Best Time to Visit Portugal

Panorama von Lissabon Skyline Portugal (TTstudio / stock.adobe.com)  lizenziertes Stockfoto 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources'
On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Portugal. We created climate tables and charts for the locations of Porto und Lisbon. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.

Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Portugal for your holiday.

Climate Overview

Thermometer Symbol 5 °C to 29 °C
Waves Symbol 13 °C to 23 °C
Rainy Cloud Symbol 0.046.93 in (0 – 14 Days of Rain)
Average Annual Temperature is between 14.5 °C (Porto) and 18.7 °C (Funchal)
Show temperatures in degree

Geographical location

Portugal is a southern European country located in the west of the Iberian Peninsula. The country has about 10 million people, capital is the beautiful Lisbon.

Portugal is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, bordering Spain to the north and east. The popular archipelagos Madeira and Azores are also part of the national territory, they are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and are of volcanic origin.

The centre of Portugal is very hilly, the highest mountain reaches a height of 1993 meters. To the northwest is the densely populated Minho region with lush vegetation and to the northeast is the Trás-os-Montes region.

Portugal’s south is divided into the regions of Terras do Sado, Alentejo and Algarve. The south coast is characterised by pine forests, cliffs and sandy beaches.

Climate in Portugal

Pimp My Tram (Very Quiet)  [flickr.com]  CC BY-SA 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources' The climate in Portugal can be described as moderate maritime. In the north of the country there is a cool and humid climate, the summers here are warm and the winters rather mild and therefore quite rainy.

The north-east of Portugal is characterised by mountains, in winter it is cold and snow falls in high altitudes. Summers, on the other hand, are dry and hot.

In the south, the climate is Mediterranean, the region is hot and dry, and there are often longer periods of drought. The summer months of July and August are very hot, while the winters remain pleasantly mild.

From November to March most rainfall occurs in southern Portugal. In the Azores and Madeira it is warm and humid all year round and there are small temperature fluctuations.

Best Time to Visit Portugal: Overview

JanuaryJan
MaximumMax. 15 °C
Water max. 14 °C
FebruaryFeb
TemperaturesTemp. up to 16 °C
Water max. 14 °C
MarchMar
TemperaturesTemp. up to 18 °C
Water max. 14 °C
AprilApr
Good time to traveltime
fresh, but ideal for sightseeing
MayMay
Good time to traveltime
fresh, but ideal for sightseeing
JuneJun
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Portugal
JulyJul
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Portugal
AugustAug
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Portugal
SeptemberSep
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Portugal
OctoberOct
Good time to traveltime
fresh, but ideal for sightseeing
NovemberNov
TemperaturesTemp. up to 18 °C
Water max. 16 °C
DecemberDec
MaximumMax. 15 °C
Up to 6.93 in of rainof rain
Water max. 15 °C

When to visit Portugal?


You can travel to Portugal all year round, as there are climatically different regions. In winter, the northeastern Serra da Estrela is popular with skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts. Some regions in Portugal are also a popular destination for seaside holidays.

On the north coast, the summer months of July and August are particularly suitable for this. The more southern the destinations, the longer the period for the best time to travel in summer. In the very south of the country, the bathing season lasts until October, when the water temperature of the Atlantic rarely exceeds 20 °C.

In the Algarve it is very hot in high summer, but at the same time there is usually a light wind, so that the summer months are a good travel time for this region. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for city breaks.

Best Time to Visit the Regions

Find the best time to visit the regions (Portugal) in the following overview.

LocationBest Time to Travel
PortoJune, July, August, and September
LisbonJune, July, August, and September
FunchalMay, June, July, August, and September
HortaMay, June, July, August, and September
FaroJune, July, August, and September
São MiguelMay, June, July, August, and September
CascaisJune, July, August, and September

Climate Charts Portugal

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Show Climate Chart for    

Porto

Climate Chart Porto
Show temperatures in degree

Lisbon

Climate Chart Lisbon
Show temperatures in degree

Day Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Night Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Average Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Water Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Precipitation

Hours of Sunshine per Day

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Portugal

In the following, you will find some climate tables for Portugal, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.
Show climate table for    

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Porto (Portugal)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature14°14°16°18°20°23°25°25°24°21°17°14°
Night Temperature11°14°15°15°14°11°
Water Temperature14°13°13°14°15°16°17°18°18°17°15°14°
Precipitation (inch)6.736.654.414.413.52.090.630.872.525.165.986.93
Rainy days1413111096236101212
Hours of Sunshine45678910108654
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Porto is 14.5 °C.

For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C

Warmest month: July (19.9 °C)
Coldest month: January (9.3 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Porto is 18 °C. Comfortable bathing is possible at water temperatures of about 21 °C.

Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
July, August, September, and October

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 49.88 inch on 108 rainy days

For comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): December
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 6.93 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in Porto.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 9.9 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.7 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Lisbon (Portugal)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature15°16°18°19°22°25°27°28°26°22°18°15°
Night Temperature10°11°13°16°17°18°17°15°11°
Water Temperature14°14°14°15°16°17°18°19°19°18°16°15°
Precipitation (inch)4.334.372.722.521.540.830.20.241.023.154.494.25
Hours of Sunshine557891011119755
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Lisbon is 16.8 °C.

Warmest month: August (22.8 °C)
Coldest month: January (11.4 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Lisbon is 19 °C. Comfortable bathing is possible at water temperatures of about 21 °C.

Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
June, July, August, September, and October

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 29.65 inch

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

You cannot expect snow in any month in Lisbon.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 11.4 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 7.7 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Highlights and Attractions


As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is also one of the most popular tourist destinations. Here you will find the Oceanário de Lisboa, the Gulbenkian Museum and the Hieronymus Monastery. The nearby Ponte Vasco da Gama is a bridge over the River Tejo and at first glance it looks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The statue of Jesus Cristo Rei and the impressive monument Torre de Belém are also a must in the capital. Other places of interest in Portugal are the Convento de Cristo monastery in Tomar, the Christian place of pilgrimage Fátima and the fantastic bell tower Torros dos Clérigos in Porto. Peneda Gerês is the only national park in northern Portugal.

More information about the best things to do: Madeira | Algarve | Portugal | Azores | Lisbon

Popular Activities

More attractions

Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour | From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour | From Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour | Lisbon: Transfer to/from Portela Airport | Porto: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, River Cruise, & Port Cellar Tour | Lisbon: Oceanarium Entrance Ticket | Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport |

Current Weather and Forecast

Current Weather in Porto (Station Porto Municipality)
clear sky     clear sky, 13.9 °C
Clouds: 0 %       Wind: 10 mph O
Air Pressure: 1019 hPa       Humidity: 44 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 03:02 pm
The next days …
8th Feb 20239th Feb 202310th Feb 202311th Feb 202312th Feb 202313th Feb 2023
broken clouds7 °C to 14 °Csky is clear7 °C to 15 °Csky is clear7 °C to 14 °Csky is clear7 °C to 15 °Clight rain8 °C to 11 °Clight rain10 °C to 17 °C
7 °C to 14 °C7 °C to 15 °C7 °C to 14 °C7 °C to 15 °C8 °C to 11 °C10 °C to 17 °C
Clouds: 51 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 100 %Clouds: 96 %
No PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo Precipitation0.12 in of rain0.11 in of rain
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree

Important Regions and Cities

We have extended climate information for the following regions:

Portugal: Experiences of our Visitors

There are 9 reviews for Portugal holiday already. Average rating is 4.4 of 5 stars.
  1. Avatar Preview
    Franziska , 35 years old was there in March

    Incredible city trip in Lisbon. Pure sunshine and 12 degrees, just right for exploring the city on foot. Were even in Estoril on the beach (foot held in the cold Atlantic Ocean)….. In summer we go to the Algarve, I am curious.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  2. Avatar Preview
    Armin und Ilse , 63 years old was there in January

    My husband and I were in June – July on the Way of St. James in Porto, dreamlike beautiful city, dreamlike beautiful weather, will repeat this year.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  3. Avatar Preview
    erika, 57 years old was there in March

    Rain mix with sunshine – 14°C on average in the region Porto and Coimbra during 7 days

    Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

  4. Avatar Preview
    Hoshang, 78 years old was there in October

    pleasant temperature, no rain, sometimes strong wind from the lake, sometimes early fog on the coast.

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  5. Avatar Preview
    Nina, 38 years old was there in December

    The first week was good weather with mild 12 to 16 degrees. After that followed a rather rainy week.

    Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

  6. Avatar Preview
    Regula , 47 years old was there in October

    We had wonderful summer weather, sometimes up to 30°, and that in the middle of October! Simply a dream!

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  7. Avatar Preview
    Heinz , 47 years old was there in June

    The weather was sunny and hot. It was ideal bathing weather. The evenings were mild.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  8. Avatar Preview
    Daniel, 26 years old was there in April

    For the beginning of April best weather with temperatures above 20°C during the day, 10-12°C at night.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  9. Avatar Preview
    Helmut, 57 years old was there in June

    1 week Algarve, only sunshine, around 28°C, light breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, perfect!

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

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Surf Algarve (Tiago J. G. Fernandes)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
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Portugal in Ultra HD

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