Portugal through the seasons
From beautiful natural scenery ranging from granite cliffs, rolling hills and beautiful beaches to ancient stone carvings, serene vineyards, magnificent ruins, spiritual cathedrals and rustic, wholesome food, Portugal beckons travelers with a wealth of options!
The countryside is painted in the colors of springtime flowers from March to May, while September and October are perfect for vineyard visits and wine tasting. The summer months can get hot and crowded, while winters can get chilly and grey, especially in the north.
The best time to visit Portugal is during spring and early summer (April-May) and fall (September-October). Temperatures are pleasant and range from 55°F to 71°F (12°C to 22°C) in spring and from 59°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) in September and October. While there will be the occasional bout of rainfall, it is often not enough to throw your plans into disarray.
Best Time To Visit
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- Soak in the thermal pools of Furnas without the summer crowds
- Admire the Gothic style architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Lisbon
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- Brace yourself for a wildly good time at the Carnaval in Lisbon
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- Set off on a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon and discover a fairytale town with royal palaces and lavish villas
- Head to one of Lisbon’s miradouros or viewpoints for unobstructed views of this stunning city
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- Hike one of Algarve’s many coastal routes for some stunning views of the region’s sandstone cliffs and caves
- Explore the monuments of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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- Explore Alfama’s cobblestone streets and hidden cafes, a quaint neighborhood in Lisbon
- The intricate baroque craftsmanship of Igreja de São Francisco, Porto’s most famous church, has to be seen to be believed
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- Hike, sail, and go on whale-watching expeditions at the Azores Islands
- Join the celebrations at the São João Festival in Porto, which includes some friendly head pounding with a plastic hammer
- Savor the flavors of grilled sardines at the Santo Antonio Festival in Lisbon.
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- Head out to Galerias de Paris, Porto’s party street, for a night of food and fun
- Hop on an exciting Toboggan ride in Funchal
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- Take a stroll down the Foz do Douro seafront promenade in Porto for unforgettable sunsets.
- Picture perfect beaches, adrenaline-pumping water activities, and a vibrant nightlife await you at Lagos.
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- Lose yourself in a maze of streets and stairs at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ribeira District in Porto
- Explore the untouched beaches and laid back charm of Alentejo
- Catch spellbinding sunsets at Cabo de São Vicente in Algarve
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- Go on a gastronomic tour in Porto
- Portugal’s wine country, Douro Valley, beckons with its breathtaking scenery and exquisite wine tastings
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- Be moved by a powerful Fado musical performance at Lisbon.
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- Huddle up at one of Lisbon’s many atmospheric wine bars
- Welcome the New Year with the biggest firework show in the world at Madeira Island
Seasons in Portugal
Summer in Portugal runs from June to August with day time temperatures in the range of 75ºF – 84ºF . The beaches are the warmest during this time of the year, and the coastal towns are packed. This is peak tourist season in Portugal.
Fall season starts towards the end of September and runs through November. Pleasant weather conditions stay through most of September and October. Beach resorts stay open however the crowds are significantly less at this time. The northern parts of the country experience some rain during this time. Temperatures move to the mid-60s by the end of November.
Winter sets in December and brings in cold temperatures and rain, particularly in the North. In the coastal cities of Algarve, expect temperatures between 50 – 60 ºF from January to March.
As Spring rolls in by March, temperatures inch up from the upper 50s to the mid-60s. By the end of May, temperatures are in the 70s, along with dry weather and clear skies, providing perfect conditions for sightseeing.
Best Time for Sightseeing
The best places to visit in Portugal can be be enjoyed to the fullest if you visit them at the ideal time recommended by our experts.
If the cities are what you want to explore, then the period from March-June and September and October are the best months to visit Portugal. With schools closed for vacation, July and August are the most popular months to visit Portugal. If the perfect seaside vacation is what you are looking for, then head to Portugal’s many popular beach towns between July – September when the waters are at the warmest. While the island of Madeira in Portugal is a year-round destination, the Azores islands are perfect during spring and fall when temperatures are pleasant with fewer crowds. The Douro Valley is at its most beautiful during spring (April to June) and fall season (September to November).
What to Pack
The dress code in Portugal is smart casuals. Lightweight cottons and linens will keep you comfortable if you are visiting Portugal during its sweltering summers. Of course, if you are heading to any of the beach towns during summer, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are a must. With plenty of attractions to visit, any trip to Portugal involves a lot of walking. So, plan on packing a pair of comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals. Nighttime lows during spring and autumn can be chilly, so it’s wise to bring along a light jacket, sweater, scarf or cardigan. Also, pack an umbrella or rain jacket for those sudden downpours.
While those coming from colder climes might not find Portugal’s winter cold, weather conditions can get quite chilly due to rain. Pack a leather or denim jacket for those cold days though you might want to pack a winter jacket if you are visiting central or northern parts of the country.
Discover Portugal with tailor-made itineraries and advice from our travel experts!
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Best Places To Visit
Travel Guide
From which currency to use when you visit Portugal to health information, tipping guides, getting around in the country and visas required, our Portugal travel guide is packed full of useful information to help you prepare for your luxury tour.
Things To Do
Portugal may be small in size but it is packed full of exciting things to do and see, from the castle of Sintra to the Azores, Lisbon’s street art and the Douro River Valley. Choose your favorites from our list of top ten!
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