Best Time to Visit Portugal
What is the best time to visit Portugal?
This guide will give you more information on when to visit Portugal. We will provide you with an overview of what to expect. After reading this article, it will be challenging to decide when to visit Portugal. Because this country has so much to offer throughout the year that there is no wrong time to come.
What is the best month to visit Portugal?
The best time to visit Portugal is from March to May or September to October. Because the weather is still warm, flight rates are cheaper, and there are fewer crowds than in summer. In those months, you might also be able to squeeze in a few beach days.
If you like to travel during the winter, buy your flight either in January or February. The flight rates are half-price!
What is the rainy season in Portugal?
November or December signals the start of Portugal’s rainy season.
The rainy season finishes in April.
Winter, from December to February, is mild on the coast, even in the northern part. Since the average temperature in January is around 9 °C (48 °F) in Porto and 11 °C (52 °F) in Lisbon.
In winter, there are periods of good weather when the Azores Anticyclone settles in the country. For example, last February 27th (2019) was 22º C in Porto! But there are also waves of bad weather, with rain and wind. The same situation that happened last November 26th (2020) was 24º C in Braga!
What month is hot in Portugal?
August is the hottest. Especially inland, such as the Douro Valley or Alentejo, temperatures can soar into the high 30ºs or even 40ºs (Celsius).
What is the best time to visit Portugal for beach breaks?
June to August (Summer months) are busy times in Portugal, with beaches, and resorts often crowded.
September and October are often the best time to go to Algarve and Alentejo as sea temperatures are still warm and beaches are less crowded.
When is the best time to visit Sintra, Portugal?
If you are planning to visit Sintra, avoid Monday! Reason: you can’t visit museums and castles on Monday in Lisbon, they are closed. But the palaces, museums, and castles are open on Monday in Sintra. Travelers prefer to visit this city. Conclusion: queues and traffic in Sintra are a nightmare!
Best time to visit Portugal for surfing in Nazare
When can I see big waves in Nazare? The Big Waves season in Nazare is between October and March (the winter season in Portugal). Waves there can reach heights of up to 70 to 100 feet on the face, at which point they weigh 1,000 tons. So, that is not for everybody! Nazare is tucked into a far corner of Europe, just two hours north of Lisbon is one of Portugal’s loveliest beach towns.
Other destinations for summer surfing in Portugal: Peniche, Ericeira, Povoa de Varzim, Figueira da Foz, Praia do Guincho, Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe, Aljezur, and Carrapateira.
How can I get to Portugal?
Read here our tips for the best way to travel to Portugal.
Where to go in Portugal?
Things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Download our free e-book online.
Things to do in Porto, Portugal
The Top Things To See and Do in Porto. Download our free e-book online.
When is the best time to visit Porto, Portugal?
Porto may not see as much sun as the south, especially in the winter. However, that doesn’t detract from this historical part of Portugal. We recommend the fall and spring seasons as the best times to visit Porto.
Things to do in Braga, Portugal
Read Essential Tips for Your First Trip to Braga, Portugal.
Best Events, Festivals, and Holidays in Portugal
Music Festival
If you like music festivals, Portugal is your destination! Here you have a resume for the next festival in Portugal.
- Nos Primavera Sound – Porto – June
- Rock in Rio Lisboa – June
- Sumol Summer Fest – Ericeira – July
- EDP Cool Jazz – Cascais – July
- Rolling Loud Portugal – Hip Hop – Praia da Rocha / Algarve – July
- Nos Alive – Oeiras – July
- RFM Somnii – Figueira da Foz – July
- Super Bock Super Rock – Meco – July
- Meo Marés Vivas – Vila Nova de Gaia – July
- Neopop Festival – Eletronic Music – Viana do Castelo – August
- Vodafone Paredes de Coura – August
- Meo Sudoeste – Zambujeira do Mar – August
- EDP Vilar de Mouros – August
- Noite Branca Braga (White Night) – September
- Music Days in Belem – Lisbon – April
- Serralves Em Festa – June – Porto
Wine & Gastronomy
- International Chocolate and Pastry Festival – Obidos
- Porto Beer Fest
- Brew! Coimbra – Beer Fest – September
- Enophilo Wine Fest – 2021 Lisbon
- Essencia do Vinho – Wine – Porto – February
- Adegga Wine Market Porto – April 2021
- Wine & Music Valley – Lamego – September (grape harvest in the Douro Valley)
- Vinho Verde Fest – Braga – July
- Adegga Wine Market Lisbon – December
- Lisbon Fish & Flavors – April
Religious
- Holy Week in Braga
- Saint Antony in Lisbon
- Saint John in Porto
- Saint John in Braga
- Obidos Vila Natal (Christmas Village)
- May 13th and October 13th – Marian Apparitions – Fatima Pilgrimage
Responsible Tourism in Portugal
Join Eco Trilha, and discover the magic in sustainable travel! Together, we will have the chance to visit and enjoy Nature. Please help us reduce the extent of climate change and mitigate many of its worst effects.
Portugal with Kids
Learn our advice for families to explore Lisbon, Porto, and beyond. See our suggestions for Best Family Vacation in Portugal!
How to plan your walking holiday in Portugal
Learn what to expect from a Hiking holiday in Portugal as well as where to stay.
Tours in Portugal Go Private
Book online and customize your vacation, adding more tour services. We confirm private tours in Portugal in 48 hours. Eco Trilha can create a private group travel experience based on pre-set itineraries or customized to its needs. Our self-guided tours are always an exclusive service for your group! See our itinerary for the best Portugal summer vacation from Lisbon to Porto.
Contact us for more information.
How to Pack for Portugal Travel? Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?
Please find all of our Portugal Travel Tips conveniently in one place.