Things to Do in Cascais in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Cascais
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Empty beaches and attractions - November sits between summer crowds and Christmas holiday rush, meaning you'll have Guincho Beach and Boca do Inferno practically to yourself on weekdays. Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak summer.
- Perfect hiking weather - temperatures between 12-18°C (53-65°F) make the Sintra-Cascais trail actually enjoyable instead of the sweaty ordeal it becomes in July. The cooler mornings are ideal for tackling the 16 km (10 mile) coastal route.
- Storm-watching season begins - Atlantic swells start building in November, bringing dramatic waves to Guincho that attract surfers and photographers. The coastline transforms into something genuinely wild, especially during the afternoon when winds pick up.
- Lisbon proximity without summer chaos - you're 30 minutes by train from Lisbon, but November means you avoid the cruise ship crowds that overwhelm the capital in warmer months. Day trips to the city are actually pleasant rather than a sweaty shuffle through tourist bottlenecks.
Considerations
- Ocean swimming becomes questionable - water temperatures drop to around 16-17°C (61-63°F) by November, which is wetsuit territory for most people. If you're planning a beach vacation centered on swimming, this isn't your month.
- Unpredictable rain without the rainfall - those 10 rainy days listed in the data are misleading. November brings variable Atlantic weather systems that can shift from sunny to drizzly within an hour. You won't get soaked, but you'll definitely need layers and a light rain jacket handy.
- Some seasonal businesses close - several beachfront restaurants and rental shops operate on summer schedules, closing weekdays or entirely until Easter. The town doesn't shut down, but your dining options shrink, particularly along the marina after 9pm on weeknights.
Best Activities in November
Sintra day trips and palace exploration
November is actually the secret best month for Sintra. The 12-18°C (53-65°F) temperatures mean you can climb up to Pena Palace without arriving drenched in sweat, and the morning fog that rolls through the mountains creates genuinely atmospheric photos instead of the harsh summer light. The 10 km (6.2 miles) of hiking trails between palaces are manageable, and most importantly, you'll avoid the summer queues that can add 90 minutes to your palace visits. The occasional rain showers tend to hit afternoon, so start early.
Coastal cycling along the Atlantic route
The dedicated bike path from Cascais to Guincho Beach covers 9 km (5.6 miles) of stunning coastline, and November weather makes this ride actually comfortable. Summer brings 30°C+ (86°F+) heat that turns this into an endurance test, but November's cooler temperatures and lower humidity mean you can ride at a leisurely pace without feeling like you're melting. The Atlantic winds pick up in afternoon, so ride mornings for calmer conditions. The path is completely flat and paved, suitable for basic rental bikes.
Surfing lessons at Guincho Beach
November marks the beginning of proper Atlantic swell season, bringing consistent waves to Guincho that are perfect for learning. The beach faces northwest and catches every swell, with November typically delivering 1-2 meter (3-6 foot) waves that are challenging but manageable for beginners. Water temperature requires a 4/3mm wetsuit, which all schools provide. The key advantage over summer is fewer crowds in the lineup and more patient instructors who aren't rushed with back-to-back groups.
Lisbon food market and neighborhood tours
The 30-minute train connection to Lisbon makes day trips easy, and November weather is ideal for walking Lisbon's seven hills without the summer heat exhaustion. Food-focused tours through neighborhoods like Alfama or markets like Time Out Market are particularly good in November because you're tasting heavy Portuguese comfort food - bacalhau, cozido, pasteis de nata - that actually makes sense in cooler weather rather than feeling oppressively heavy. The lower tourist numbers mean better access to small tascas and less crowded market stalls.
Wine tasting in Colares region
The tiny Colares wine region sits 15 km (9.3 miles) from Cascais and produces wines from ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines growing in sand dunes. November is harvest-plus-one-month, meaning you're tasting last year's wines that have had time to settle while watching this year's fermentation happen. The cool November weather makes the drive through Sintra mountains pleasant, and the small family quintas are far less busy than summer. This is genuinely rare wine that doesn't export widely.
Coastal hiking and cliff walks
The Cascais-Guincho coastal trail and the more challenging Cabo da Roca route become genuinely enjoyable in November after being borderline dangerous in summer heat. The 16 km (10 mile) full coastal route takes 4-5 hours and passes dramatic cliff formations, secluded beaches, and ends at Europe's westernmost point. November's 12-18°C (53-65°F) temperatures are perfect for sustained walking, and the occasional rain showers are brief enough to wait out. The Atlantic views are actually more dramatic with November's variable weather and bigger swells.
November Events & Festivals
Dia de Sao Martinho
November 11th marks Saint Martin's Day, when Portuguese tradition calls for roasting chestnuts and drinking the year's first new wine. In Cascais, you'll find street vendors selling chestnuts roasted over charcoal braziers throughout the historic center, and local restaurants offer special menus featuring roasted meats and seasonal dishes. It's not a major tourist event but rather a local tradition worth experiencing if your dates align. The saying goes that Saint Martin brings a few days of summer-like weather in early November, though obviously weather doesn't actually cooperate on command.