Things to Do in Cascais in November

November Weather in Cascais

18°C (65°F) High Temp

12°C (53°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing with hotel rates 30-40% lower than summer peaks - ideal booking window for value seekers
Perfect hiking weather with comfortable 18°C (65°F) highs for exploring Sintra's palaces without summer's crushing heat
Dramatic Atlantic storm watching from Cabo da Roca - November brings spectacular wave displays locals call 'mar bravo'
Lisbon day trips are optimal with clear, crisp air offering stunning views from São Jorge Castle and trams running smoothly without summer tourist gridlock

Considerations

Beach activities are largely off-limits with 12°C (53°F) morning temperatures and choppy Atlantic conditions making swimming uncomfortable
Evening dining requires layers as temperatures drop 6°C (11°F) after sunset, limiting outdoor terrace experiences
Unpredictable rain on 10 days means indoor backup plans essential - many coastal walks become muddy and treacherous

Best Activities in November

Sintra Palace and Gardens Tours

November's mild 18°C (65°F) afternoons make Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira exploration comfortable without summer's 35°C+ heat. Gardens show autumn colors and morning mist creates mystical photography conditions. Tourist numbers drop 60% from summer peaks.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for best availability. Tours typically cost €45-75 per person. Look for small group options (8-12 people) that include transport from Cascais train station. See current tour options in booking section below.

Coastal Cliff Walking Routes

Cool, stable weather perfect for the dramatic 6 km (3.7 mile) Cascais to Guincho coastal path. November's reduced UV (index 8) and comfortable temperatures eliminate summer's heat exhaustion risk. Atlantic storm watching from clifftops is spectacular.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring good footwear and rain layers. Guided geology walks cost €25-40 per person. Start early morning (9am) to avoid afternoon rain probability. Check weather apps for storm intensity before cliff walks.

Lisbon Food and Market Tours

November brings peak season for traditional Portuguese comfort foods - perfect timing for bifana, caldo verde, and roasted chestnuts from street vendors. Cool weather makes walking food tours comfortable, and indoor markets like Mercado da Ribeira are ideal rain-day options.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead, typically €55-85 per person for 3-4 hour tours including 6-8 tastings. Look for tours that include indoor backup venues for rainy days. Morning tours (10am start) avoid afternoon rain windows.

Porto Wine Cellar Experiences

November's cooler weather makes the 45-minute train journey to Porto more comfortable, and wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia provide perfect rainy day activities. Harvest season has ended, making this ideal timing for aged port tastings without summer tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost €120-180 including transport and 2-3 cellar visits. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekend availability. Look for tours that include indoor cultural sites as weather backups. See current options in booking section below.

Óbidos Medieval Village Tours

November's atmospheric weather enhances this walled medieval town's charm. Cool temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) wall walk comfortable, and this is ginja season - the traditional cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups that locals prepare for winter.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours from Cascais cost €65-95 per person. Book through operators offering indoor castle access for weather flexibility. Morning departures (9am) recommended to maximize daylight hours in November's shorter days.

Estoril Casino and Cultural Experiences

November evening entertainment becomes essential as daylight ends by 5:30pm. Europe's largest casino offers indoor glamour, while nearby cultural venues host classical concerts and exhibitions. Perfect for sophisticated evening plans when outdoor dining isn't comfortable.

Booking Tip: Casino entry is free, budget €50-100 for gaming. Cultural events typically €15-35 per ticket. Book concert tickets 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend performances. Smart casual dress code required - bring a blazer for November evening temperatures.

November Events & Festivals

November 11th

São Martinho Festival (St. Martin's Day)

Traditional Portuguese celebration featuring roasted chestnuts, jeropiga (grape must wine), and the saying 'No dia de São Martinho vai à adega e prova o vinho.' Local restaurants serve special menus with seasonal game dishes and new wine tastings.

Late November

Cascais Christmas Market Setup

Late November sees installation of Christmas decorations and market stalls in Cascais town center. Local artisans begin selling handmade crafts, and traditional Portuguese Christmas pastries like bolo rei ingredients appear in local bakeries.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for wet cobblestones and coastal paths that become slippery after November's 10 rainy days

Packable down jacket - temperature drops 6°C (11°F) after sunset, making evening activities uncomfortable without insulation

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflective Atlantic water and pale winter skin creates high burn risk

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes with sudden onset

Merino wool base layers - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, while merino regulates temperature in variable conditions

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Lisbon's limestone pavements become treacherous when wet from morning dew

Portable umbrella - compact enough for day bags but sturdy enough for Atlantic coastal winds up to 25 km/h (15 mph)

Warm hat and gloves - morning temperatures of 12°C (53°F) require accessories for early train journeys and cliff walks

Layering pieces - variable conditions mean you'll dress for 12°C (53°F) mornings and 18°C (65°F) afternoons daily

Waterproof day pack - protects electronics and documents during unexpected rain while exploring outdoor sites

Insider Knowledge

Take the 9:14am train to Sintra - locals know this timing avoids tour group crowds that arrive on later trains, giving you 90 minutes of peaceful palace exploration

November is mushroom season in Portuguese forests - local restaurants serve seasonal dishes with wild mushrooms that aren't available other months, especially at family-run tascas

Book accommodation by October 15th for November stays - many hotels close for maintenance from December-February, creating artificial scarcity in November

Use the Cascais municipal bike system in November - summer's 35°C+ heat makes cycling miserable, but November's temperatures are perfect for the 8 km (5 mile) coastal bike path network

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes thinking Portugal is always warm - November mornings at 12°C (53°F) require proper layers and waterproof outerwear

Planning beach days without checking surf conditions - November Atlantic swells reach 3-4 meters (10-13 feet), making swimming dangerous even for experienced swimmers

Booking outdoor restaurants for dinner without indoor backup - evening temperatures drop rapidly after 6pm, making al fresco dining uncomfortable without heaters