset doesn't come until after 9 PM. April and November offer shoulder season benefits. Hotels cost 30% less, restaurants have tables available, and you still get decent weather for sightseeing. Just pack a light jacket for evening walks. Winter in Foz feels moody rather than miserable. Atlantic storms create dramatic waves against the breakwater, and the seafood restaurants serve hearty stews perfect for gray days. Many hotels offer winter rates starting in December. Avoid the first two weeks of August if possible — that's when most Portuguese take vacation, and Foz transforms from elegant neighborhood to crowded beach resort.