Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto

The natural history and science museum affiliated with the University of Porto, dedicated to natural history collections, scientific research and public education. Its holdings support university research and teaching while being displayed for visitors interested in biodiversity and earth sciences.

Exhibits include zoological specimens, geological and paleontological material and botanical collections used for study and outreach. Presentation emphasizes specimen-based research and the scientific context for collections rather than large interactive displays.

Collections were assembled over time by university departments for research and teaching and later made available to the public through exhibitions. The museum continues to support conservation, taxonomy and scientific publication based on its holdings.

Situated in Porto, the museum is part of the university’s facilities and serves both the academic community and the general public visiting the city.

University affiliation: Operates as part of the University of Porto and supports teaching and scientific research as well as public exhibitions.

What to See #

Zoology: Zoology collection - Contains preserved specimens used for taxonomic research and teaching, including vertebrate and invertebrate material.
Geology: Geology and paleontology displays - Houses mineral specimens and fossil material used for research and public education.

How to Get to Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto #

Located on the University of Porto campus area. Reachable by Porto’s metro (Line D/A depending on exact campus site) and local buses; consult the university’s visitor information for the museum entrance and opening times.

Tips for Visiting Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto #

Check whether temporary natural-history exhibitions are on - the museum occasionally loans specimens to larger institutions.
The museum's historical scientific instruments are worth a slow look for anyone interested in the history of science.

Best Time to Visit Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto #

Best visited during term time when staff and student guides are available; check hours around university holidays.

Winter

Dec-Feb · 8-15°C

Indoor collections are ideal in cooler months; university campuses are quieter.

Spring

Mar-May · 12-20°C

Campus life returns and the museum often schedules student-guided tours and talks.

Weather & Climate near Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto #

Climate

Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (719 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit

AugustJulySeptember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

33°

Warmest Month

3°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

8° – 14°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

103 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

9° – 16°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

86 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

10.6h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

10° – 18°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

49 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.0

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

11° – 19°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

63 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

13.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

13° – 21°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

56 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.1h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

90 Ideal

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

16° – 25°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

20 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.1

UV Index

Extreme

14.6h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 6 mm.

94 Ideal

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

18° – 27°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

6 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

14.4h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

18° – 28°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

7 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

13.5h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.

92 Ideal

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

17° – 26°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

28 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

12.3h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

14° – 22°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

77 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.1h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

11° – 18°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

106 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.0h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

9° – 15°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

118 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.4h daylight

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