Best time to visit Portugal

You can travel to Portugal throughout the year, but we think the best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn. During these seasons, temperatures throughout the country are very pleasant ranging from 18°C to 25°C. In the evening the heat of the day cools down but al fresco dining is still possible. 

During July and August it can get very hot ranging from 30°C along the coast to 46°C inland between the Algarve and Lisbon. At this time of year we like to spend the majority of time on the coast, the sea breeze and chance to cool off in the sea, making for a more pleasant experience. Travel to Portugal during the summer months is certainly still possible but be prepared for those higher temperatures, more tourists and higher prices.

Winter is a great alternative if you are looking to get away at this time of year. Although it rains regularly on the Atlantic coast in winter, the Algarve has around 300 days of sunshine a year so is a great spot for some relaxation. The temperatures stick around a pleasant 15°C, the perfect temperature for city sight-seeing. We’ve put together some handy hints about what to expect weather-wise across the different regions to help you plan where is best to travel in Portugal throughout the year and what to expect.

Northern Portugal

This area is the greenest region of Portugal with rolling valleys with vineyards, dense forests and mountains. The temperate climate ensures dry hot summers in the coastal region around Porto with an average temperature between 25°C and 29°C. In winter it can be rainy and cool (14°C), making this area so beautifully green. As you head inland it quickly becomes warmer as you move away from the coast. In July and August the temperatures often rise above 40°C, so the best travel time to the north of Portugal is Spring and Autumn.

Lisbon and surroundings

Lisbon has a mild climate with long, warm summers with temperatures sitting around 27°C in July and August. It gets very busy and hot in the city during the summer months so we advise the best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn.

The Spring months tend to sit around 10 – 18°C, with Autumn a bit warmer with temperatures between 11 and 27 °C. During the winter months, November to February, can be very wet and windy but sunny, warm days aren’t unknown during this time so our advice to pack layers, a coat and an umbrella!

The South and the Algarve

The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Due to the low humidity and an Atlantic sea breeze, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures here all year round. Temperatures, crowds and prices increase during July and August but if you like the hustle and bustle of the Algarve coast, then it is a great place to stay in July and August in terms of temperature and accessibility to the coast.

Warm summer evenings extend long into the small hours making for perfect al fresco dining. The winter months see temperatures hovering around 16°C and although not beach weather, you can enjoy mostly sunny days – perfect for exploring.

Madeira

Nicknamed ‘The Land of Eternal Spring’, Madeira is a great year round destination. The summer months stick around a pleasant 25°C with a water temperature of 23°C. In spring and autumn temperatures average 20-23°C, perfect for trekking or sightseeing and the mild winters average around 16-20°C. Sea temperatures even in winter don’t drop below 18°C, perfect for a year round dip.

As the sun sets, the temperatures maintain a pleasant level and even in the summer months you won’t find it too hot. If you travel between November-February you can expect some rain and storms on the island. May-August are the driest months. The high season in Madeira is early May, the most popular flowering season, and the school holidays.