Portugal Travel Weather

April - May

The warm and cheerful spring months are a very good time to visit Portugal, especially for those who do not like the heat. The daily temperature fluctuates around 20°C, and the transient rainfall that occurs is not frequent. Sunny days encourage visitors to explore all regions of Portugal. Rising water and air temperatures gradually allow lounging on the beaches and swimming.

The south of Portugal and Madeira and the Azores are the warmest during this period. In late April and early May, you can take part in the "Festival of Flowers" one of the largest festivals celebrated in Madeira.

June - September

Peak tourist season in Portugal. Warm and sunny days provide ideal conditions to visit and see everything the country has to offer. Air temperatures are hovering between 26°C and 30°C, and the beach and sea bathing season is underway. This is the ideal time to organize trekking and climbing in the higher parts of the mountains.

The Algarve region is haunted by hot and dry winds from the Sahara, which bring with them hot days. The sun shines about 10 hours a day, and rainfall is very rare. In the central and northern regions, where rain is relatively likely, it can be unbearably hot - around 40°C. Visiting cities in such conditions is often very difficult and should be reserved for the morning or afternoon hours, when the sun is not so intense.

Summer is the most popular time and peak season also in the Azores archipelago and Madeira. Warm and sunny days encourage you to relax on the beaches and enjoy the ocean, which is at its warmest during these months.

October - November

The autumn months are a good time to visit Portugal. Gradually the beach season fades, the first rains begin to fall. It is a good time for trekking and active recreation, as there is no heat and temperatures between 20°C - 25°C are not tiring. Nature is awakening to life, the plants that were dried up and scorched by the summer sun are turning green, flowers are blooming, butterflies are appearing. You can still count on 6-8 hours of sunshine a day. However, the humidity begins to rise, reaching close to 80%, which intensifies the feeling of coldness in the evening and at night.

December - March

The coldest and rainiest months of the year. Despite the increased rainfall, most areas can count on 5-6 hours of sunshine per day. Temperatures are generally mild (around 10°C - 20°C) except in the northern areas and mountainous areas (Serra da Estrela, Serra do Gerês and Serra de Montesinho), where it is generally cooler. Frosts and snowfall can occur here, and the ski season is underway, with resorts besieged by winter sports enthusiasts.

The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is around 14°C - 15°C, so it is unlikely to be a suitable time for those who want to take sea baths and beach on the coasts. Increased rains in the form of heavy downpours may occur throughout the country, especially in southern Portugal (around Lisbon, Algarve).

Madeira and the Azores are also rainy and windy, but there is no shortage of sunshine either, here due to higher humidity (about 65-70%) the perceptible temperature is higher. Days are warm and mostly cheerful, and precipitation is not so troublesome, as it usually occurs in the late afternoons and evenings. Without too much trouble, treks can be organized and nature can be enjoyed (oranges ripening, almond trees in bloom) and the greening St. Lawrence peninsula of Madeira.