Getting ready to visit Portugal? Want to know when the best time is to see this lovely country? Don’t look any further! This ideal guide will show you when is the best time to see all of Portugal’s sights.
Portugal is a hidden gem on the Iberian Peninsula. It has lively cities, cute villages, beautiful coastlines, and rolling farmland. Portugal has everything you could want: sunny beach days, lively cultural events, or beautiful fall foliage. It’s always nice to visit the country because of its mild Mediterranean temperature.
But when is the best time to see everything Portugal has to offer? You can answer at any time. How long you stay in Portugal depends on what you want to do there. In Portugal, there are different things to do in each season.
Portugal has a wide range of activities for all types of travelers, from exciting events to relaxing beach vacations. When you want to plan your trip, think about what makes each one special.
Best Time To Visit Portugal By Season
Spring (March To May) In Portugal
In Portugal, spring comes in March and goes through June. In Portugal, spring is the best time to go because the weather is usually mild and nice, the countryside is lush and green, and there aren’t as many people there as there are in the summer.
The average temperature in these months is between 62°F and 75°F (17°C and 24°C). At this point, the days are getting longer and the weather is starting to get warmer. This is when we can see people using the esplanades again all over Portugal.
As the almond trees bloom in the spring, it’s also a great time to visit northern towns like Porto. It’s also a good time to go sightseeing and do things outside.
Things to do and events:
Nature Walks and Hiking: The Azores are a great place to go hiking, especially in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom. Beautiful views can be found on trails like the Sete Cidades or the Faial Caldera.
Feiera das Tochas Floridas: This event takes place in São Brás de Alportel on Easter Sunday and features a unique parade through streets decorated with flower patterns.
The International Film Festival in Lisbon, which takes place in late April or early May, gives independent pictures from all over the world a chance to be seen.
The Iberian Mask Festival is held every May and has parades, dances, and art shows to honor the cultural history of Iberian masks.
Spain’s summer, from June to August
In Portugal, summer lasts from June to August. When it’s hot and dry outside, summer is a great time to go to the beach. This is a popular time to visit coastal places like the Algarve. But be ready for more people and higher prices, especially in places that a lot of tourists like to visit.
The average temperature in these months is between 64°F and 86°F (18°C and 30°C). At this point, the day gets hotter and it doesn’t rain much. The cool sea breezes along the coast are a good break from the heat and make the area nice for people who like the beach and being outside.
Things to do and events:
Beaches: The summer is the best time to travel around the country because the weather is great for water sports, hiking, biking, sunbathing, surfing, and exploring nature and trails. This is a great time to visit the Algarve and Alentejo beaches.
São João event: This event takes place in Porto on the night of June 23rd and includes street concerts, dance parties, and the traditional hitting of heads with plastic hammers.
Medieval Fair in Óbidos: This event turns the town into a medieval setting with food stands, performers dressed in medieval clothes, and traditional games.
In Portugal, fall is from September to November.
In Portugal, fall begins in September and lasts until November. Right now is a great time to go to Portugal. The weather is warmer, there are fewer people, and the scenery is beautiful in the fall. It will be easier for you to see the towns and attractions at this time.
The average temperature in these months is between 61°F and 82°F (16°C and 28°C). At this point, the day gets warmer and it rains sometimes. In some places, like the Douro Valley, the fall leaves can be very beautiful at this time of year.
Things to do and events:
Walking in nature and hiking: The cooler weather makes this the perfect time to go on activities outside. Fall is a great time to hike on the trails in the Azores, Madeira, and Gerês National Park.
São Martinho Fairs: These happen in November, mostly in Lisbon and Porto. They celebrate St. Martin’s Day with roasted chestnuts, a traditional drink called jeropiga, and água-pé.
Porto PianoFest is a yearly event that features classical piano concerts, masterclasses, and collaborations between artists from around the world.
In Portugal, winter lasts from December to February.
In Portugal, winter lasts from December to February. In Portugal, winter is not the busiest time for tourists. Even though the weather isn’t as bad as in many other European countries, it can still get cold and wet, especially in the north and center.
On the other hand, the Algarve stays pretty warm. Visit Portugal now if you want to see the real side of the country and want the streets to be less busy and the prices of hotels to be lower.
The average temperature in these months is between 46°F and 61°F (8°C and 16°C). At this point, the day gets warmer and it rains more. Even though the water is pretty cold, winter is the best time to surf because that’s when the biggest waves happen.
Things to do and events:
Winter Sports: Cross-country skiing, mountain skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, speed skating, figure skating, luge, and other winter sports are best done in the winter. Prepare your gear because winter is coming.
The Fantasporto (Oporto Foreign Film Festival) is one of the most important film festivals in Europe. It takes place in Porto and shows foreign movies, mostly fantasy movies.
The streets of cities and towns are lit up with lights, manger scenes, and Christmas markets for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Lisbon and Porto are especially fun places to celebrate.
Differences by region
Northern Portugal
Like Porto, Northern Portugal is about ten degrees cooler than Southern Portugal. They also get more rain than the south and have beautiful, lush scenery, especially in the spring and fall.
Between June and September, the average temperature in Northern Portugal is 79°F (26°C). In January and February, it is 55°F (13°C). If you plan to visit this area in the winter, you should know that the weather might not be great.
Central Portugal
Central Portugal has a balanced climate, like Lisbon. The summers are hotter, but the weather is usually nice all year. For most of the year, the normal temperature is 70°F (21°C). It blows pretty hard, and it gets really hot in the summer.
Southern Portugal
The most popular tourist spot in Portugal is the Algarve area in the south, where the weather is warmer all year. The weather is warm and dry during drummer, with a mean temperature of 79°F (26°C). With an average temperature of 60°F (16°C) in the winter, it’s a nice place to visit outside of peak season.
Months That Are The Best For A Trip To Portugal
In January
In Portugal, January is cold and rainy, with rare trade winds that cool things down. The temperature range is between 47°F and 65°F (8°C and 18°C). January is the best month to visit Portugal because it comes with the perfect mix of cooler weather and rain. It’s also a peaceful month this month, especially near the coast.
Things to do and events:
City Exploration: You can get a more real feel for Portugal’s big towns when there aren’t as many tourists around. Visit their historical places, walk through the streets, and grab a coffee in one of the local cafes.
Today, January 6, is Dia de Reis, also known as “Three Kings’ Day.” It’s the last day of the Christmas season. Parades, singing, and traditional treats like “Bolo Rei” are all fun things to do.
Angra do Heroísmo Festivities: This event in January in the Azores honors Saint Goncalo, who is the patron saint of women who can get married, with processions and traditional sweets.
Month of February
The weather in February stays cold like it did in January, but there is a clear shift toward spring as the days get longer and the air gets warmer. As winter ends, the month has a mix of warm to moderately sunny days and cloudy, dark days. It is usually between 48°F and 66°F (9°C and 19°C). France might be a great place to visit in February because there are fewer people there and the weather is getting better.
Things to do and events:
Coastal Walks: It’s still too cool to swim, but the coasts of Cascais and the Algarve are great for taking walks with beautiful views.
If you’re a skilled surfer, places like Nazaré have strong winter waves that will pump your adrenaline.
Fantasporto is a well-known film event in Porto that focuses on fantasy and sci-fi movies. It shows both mainstream and independent films.
Carnaval: Every year, people all over Portugal enjoy this holiday with parades, dances, and fancy costumes. The most traditional Carnival in Portugal is held in Torres Vedras. Other important events happen in the Algarve and Madeira.
In March
In Portugal, March is the first month of spring. The weather isn’t as bad, but you can’t be sure what will happen. Rainfall from time to time, mostly in the northern and central areas. It is usually between 52°F and 68°F (11°C and 20°C). There might not be as many people in Portugal in March, and the weather is beautiful. Also, hotels are less expensive.
Things to do and events:
Nature Walks and Hiking: The Azores are a great place to go hiking, especially in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom. Beautiful views can be found on trails like the Sete Cidades or the Faial Caldera.
Festa das Tochas Floridas in São Brás de Alportel: This Algarve town has a one-of-a-kind party on Easter Sunday, which can happen in March. The streets are lined with flowers, and people carry torches made of flowers.
In April
By April, it’s officially spring, with warmer weather and lots of sunshine in both the north and the south. An abundance of plants can be seen in the south this month, setting the stage for the coming summer. The temperature range is between 13°C and 21°C, or 56°F to 70°F. Even though summer is still a long way off, more and more people start to visit in late April, especially in popular spots like the Algarve.
Things to do and events:
Nature and Flower Tours: Take part in nature and flower tours, especially in Medeira, where the main city, Funchal, has flower tours. You can find peace in the laurel woods, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Surfing: Coast Da Caparica, which is south of Lisbon, is a great place for both new and experienced surfers.
Liberty Day, or Dia da Liberdade, is a national holiday in Portugal that honors the revolution of 1974 that ended decades of dictatorship. All over the country, ceremonies, music, and other cultural events are held to mark the day.
Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities and has a long religious past. During Easter Holy Week, which usually falls in April, the city holds solemn processions, church services, and other traditional events.
Semana do Cais Pescador: This event honors Setúbal’s marine history with traditional music, seafood food, and events with a nautical theme.
May
Longer days, the smell of flowers in bloom, and the buzz of excitement about summer are all things that people in Portugal associate with May. As the months get closer to summer, more and more people start to show up as the weather gets warmer. The temperature range is between 59°F and 76°F (15°C and 24°C). Even though it’s still summer, the number of tourists starts to slowly rise, especially in popular spots like the Algarve.
Things to do and events:
On beach excursions, you can see the western Algarve and Alentejo’s beautiful, rocky coastlines and pristine beaches.
Cycling and hiking: In May, when it’s cooler, you can go through forests, along the coast, and past luxurious settings.
Fado nas Ruas: The soulful sounds of Fado music can be heard in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where artists perform in the streets and parks, making the atmosphere magical.
The Iberian Mask International Festival in Lisbon is a one-of-a-kind event with parades, music, and dance that shows off traditional Iberian masks and outfits. People from Spain and Portugal come together to enjoy their shared cultural history.
In Coimbra, Queima das Fitas is an annual party for students that marks the end of the school year. Coimbra is especially lively in May when there are parades, music, and other fun events.
June
In Portugal, June is the official start of summer. Summer brings the warm Mediterranean sun, clear blue skies, and a contagious sense of fun. June is the best month to go to Portugal because the weather is just right for a vacation. The temperature range is between 63°F and 80°F (17°C and 27°C). At this point, there will be more people at famous spots, and the cost of lodging will begin to rise.
Things to do and events:
Things to Do at the Beach: June is a great month for water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding as well as relaxing on the beach.
Festas de Lisboa: On the night of June 12, Lisbon is lit up with celebrations for Saint Anthony. Folk music, parades, street parties, and grilled sardines are the main things going on.
São João Festival in Porto takes place on the night of June 23. This is one of the city’s biggest events. There will be dancing, fireworks, and the strange practice of hitting each other on the head with soft hammers.
Sintra Music Festival: This is a classical music event with castles and gardens that look like they belong in a fairy tale. It draws artists from all over the world.
July
Spain’s summer ends in July, which is the hottest, driest, and sunniest month of the year there. The whole country is full of life and action. In July and August, prices go through the roof in both Lisbon and Porto because of all the tourists. The temperature range is between 66°F and 83°F (19°C and 28°C).
Things to do and events:
Alfama is where Fado originated, and every year there is an event honoring this soulful music style. Performances take place in old churches, squares, and bars.
The Paredes de Coura Festival is a music event that takes place near the border with Spain. It is famous for its unique lineup and beautiful setting on the beach along the Taboúo River.
August
In Portugal, August is the hottest month of the year. Since the weather is usually at its best, the country is a popular holiday spot for people from all over the world. The country is often packed with people from all over the world when the temperatures are at their highest. Most of the time, it’s between 65°F and 83°F (18°C and 28°C).
Things to do and events:
Silves Medieval Fair: This historical event lets you step back in time with jousting events, stalls with medieval themes, and artists dressed in medieval attire.
NOS Alive in Lisbon: Go to one of the best music events in Europe. It has a great lineup of foreign artists from a wide range of musical styles.
In September
In Portugal, September is the start of the cool, calm fall season after a hot summer. As September comes around, the people start to thin out, but the weather stays nice, making it a popular month for many who want a less busy but still exciting time. The temperature range is between 62°F and 76°F (17°C and 24°C).
Things to do and events:
One of the oldest fairs in Portugal is held in Viseu. You can go to Feira de São Mateus. It lasts from August to late September and has food stands, music, and traditional games.
Festival das Vindimas in Palmela: This is a festival for the grape harvest. It has folk music, parades, wine drinking, and the crowning of the Grape Harvest Queen.
Azores Fringe Festival: This art festival takes place all over the Azores islands and features a wide range of art forms, from shows to visual arts.
In October
In Portugal, October is a beautiful time of year because it’s the end of summer and the start of fall. Summer celebrations that are full of color slowly give way to events that are more subdued and have a calmer atmosphere. It will rain more and be cloudy this month. The temperature range is between 13°C and 20°C, or 56°F to 76°F.
Things to do and events:
Autumnal Nature Trails: In this month, you can walk through forests that are colored with fall leaves and check out the romantic castles of Sintra.
The Amadora International Comics Festival is Portugal’s biggest event for comics and graphic books. It has exhibitions, workshops, and guests from all over the world.
In Vila Franca de Xira, there is a traditional fair called Feira de Outubro. It celebrates Portuguese horseback riding and bullfighting customs with food and music from the area.
Take part in the Angra do Heroísmo International Jazz Festival, which takes place in Terceira, Azores. Well-known jazz musicians from many countries come to this event.
November
In Portugal, November is the best time of the fall. The month of October is known for its warm, dry air, short days, and beautiful fall colors. The weather is warm, but it does rain sometimes. By the end of the month, it will feel a bit like winter. It is usually between 10°C and 16°C cooler than 50°F to 61°F.
Things to do and events:
Olive Harvesting: This month is the time to learn about how olive oil is made and take part in the custom of picking olives.
For the São Martinho Fair in Golegã, which is held in honor of St. Martin, there are horse shows, folk music, and the traditional drinking of “água-pé,” a light wine.
Porto PianoFest: This event brings musicians from all over the world to Porto. Modern and traditional piano music is played at the festival’s concerts and masterclasses.
On November 1, All Saints Day (Dia de Todos os Santos), families get together to remember the dead. They often go to graves to leave flowers and light candles.
December
In Portugal, December is the start of winter. Days are mild to warm, and nights are cold and damp, especially near the coast. Inland, it is warmer and dry. There were also fewer people around this month, and it was also great for snow sports. In general, it’s between 48°F and 58°F (9°C and 14°C).
Things to do and events:
Christmas concerts: All over the country, churches, and concert halls put on events with holiday music, from Fado to classical music.
The São Silvestre Race in Porto takes place on December 29. Both professional and casual runners come dressed in fun, holiday clothes.
Parties, concerts, and fireworks are held in big towns like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year.
Are You Ready to Go to Portugal?
You decide when is the best time to go to Portugal. Portugal’s beauty changes with the seasons, so there are lots of things to do there for all kinds of travelers. If you want to go to the beach, summer is the best time to go to Portugal. If you want to see places with fewer people, spring or fall is the best time to do it. Folks who like to do things in the winter should wait for winter to come around. In reality, Portugal’s beauty lasts all year, drawing tourists with its wide range of attractions.