Portugal is a country of many faces: it’s rich in history and culture and has beautiful green rolling hills, sunny beaches, and mountains. This guide to the climate and seasons in Portugal will help you choose the best time to visit while avoiding any major weather events that might impact your trip.
Climate and Weather in Portugal
Portugal is a country in the southwestern corner of Europe. It has a Mediterranean climate, and its territory includes the Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores, as well as two autonomous regions: the Azores and Madeira islands.
Portugal’s climate is mild and temperate, with a high amount of rainfall during Autumn and Spring, which produces an average temperature above 20 degrees Celsius (68 F) throughout the year. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below freezing point, while summers can be extremely hot; inland areas tend to be hotter than coastal ones because of their elevation above sea level, which also increases cloud cover due to reduced solar radiation exposure during daytime hours.
With an average annual rainfall of over 1 000 mm (39″), Portugal has one of Western Europe’s longest-growing seasons!
Average Temperatures in Portugal
The average temperature in Portugal is lower than that of the UK and France but higher than in Germany. The highest average temperature is found in the southern part of Portugal, with an average yearly high of 27°C (80°F). Conversely, the lowest average temperature is found in the northwest part of the country—otherwise known as the Lisbon region—with an average yearly low of about 10°C (50°F).
The average rainfall in Portugal is 1,000 millimeters (39.4 inches) per year. This makes it the second driest country in Western Europe.
The highest average rainfall is found in the northern part of Portugal, close to the Spanish border. Conversely, the lowest average rainfall is found in the Lisbon region, which gets about half as much rain per year as other parts of the country.
The weather in Portugal is warm, sunny, and dry year-round. There are only a few days of rain per month, but on average, it rains every day during January and February. The hottest months are July and August, with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F). The coldest months are December and January, with an average temperature of 10°C (50°F).
The Four seasons of Portugal
- Spring: March, April.
- Summer: May, June, July.
- Autumn: September and October.
- Winter: November to February.
Although the climate is generally mild all year round (the average temperature is 20ºC), winter can occasionally be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing point in places like Lisbon. On the other hand, the summer months (June and July) are hot, with average temperatures of 30ºC, while the Autumn season is often sunny and warm but can be quite wet at times as well, especially along the coastal areas where there are heavy rains between October and December.
The best time to visit Portugal is during the summer months of June and July when the weather is warm and pleasant. The average temperature in Lisbon in July is 24ºC, which makes it ideal for sightseeing as well as relaxing by the beach or swimming in the ocean. August offers similar temperatures, but it can be quite humid too.
Spring months in Portugal
Spring is the time of year when the weather starts to get warmer and flowers begin to bloom. This is also the time for trees to start growing. The spring months in Portugal are usually March, April, and May.
Spring can be a beautiful time of year for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. However, you can expect milder temperatures during this season, with occasional rain showers passing through from time to time.
Summer months in Portugal
Summer in Portugal is hot and sunny. The average temperature in June, July, and August is around 30 degrees Celsius or 86 Fahrenheit. It is warm all day but cools down at night to about 20 degrees Celsius or 68 Fahrenheit. There are many festivals and cultural events held during this time, from music concerts to fairs to sporting events such as marathons and cycling races. In addition, Portugal has plenty of beaches which are perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the sand with your friends or family.
In Portugal, the summer is a great time to visit because many festivals and cultural events are held during this time. There are also plenty of beaches which are perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the sand with your friends or family members.
Autumn months in Portugal
Portugal is a great place to visit in the fall months with its mild temperatures and dry weather. September offers both the warmth of summer and the milder temperatures of winter, making it an ideal time to get out and explore.
For those looking to experience rural life in Portugal, autumn is an ideal time to visit. Rural areas are quiet this time of year as many people have gone back to work or school after their summer vacations. However, you can still enjoy yourself in these quieter regions by participating in local events, such as wine harvesting or celebrating St. James Day (Santiago).
The autumn months are also great for visiting Portugal’s larger cities. While they may be quiet during the week, weekends are often filled with festivals and events that make them come alive. You can enjoy everything from music and dance performances to street fairs and art exhibitions in the capital city of Lisbon or Porto.
Winter months in Portugal
Winter is the season in Portugal that’s coldest. The average temperature during December and January is around 7C (44F), but it can drop as low as -3C (26F). It’s generally dry and sunny, with the sun setting around 4 pm.
The amount of rainfall varies from one year to another, but you’re likely to get about 20mm per month on average.
If you’re visiting in winter, remember that attractions are often closed or have reduced opening hours during this time of year:
- Some museums have shorter days than usual.
- Not all restaurants are open for lunch.
- Some sights close their doors at 3 or 4 pm instead of 5 pm, etcetera.
Holiday Seasons in Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. There are many reasons to visit Portugal, including the food, the weather, and the beaches. However, the best time to visit Portugal depends on what you want to do while there.
For example:
- If you are looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other during the holiday season, it may be better to plan your trip around New Year’s Eve/Day or Valentine’s Day weekend. These festivals usually draw crowds that make it hard for small businesses in Lisbon and Porto (the two largest cities) to cope with their high demand for accommodations, restaurants, and transportation services like taxis or buses at peak times such as these holidays mentioned above which means there could be long waits before getting served at restaurants which might leave those who don’t have plans yet frustrated so if this sounds familiar then maybe try visiting during the off-season when things aren’t so busy!
- If sports events are more up your alley, then maybe a summer holiday would be ideal since most international soccer matches happen then, such as World Cup qualifying matches held every July/August until October; European Championships qualifying games held every June through September; FIFA Women World Cup 2020 qualifiers being held between August 24th – September 5th, 2020 where Argentina will face Chile while Colombia battles Venezuela at Estadio Centenario de Montevideo (which holds 22000 spectators); UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers which take place between March 23rd – June 19th, 2020 where France will play Ukraine away from home but against Serbia at Stadio Partizan Stadium.
Good to know the popular holiday season times for a Portuguese holiday.
Mostly, summer is when you’ll find the beaches full of sun-seekers and holidaymakers. The winter months are quieter, but there are still plenty of things to do while visiting Portugal. If you’re looking for a more relaxed trip that isn’t too busy or crowded, try visiting during spring (March through May) or autumn (September through November).
The spring and autumn seasons are also good times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy warm weather. The beaches aren’t as crowded at this time of year, and fewer tourists are around. It’s also easier to find accommodation in Portugal during these months.
Conclusion
The Portuguese are adventurous people, and they love to explore the world. Portugal is a beautiful country, but it has many hidden treasures you can only discover if you spend some time exploring. There will always be something new for visitors to discover, whether it is food, culture, or history.