When is the best time to go to Portugal: high season for a beach vacation, low season to save on accommodation, off-season for hiking.
High season is the best time for beaches (June to August)
In summer, the ocean water on the coast of Portugal has the highest temperature. This is especially true in the southern part – the beaches of the Algarve. Water temperature and crowds peak in July and August at +22-23 degrees. So plan to enjoy your vacation on beautiful beaches, but in the company of many other sun lovers. On the beaches of Lisbon and Porto, the water in the ocean is lower, reaching a maximum of +20 degrees. Usually lower due to currents. But you can also sunbathe and swim here.
Wherever you go, expect higher prices, as housing prices typically increase by 30% or more during the summer high season. But the good news is that there are a lot of beaches, both small and large. Therefore, there will be enough space for everyone – just figure out the Algarve resorts in advance, choose the one you like, and also choose the one where there are not so many people.
I advise you to read: Algarve – the best beaches in Portugal
June
Early summer is one of the busiest months to visit Portugal. Warm, sunny days are the norm, and although tourism is picking up, the hordes of vacationers have not yet arrived (especially in the first half of June).
July
The summer heat is coming, filling the Algarve resorts with sun lovers. Lisbon and Porto are also crowded, and prices rise sharply in July and August. To spice up your beach vacation, dine al fresco at restaurants with sea-view terraces, check out open-air concerts and movie screenings, and search for treasures at street markets.
August
The mercury rises sharply in August, and hot days are best spent in the shade. Or in the water, choosing surfing, scuba diving, SUP adventures. This is the busiest tourist month in Portugal, so booking hotels in advance is very important. It is better to do this in the spring, six months before the trip.
Low season – cheaper places to stay
If you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the lowest accommodation prices in Portugal, plan your trip for the low season. Many museums and other attractions have reduced opening hours, although you can still find things to do in nature and in big cities.
If you visit in winter, you will need to prepare for changing weather conditions – rain or fog in Porto and the north, as well as low temperatures in the mountains. In the south, however, there is plenty of sun, so it’s a great time for to walk along the cliffs in the Algarve . The water in the ocean is cold, but the biggest waves that come in winter (especially in December) attract not only surfers but also tourists. Nazareth is the main city for pro surfers because it has the biggest waves in the world. There are also very large beaches where you can watch pink sunsets in winter.
I advise you to read it: Nazare – the biggest waves and beaches in Portugal
November
Walking along the coast, you will see magnificent sea views. But you will need to bring a light jacket for cooler days and nights, or if it rains suddenly. In the north, it gets even colder and wetter.
December
Long nights and chilly days can’t dampen the Christmas spirit with festive markets, roasted chestnuts and colorfully decorated squares. Days are mostly pleasant in the south, but quite cool at night. While at night there are cold, rainy days and nights – it rains here much more often
January
January is a quiet month to visit Portugal. I was here at the end of January, and even in Porto it was 20 degrees during the day. But the weather can be mixed and cool. Be sure to buy warm pajamas and socks – it will be cold to sleep in a hotel or apartment without them.
February
February is one of the quietest months in Portugal. At this time, there are fewer foreign visitors here. This means that you don’t have to book your accommodation a month in advance. But be sure to check the dates of the carnival – there may be more tourists in Lisbon on these days. But the carnival is worth it! In the north, it rains, but if you go to the mountains, you can even go skiing in the mountains – in the only ski resort in Portugal, Torres.
March
March days are rainy and cool in the interior and north of Portugal. Although there is enough sun in the south. Prices and the number of visitors remain low.
Off-season is the best time for outdoor travel (April, May, September and October)
During the off-season, Portugal has mild, often sunny days that are ideal for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. It’s a great time to see the best of Portugal’s natural wonders without the big crowds.
April
Spring comes in full bloom, bringing warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in both the north and south. In April, wildflowers bloom in the south. On Portuguese Liberation Day (April 25), you can see parades and fireworks in some cities.
Be careful: Major religious holidays, such as Easter, are also high season, as Europe has long weekends on these days and many Europeans travel to Portugal.
May
Wonderful sunny weather makes May the perfect time to travel in Portugal. Especially if you’re heading out on a long trail like Via Algarviana or Rota Vicentina. Crowds begin to arrive in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, although it’s still quite quiet compared to the summer high season.
September
The peak tourist season officially lasts until mid-September, when the warm weather guarantees sunny days and warm sea. At this time, the beaches remain full. In the second half of September, the water in the ocean cools down a bit, and prices drop as the crowds dissipate by the end of September.
October
Autumn can be a magical time to visit Portugal – especially to watch the leaves change in the north. The best place to do this is the Douro River Valley, with its vineyards that turn red and red when the grapes are harvested.
As in the spring, the beaches are much quieter and quite inviting – especially from mid-September to late October, although the ocean temperature can be invigorating. October is also a great month for bird watching, as many species pass through on their way to Africa during the annual fall migration.
Useful articles and links:
- Cascais – a beach resort near Lisbon
- Sintra – a great guide to the city and beaches
- Beaches near Lisbon – where to relax, walk and play sports
- Top 20 places to see in Lisbon
Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
