The busiest season for Douro River cruises runs from June through October. Warm and sunny summer temperatures define the months of June and July, reaching seasonal highs in August. Keep an eye out for deals in mid-July to August, when travelers might be avoiding the extreme heat of the Spanish summer. September and October have cooler autumn temperatures with nice breezes.
Douro River At a Glance:
Douro cruise season: March-November
Busy season: June-October
Best season: September-October
Shoulder season: March-May, November
Avoid: January-February
Temperature and Weather Douro Valley Portugal
There is a wide range in average temperatures in the stunning Douro Valley. Because of the high levels of humidity, the winter months are frigid, but the rest of the year is pleasant, with a reasonable probability of rain. May through October have the best months for outdoor activities during a Douro cruise. July, August, and September are the three warmest months, respectively. Mid-August is the hottest time of the year, with highs of 85.3°F (29.6°C) and lows around 59.6°F (15.3°C) rarely falling below this range.
Douro cruise season: March-November
Considered one of the most untamed rivers of Europe, the Douro, stretching from the Atlantic Coast of Portugal into the Iberian heart of Spain, enjoys a longer cruising season than most European rivers due to its relatively southern location on the continent. More months of warm weather and milder winters allow Douro River cruise operators to start in March and run cruises through late November.
In fact, though there is no official Christmas market season on the Douro River, a growing number of cruise lines are offering itineraries into Douro Valley in December as well.
The Douro Valley declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, is one of the highlights of Douro River cruises. Cruise ships visit Vega de Terron, Spain, and spend most of their time in Lisbon, Portugal. A Douro River cruise frequently visits Porto, Mateus Palace, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d'Alva, and Salamanca.
Best season: September-October
The grape harvest season is the best time to visit the Douro Valley when the region is at its most beautiful. Winery tours and port wine tastings are available year-round at riverbank vineyards, but the region really comes to life in the fall months of September and October. Look on as villagers skillfully traverse the hillside, cutting down clusters of grapes as they go, and if you're lucky, join in on a traditional Portuguese grape stomp celebration.
Shoulder season: March-May, November
If you’re hoping to snag a deal, consider traveling during the shoulder months from March-May. Right at the start of the Douro River cruising season, you can expect cooler, rainier temperatures, but for an affordable cruise on one of Europe’s up-and-coming river destinations, don’t let the rains dampen your experience!
What about high water?
Veteran river cruisers might be wary of planning a cruise in the spring months where you can get some excellent discounts. On the other hand, you run the risk of a modified itinerary because your riverboat may not be able to get under a low bridge due to the high water caused by snowmelt and rains. Fortunately, the Douro River has a very low risk of high water cruise delays and actually offers a great alternative for travelers hoping to visit Europe on a river cruise during the spring.
Avoid: January-February
You won’t find any Douro valley cruises that travel in January or February because this is the European winter and the off-season for river cruising in Europe when temperatures are cold and most tourism is at its annual low.
Need expert advice on the best time to cruise Spain and Portugal? Adventure Life Trip Planners are here to help!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.