The climate in Porto, Portugal is classified as a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. It is strongly influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Here are some characteristics of Porto’s climate:
1. Summers (June to September): Summers in Porto are warm and dry, with average high temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). However, temperatures can occasionally reach higher values, exceeding 30°C (86°F). The city experiences a good amount of sunshine during this season.
2. Winters (December to February): Winters in Porto are mild and relatively wet, with average high temperatures ranging from 13°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F). The temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and snowfall is extremely rare. Rainfall is more frequent during this season.
3. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November): These seasons in Porto are characterized by mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. Spring is generally pleasant and gradually warms up, while autumn sees a cooling down after the summer months.
Cities with similar climates to Porto include Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.
Climate models suggest that going forward Mediterranean regions may experience increased temperatures, reduced rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall. It is likely that Porto could face warmer and drier summers in the future, potentially leading to more challenges related to water resources and increased risk of wildfires in the regions surrounding the city.