Portugal enjoys one of the mildest climates in Europe, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year in the Algarve and gentle winters on the coast. It can be visited in any season, but the right time depends on what you want to do: art cities, beaches, hiking, surfing or popular festivals. For detailed climate data see the climate in Portugal.
The seasons in brief
- Spring (March-June): for many the ideal time. Pleasant temperatures, flowering countryside, long days and fewer tourists. In May and June you can already swim in the Algarve, though the water is cool.
- Summer (July-August): high season, the best for the beach. It is hot, especially inland (the Alentejo and the Douro valley often exceed 35-40 degrees), while on the Atlantic coast wind and ocean keep things cooler. Prices are higher and resorts crowded.
- Autumn (September-November): September is still summery, with the year's warmest sea and fewer crowds; it is harvest month in the Douro. October is ideal for cities and hiking; the first rains arrive from late October.
- Winter (December-February): mild on the coast (Lisbon often tops 14-15 degrees by day), rainier in the north and cold inland, with snow on the Serra da Estrela. It is the season of the giant waves at Nazaré and a good time for cities, Madeira and the Algarve, with low prices.
Region by region
- Lisbon and Porto: lovely all year; Porto is rainier in winter. If possible avoid August, the busiest and hottest month.
- Algarve: the sea is swimmable from June to October; in winter it is excellent for golf, walks and long stays (see beaches).
- Alentejo and Douro: spring and autumn; summer is very hot.
- North and mountains: May to October for hiking in Gerês; snow in winter on the Serra da Estrela.
- Madeira: the "island of eternal spring" is mild all year; New Year in Funchal is legendary.
- Azores: from May to September the weather is more settled and the sea calmer; hydrangeas bloom in July and August.
Festivals and events month by month
- February-March: carnival, with the satirical one at Torres Vedras and the masked caretos of Podence; almond blossom at Foz Côa.
- March-April: Holy Week, solemn in Braga; Easter at Castelo de Vide.
- May: the 13 May pilgrimage to Fátima; the Queima das Fitas student festival in Coimbra; the Festival of Crosses at Barcelos.
- June: the popular saints, with St Anthony in Lisbon (12-13 June) and St John in Porto (23-24 June), the most festive nights of the year (see Lisbon festivals).
- July: big music festivals (see Portuguese music); every four years the Festa dos Tabuleiros at Tomar.
- August: the Romaria d'Agonia at Viana do Castelo, the Viagem Medieval at Santa Maria da Feira, village festivals with returning emigrants.
- September-October: the harvest in the Douro valley; the 13 October pilgrimage to Fátima.
- November: the Horse Fair at Golegã and roast chestnuts for St Martin's Day (11 November).
- December: Christmas and New Year, with Madeira's fireworks.
Tips
For cheaper flights and accommodation, avoid July, August and long holiday weekends; April, May, June, September and October offer the best balance of weather, prices and crowds. See also suggested itineraries and getting there.