The Best Times of Year to Visit Portugal

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The months of April, May, and September are the best times to visit Portugal for heavenly weather and a peaceful atmosphere. This is the sweet spot in the shoulder season with fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and cheaper prices.

Even if you’re aware of all the best places to visit in Portugal, that won’t matter if you don’t know the ideal time of year to visit. Portugal is a year-round destination, and each season has its own benefits, but they can all be very different. 

I’ve spent time in Portugal during the steamy height of summer and the calmer lulls of spring. It’s taught me a lot about how the seasons here dramatically impact your trip. Now, I’m here to pass on the knowledge and break down the best times of the year for visiting Portugal to help you plan your trip.

When is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?

The best months to visit Portugal are late April through May or September. The weather is radiant, it’s less busy, and prices are more affordable than in the high season of summer.

All things considered, spring is universally one of the best times to visit Portugal. But choosing a season to visit still depends on many factors. Your budget, Portuguese destinations of choice, activities you want to do in Portugal, and tolerance for crowds are all things to consider. 

Let’s break down every possible circumstance: 

When to Visit Portugal for Good Weather

Everyone wants to feel the warm embrace of the sun on their trip to Portugal.

Many folks wrongly assume it’s constant sunny skies in the country, but the best time to visit for this type of weather is May through late June. 

During this early summer season, Portugal is bright, warm, and sunny pretty much every day. It hasn’t fully blossomed into the abrasive heat of summer quite yet, though.

When to Visit Portugal for Cheap Prices

If you’re on a backpacker budget in Europe, the cheapest months to visit Portugal are January to mid-March.

The thing is that it is right in the dead of the winter season, and the weather can be unpredictable across the country. 

It rains most days and has an average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night. In northern Portugal, the weather gets even colder than in the south. Sea temperatures fluctuate too. 

This won’t be the beachy summer vacation with endless days baking in the sun. However, prices in the winter do drop dramatically.

There are many more accommodations to choose from and a less touristy vibe in general.

When to Visit Portugal for Sunny Beach Days

Planning your entire Portugal itinerary around spending lazy days at the beach? You’ll want to be in Portugal during the hot, sunny summer months from June to August.

Getting out on the remote Atlantic coast beaches during the warmest months of the year is the best way to soak up the sun.

Just be aware that the summer season is the most popular time for tourists to visit Portugal. It will be very crowded, especially around the beachy areas.

When to Visit Portugal to Avoid Crowds

Anyone hoping to experience Portugal’s top attractions without the chaos of big crowds should visit the country during the shoulder season.

There are usually less people around and lower prices if you visit Portugal during these months, right before or after peak season. In Portugal, that happens from April to early June and from September to mid-October. 

In my opinion, visiting Portugal during the transition period between seasons can work for almost any type of traveler. 

When to Visit Portugal for Surfing 

Portugal is one of the premier surfing destinations in the world. Depending on the season, it can provide the ideal environment for any skill level as well.

For surfing newbies and children, visiting between June and September is the best time for learning. Pro surfers should visit Portugal in April, May, or October for bigger waves. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re staying in the northern urban area of Porto and need a city break, consider a day trip to Costa Verde. It’s a gorgeous coastline that makes for a picturesque classroom for learning the art of surfing. 

When to Visit Portugal for Wine Culture 

Wine is available in Portugal at any time of year, but the libation is best appreciated during the harvest season in autumn. From September through November, when the grapes are being plucked and transformed into wine, there are so many unique experiences for travelers. You’ll find in-depth vineyard tours, divine tastings, and festivals to commemorate the season, such as Festa das Vindimas.

Portugal Travel Seasons

🌼 Spring (March – May)

Spring is the best season to visit Portugal, in my humble opinion. May is especially lovely because of the pleasantly warm weather conditions – it has an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Plus, the tourist crowds haven’t flooded the country yet. Prices are still deflated from the lull of winter and there are usually plenty of accommodations available.

👉 Pro Tip: Be aware that there are some holidays in Portugal around this time that can change the vibe a bit. Like Holy Week in early April. 

☀️ Summer (June – August)

June to August is one of the most popular times of year for tourists to visit the beautiful country of Portugal.

The bright, sunny summer days are constant with average temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees. It’s ideal weather for lounging on the variety of beautiful beaches in Portugal.

The downside is that Portuguese summer can get abrasively hot in the middle of the day. It’s also the peak season for tourist traffic. So, be prepared for scorching temperatures, high-season prices, and big crowds. This is especially true in major cities in Portugal like Lisbon and Porto. 

Make sure you book a central place to stay in Lisbon with air conditioning in summer, so you can head back for quick breaks from the heat!

🍂 Autumn (September – November)

The fall season in Portugal occurs from early September to late November. It’s another idyllic season to visit the country with average temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

With summer coming to a close, Portugal gets a little more affordable and less crowded. Autumn is also one of the ideal seasons for professional surfing and appreciating the grape harvest in Portugal. 

❄️ Winter (December – February)

Most people’s instincts would urge against visiting a new place during the winter months. But, December to February can be a great time to visit Portugal for certain kinds of travelers. There are fewer people around the country, and it’s the best season for saving money on a trip to Portugal. 

It does get pretty cold during the winter, but it’s more of a rainy season than a snowy one. Be prepared for wet days and bring some layers because the temperature drops at night. 

Portugal Weather and Climate

Northern Portugal

The weather in Northern Portugal is about ten degrees colder than in the southern region of the country. The farthest north cities, like Braga, stay a little chillier all year round, especially in the evenings.

Here, the average temperature hovers around 55 degrees Fahrenheit with higher levels of wind and rain. Particularly in the winter months of January and February. This region is gorgeous and temperate during the spring and summer. But be equipped for unpleasant weather in the north through the winter.  

📚 Related Reading: 60+ Things to Do in Porto

Central Portugal

Central Portugal is a little milder than its northern neighbor. Temperatures tend to stick around 70 degrees Fahrenheit for the majority of the year.

In the winter, it can get all the way down to 40 degrees and it rains about every other day. The wind is a bit less intense in this region as well. The summers are hot, but not very humid. 

Lisbon Region

Lisbon is very similar to the central region of the country in terms of weather. It’s quite hot and dry in the summer with clear skies basically every day. In the winter months, it turns a little colder with wind and rain.

The temperature in this region varies from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. 

Most of the time though, the weather conditions will still allow you to appreciate all the best things to do in Lisbon.

👉 Read Next: Best Day Trips from Lisbon

The Algarve (Southern Portugal)

The mainland’s southernmost region in Portugal, known as the Algarve, has some of the best weather in the country all year round.

This area gets less intense summers and milder temperatures than the rest of the country.  Even in the dead of Portugal’s winter season, the average temperature is still right around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Azores

In the Azores, commonly called the Hawaii of Europe, the temperatures stay dreamy from winter to summer. It’s usually between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since it’s a series of stunning tropical islands, they do get a decent amount of rainfall, with an average of 30 to 45 inches of rain per year, depending on the island. There is more rain from September to March in the Azores.

If planning a trip to the Azores, don’t miss Lea Rose’s guide to the many fun things to do on São Miguel, the region’s largest island.

Tips for Visiting Portugal

Avoid Visiting During the Summer Months 

Portugal is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe, but the summer months from June through August are the hottest and busiest time of the year. It’s also a lot more expensive since it is peak season for tourism. 

You can get the same gorgeous weather without all the crowds by visiting Portugal during the fall or spring instead. 

Get Your International Driver’s License

If you plan on driving around Portugal at any point during your trip, you’ll need to grab yourself an International Driver’s License.

You might not be asked for it, but it’s still good to have. You can easily get your IDP from AAA for $20. Just make sure you get it before you leave. 

Weather Differs Across Portugal’s Regions 

Even though Portugal is a fairly small country, the weather can vary drastically from north to south. The winter in the Douro Valley looks very different from this season in the Algarve.

Do a bit of research beforehand and make sure you’re prepared for the weather in whatever region you visit. 

Comfortable Shoes Are a Must

Portugal is a famously hilly place. You’ll be relying on your shoes a lot, so make sure your Portugal packing list includes a high-quality, comfortable pair that can handle the terrain.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of our Portugal packing list here.

Keep Up With Information About Fires

Fires are a real concern in certain parts of Portugal during the scorching summer months. In most tourist-heavy areas, you probably won’t come across a fire. Still, it’s always better to stay on top of the fire news in your region during the hotter seasons for safety. 

Get Restaurant Reservations During the High Season 

If you’re planning on visiting Portugal during the high season, you’ll want to be prepared. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is one way to save yourself a headache. 

You should also plan on making reservations ahead of time at restaurants. There are a lot of hungry tourists exploring Portugal during the high season, and it can be difficult to find a table. 

Take a City Break at a Beach or Mountain Town

The big cities in Portugal, like Lisbon and Porto, are indeed captivating and fun. But sometimes you just need a break from it all to get back in touch with nature.

Luckily, there are lots of little towns and villages with a more natural setting. Even better, they are all easily accessible from major cities by bus or train. Try visiting a few towns in the mountains or by the beach of Portugal during your trip to the country. 

Tipping Isn’t Common in Portugal But is Appreciated

Tipping isn’t the norm in Portugal. However, it’s always appreciated when you feel like you have been given exceptional service. I tend to tip in Portugal for fancy sit-down meals, deliveries, free tours, or other types of hands-on services. But you’ll get some strange looks if you tip more than 10% for anything. 

Check City Websites for Info on Upcoming Events

As a foreigner to Portugal, checking out a destination’s official website is the easiest way to be aware of everything happening during your trip. You never know what might be going on (for better or worse). So, it’s smart to give the local calendar a review. 

Sometimes, it can lead to a surprisingly fun activity. Such as the random outdoor flea market in Porto, photographed above, that I discovered on a whim.

FAQs

What month is best to go to Portugal?

May is the best month to visit Portugal. It is just after the rainy winter season and right before the peak season of summer. May provides beautiful weather and more affordable prices for cheap travel. 

However, the entire spring season is a very nice time to explore Portugal. The fall from mid-September to early November also has many of the same benefits as the spring. 

What is the hottest month in Portugal?

July is the hottest month in Portugal with an average daily high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat is especially strong during the middle of the day in July. It doesn’t cool down much until September. 

What is the cheapest month to go to Portugal? 

January is the cheapest month to visit Portugal. It’s right in the middle of the winter low season. The weather can be a little unpredictable, with many rainy days. Fewer people visit Portugal around this time, so it drives the prices way down. It can even be half the price of the high season. 

Is Portugal Crowded In June? 

Portugal starts getting very busy with the peak season in June. The summer attracts a lot of people to Portugal’s beaches. The crowds come in fast and by mid-June, most places in the country are packed with people. 

What is the best month to visit Lisbon?

The best month to visit Lisbon is September. The warm weather from summer is still lingering around the city, but the winter season and holidays aren’t even close yet. The fall season in general is a comfortable time to visit Lisbon without all the hectic crowds, too. 

How many days in Portugal are enough? 

Visitors should plan to spend at least a week in Portugal to get the full experience of one region or city. This is enough time to get a solid feel for an area, but seven days might not be long enough for certain types of travelers. There are a lot of things to do in Portugal, and it can ruin the trip to rush through it all. Even with a month in the country, many visitors are still hungry for more time. 

🖨️ Get a free, printable copy of our Portugal itinerary here!

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Thanks for reading my guide on the best time to visit Portugal. Have you decided when to visit the country yet? Let me know in the comments!

By the way, if your travels will be taking you through the rest of Europe, don’t miss our comprehensive backpacking Europe guide.