When to Visit Portugal

Portugal is a unique country—one that is an ancient mystery and a relaxed modern nation at the same time. In fact, Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest nations. A visit to Portugal will be full of brilliant architecture, bustling port towns that were the centre of world power for quite a while, affordable wine, and food. Portugal is a pretty small country, so if you plan your trip carefully, you will be able to explore all of its offerings in a brief period of time.In order to plan your Portugal trip with care, you have to know what the best time to visit Portugal is. Once you know what the weather in Portugal is like, you will be able to plan your adventures accordingly.

January might be the coldest month of the year in Portugal, but there is also a catch. Compared with the abysmal weather of northern European countries, Portugal in January is still a sunny respite. Of course, the Mediterranean’s wet winter phenomenon affects both the mainland and the islands. But if you dig deeper, you will find a few dry stretches. So, hug the sun-sprinkled southern shores of the Algarve or visit Sintra's Pena Palace minus all the maddening crowd. Catch some mammoth swells in Sagres atop your surfing board or ski down the slopes of Serra de Estrela. Make the best of the low season and create a memorable Portugal holiday experience on a soul-satisfying budget.

Portugal in February is like a temperamental lover. Sometimes it is sunny, warm, and inviting, while it is gray, cold, and foreboding at other times. However, regardless of weather conditions, you will be rewarded for your trip if you have patience and a plan. Whether you want to dance to the beats of a traditional carnival in Torres Vedras, wander in the 500-year-old cobblestone alleys of Lisbon without bumping into another tourist, or create your gastronomic trail with hearty Portuguese delicacies, a trip to Portugal in February offers a string of exciting adventures. For an unhurried traveler who likes to be one with the local vibe of a destination, there is nothing better than romancing in Portugal during the month of love.

There is a hint of spring in the air, though the vestiges of winter have still not quite lifted. This is how Portugal feels in March. Embrace the mild weather, with a few rainy days here and there, and relish the freedom of exploring renowned attractions without the bustling crowds. From Porto's riverside charm to Sintra’s natural beauty to the Algarve’s sunny beaches, a trip to Portugal in March promises a perfect balance of tranquility, cultural immersion, and natural splendor.

April is when colors compete everywhere as the blooming season begins in Portugal; the countryside bursts with greenery and wildflowers dot the landscape. Cities like Porto dazzle with their multicolored buildings under the spring sun during this time of year. If you overlook the scattered remnants of winter rains, a trip to Portugal in April is bound to be a worthwhile experience, not just because of its warmer climate but also because of the chance to partake in Holy Week festivities.

If you want to steal some summer fun even before the season begins, head to Portugal in May. Spring is in full swing with long days, receiving around 10 hours of sunshine every day, and the weather consistently dry. And though the seawater is yet to reach swimming temperatures, the land is befitting for some leisurely beach time. Weather conditions across mainland Portugal in May are perfect for sightseeing in cities like Porto, Lisbon, and Coimbra, or for hiking through the backcountry in Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês National Park. The weather across Portugal’s islands also improves significantly, with the Azores finally seeing some dry days.

June rings in summer in Portugal with warm, sunny days. Street parties pop up in Porto and Lisbon, the Atlantic coastline finally warms up to the summer sun in places like Algarve, Azores, and Madeira, and music festivals amp up the party ambiance all over the country. The country is yet to experience the heat of July and August as well as the surge of visitors, but June weather in Portugal is warm enough for unforgettable outdoor moments like hiking, sun-bathing and island-hopping. A trip to Portugal in June allows visitors to combine the weather benefits of spring with the activities and destinations of summer.

Whatever your mojo, you will find it during your trip to Portugal in July. In June, summer in Portugal kicks off with a sizzling start, ushering in the vibrant season and its sunny delights. And as the mercury rises, so does the level of fun. The North Atlantic Ocean starts heating up in July, heralding the season of swimming and watersports, while Alentejo and the Algarve beckon holidaymakers to relax on their sandy beaches.Art and culture enthusiasts can hop around gorgeous summer festivals that deal with everything from food to folk culture and from music to tall ship races. Hikers pining for peace have the option of heading for the quieter backcountry and wandering in thickly forested Peneda-Gerês, away from crowds and in the embrace of nature. Irrespective of your preferred holiday style, you will be impressed with the options available in Portugal in July.

A trip to Portugal in August is particularly enjoyable if your five P’s are sorted: a plump purse, patience, people-loving spirit, pre-planning, and pre-booking your trip. You will need these travel essentials to fight the legendary mad tourist rush of August head-on. So, if you are a seasoned traveler, now is the time to ditch the tourist trail and go off-grid. Soaring sun and absolute dry days mean it is time to hit the beach. Foray a little deep to find an equally picturesque alternative to the famous beaches of the Algarve in the calmer Southwest Alentejo or Centro region. Substitute watersports with an adventurous outing in Peneda-Gerês National Park. Its scenic waterfalls, lush forests, and fast-flowing rivers offer you the chance to canoe, raft or simply hike.

With fall settling in as September begins, the high tourist season of summer is officially over. Leaves turn color with the arrival of autumn, the sun becomes gentler and the crowd recedes. Portugal calms down and grows quieter, yet it offers all summer perks at shoulder-season rates. A trip to Portugal in September means that you can concoct the perfect country cocktail with a bit of everything thrown in. Leisurely beach days in the warm Algarve, scrumptious wine harvest in the Douro Valley, a historical exploration of Lisbon and Porto, or hiking in the northeast, in Serra da Estrela. Safe to say, there won't be any shortage of things to do on your tour of Portugal.

Cloaked in the flaming colors of fall, October is an ideal month for travelers eager to explore Portugal beyond its quintessential beaches. However, despite it being a mostly sunny month, rainfall gradually picks up, and the temperature drops as it gets closer to November. Overall, this is a great month to catch some insanely scenic landscapes. Opt for a picturesque train ride through the Douro Valley for your dose of spectacular fall foliage, or go on a hiking trip in Portugal, preferably in its only national park, Peneda-Gerês, to soak up the seasonal splendor. Lovers of watersports might want to head for Portugal in October as surfing is at its peak during this time of year.

Considered the wettest month of the year, Portugal in November unravels itself only to the most discerning traveler. The country will definitely dish out an inspirational holiday if you know where to look. You can tee off on a budget tour in Vilamoura, score some sunshine on the southern coast of Algarve, seek cultural connections in the centuries-old harvest festival of Saint Martin's Day, or castle-hop in the country's east. Armed with a flexible plan to battle sudden showers along with the right clothes and rainwear, you can bid travel woes goodbye. Throw in crowd-free and cost-controlled perks of a low and slow November, and this Portugal experience is sure to make even your bestie turn green with envy.

Gifted with a Mediterranean climate (despite not bordering the Mediterranean Sea) and 300 days of sunshine per year, Portugal pleases even the pickiest traveler. Come December, the country rustles up a festive fare of insane experiences. From Christmas market-hopping in Rossio Square in Lisbon to catching tall waves in Ericeira, from skiing down the slopes of Serra da Estrella to exploring a rustic village in Algarve, visitors looking to round off their year on a high note will find plenty to do in Portugal in December. Although the wet winter season has kicked in by this month, the weather is moderate with pleasant days and chilly nights, especially in the southern part of the country like Lisbon and Algarve. With December being a low season, expect fewer crowds and fewer prices during your trip to Portugal.

Portugal is known over the world for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. And summer offers up an unparalleled holiday experience in this country. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve region to historic sites and landmarks of Lisbon to the mountains and wilderness of Geres, there are a lot of places that you can visit in Portugal during summer. Balmy and fairly dry weather also make summer in Portugal a great time to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and swimming. Read on to find out why planning a trip to Portugal in the summer can be a great idea.

With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, Portugal in winter provides a perfect escape for those looking to discover the country’s cultural and natural splendors in a serene setting. From November to February, you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the country’s historic cities and villages, indulge in local cuisine, and wonder at the gorgeous landscapes wrapped in lush greenery. The weather conditions are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling (even surfing if you visit in the latter half of winter) along the stunning Algarve coastline. If you are taking a trip to Portugal during the peak winter months of December and January, you can even enjoy snow sports in Serra da Estrela.

The Azores region of Portugal, composed of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, has a mild climate year-round thanks to its unique position in the Gulf Stream. As one of the few sub-tropical destinations in Europe, the Azores are the perfect travel choice for both winter and summer: an escape from the cold during the European winter, a sunny destination in summer, and a quick island holiday on a trip to Portugal. However, the very best time to visit the Azores and escape the crowds is from April to June and in September. No matter when you take a trip to the Azores, listen to the locals. They like to say that, in the Azores, you can experience four seasons in a day; there’s always a place where the sun is shining on the island and one where it’s raining, so be prepared for anything!

Skip the peak season crowds, take advantage of steep discounts, and enjoy the lush landscape (with a bit of rain)—take a trip to the Azores in January! The cooler temperatures in the Azores during January are just right for hitting the hiking trails in Santa Maria and relaxing in the natural hot springs in São Miguel.

February is the perfect time to flee the winter and find refuge in the wilderness of the Azores. Despite being the coldest month of the year, the temperatures are still comfortable for hiking and experiencing all your favorite outdoor activities. Rains are less frequent than in January, giving you the chance to enjoy the green landscapes and the first flowers after the winter rains. The Azores in February is also ideal for going to the thermal baths in São Miguel, visiting the whaling museum in Pico or sipping Gorreana tea after a walk through the iconic tea plantation.

March beckons springtime in the Azores. Following the rain and chilly months of January and February, the archipelago turns lush, flowers bloom, and temperatures creep up to a pleasant 18°C (64°F) on average. Traverse the hiking trails around the islands throughout the day, go on rewarding whale-watching tours, and still enjoy hot springs in the cool evenings. A trip to the Azores in March also means tourists are yet to throng the islands so you can still enjoy discounted rates and fewer crowds.

The last spring month in the Azores, May is also one of the sunniest, second only to June and July. Days are longer, and people start to flock to the many beaches of the archipelago. As the summer season approaches, more events pop up throughout all the islands, including the largest celebration in the Azores: Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. Most tours and outdoor activities are also fully operational during May, making it a great time for all outdoor enthusiasts to travel to the Azores.

April marks the beginning of spring in the Azores, meaning warmer temperatures, less cloudy days, and wonderful lush sceneries. The winter rains of January and February leave the pastures green and colored in the first flowers of the season. Blue hydrangeas flock the fences in Flores, while the lakes of Sete Cidades see more clear and sunny days. Temperatures are mild and crowds are still sporadic, making it one of the best periods for outdoor activities and sightseeing around the archipelago.

Smack right in the middle of summer, July in the Azores sees warm temperatures well into the 20s (in Celsius), perfect time to experience all the great outdoor activities that the Azores have to offer—from hiking and diving to relaxing on the beach. It is no wonder that July is the most popular time to visit the archipelago; ferries and flights between the nine islands run regularly, businesses on all islands are open, and the entire Azores is open for exploration.

The volcanic-rich Azores is a paradise of natural splendor and homage to mother nature — and June is a prime time to travel its nine Atlantic islands! Kicking off the summer season, the sun is out (most days), the nights are balmy and the waters warm. June means serious exploring business; adventuring the archipelago’s calderas and crater lakes, fumaroles and natural springs, caves, cascades, fauna and flora, all in comfortable weather. Ocean activities are a top priority, from swimming with dolphins in Faial to learning to surf in Santa Maria.

Pristine beaches? Check. Stunning landscapes? Check. Adventure activities? Check. The Azores have everything going for it to qualify as an island paradise. So when is the best time to visit the Azores you ask? For our money, we recommend visiting the Azores in August, when the islands enjoy the warmest temperatures of the year and see the least amount of rain. From snorkeling and sunset cruises to dolphin watching excursions and island-hopping, enjoy everything the Hawaii of the Atlantic has to offer.