Portugal Climate

Climate of Portugal

Portugal lies in a subtropical climate zone, the formation of which is influenced by relief, sea currents and incoming air masses from the Atlantic Ocean. These factors cause the weather in the northern, central and southern parts of the country to differ somewhat.

The northern areas (including Porto) have a humid oceanic variety. Here there are moderate temperatures with slight diurnal fluctuations and heavy rainfall. Thermometers in the warmest months indicate 24°C, while in the coldest months they fluctuate between 8°C and 10°C. Frosts are generally absent, the exceptions being the Serra da Estrela, Serra do Gerês and Serra de Montesinho mountain ranges. Here, a true winter is observed with temperatures dropping below 0°C and snowfall that lingers on the slopes from November to February. The northern areas are definitely wetter and more rainy than the central and southern areas, this is associated with the influx of Polarnomoric air masses from over the North Atlantic. Precipitation ranges from about 1,000 mm to more than 2,000 mm per year.

The central part of Portugal (including Aveiro, Coimbra) is warmer and less humid than the northern areas. The summer months are hot, with temperatures oscillating between 30°C - 40°C. Lasting from November to March, winters are mild - around 5°C - 12°C.

Southern areas (including Lisbon, Algarve) influenced by sea currents are characterized by a Mediterranean variety. The summer temperature oscillates between 25°C - 30°C, there can also be hot days with temperatures above 35°C (when dry and hot air masses from West Africa arrive). In the Algarve (the southernmost area), the sun basically shines all year round. It can be a bit colder in the south of Portugal in winter (about 11°C - 15°C). Rainfall in this region is not abundant (500 mm - 600 mm per year) and occurs mainly in winter, often in the form of intense but short-lived downpours.

Water in the Atlantic under the influence of ocean currents is rather cool, its temperature reaches about 18°C - 23°C.

The Azores lie in a subtropical maritime climate zone. In summer, days are sunny and warm, but not hot - temperatures range from 23°C - 26°C. Winters are mild (about 17°C - 20°C), the only exception being high mountain areas, where it happens that thermometers indicate below 0°C. Precipitation is quite high, ranging from 700 mm to 1,600 mm. They occur in all seasons, but intensify somewhat in winter. They can also be accompanied by fog and strong winds. The water temperature in the ocean oscillates between 17°C - 25°C.

Madeira is located in the subtropical Mediterranean climate zone. During the coolest period (December to April) the temperature is around 20°C. This is a time of increased rainfall and strong winds. At altitudes above 600 meters above sea level, we may even encounter small snowfalls. The south of the island tends to be slightly warmer and drier than the northern parts. From February to June appear the so-called capacete - dense and low clouds that persist until the afternoon hours. Another weather phenomenon peculiar to Madeira is the so-called leste, a dry and hot wind from the Sahara, which brings with it heat and sand particles swirling in the air. In summer the temperature reaches 26°C, very hot days are extremely rare. The water temperature around the island varies throughout the year from 18°C to 23°C.