Spring and early summer (April to June) are the best months — the Minho valley is lush green, the weather is warm without being oppressively hot, and the vineyards are in full growth. The Alvarinho harvest typically happens in September, a good time to see the vineyards in action.
Summers can be hot but the proximity to the mountains keeps Melgaço slightly cooler than the coast. The Friday market is year-round. Winter is mild by northern European standards but wet — the Minho is the rainiest region of Portugal.