The Best Time To Visit Portugal
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Portugal, one of the most popular seasons is summer, when temperatures are at their highest. A popular time is during the spring, when the flora is in bloom and the temperatures are starting to rise again after the cooler winter months. Another popular time is during autumn, when many of the summer crowds have returned home. Winters are cool and quiet, but can be a great time to explore inland Portugal without the crowds.
Summer (June – August)
Portugal is famous for its beaches, and the summer time is undeniably the best time to visit Portugal if you are a sunseeker. During this time, you’ll find that the beaches are very busy with tourists, as are the local and regional attractions. Temperatures in inland cities soar, so many locals also head to the coast where the weather is cooler. Expect long days with plenty of sunshine and heat, as the mercury rises to daily highs of 23ºC in June, reaching 30ºC and above by August. Highs of even 35ºC have been recorded back in 2013. Evenings are mild and balmy, and remain in the twenties temperature-wise, making it an ideal time for eating dinner alfresco on the terrace of your
Villa Eve. Between the 23rd-24th June every year, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated across Portugal, and particularly in Porto. Expect fireworks, concerts, dancing and intriguing traditions.
Spring (March – May)
As Portugal comes to life in the spring, the numbers of visitors begin to rise. Between March and May, the average daily temperatures range between 20-22ºC, making spring one of the best times to go to Portugal for getting out and about sightseeing, to play golf, go horse riding, or surfing. It is also a perfect time of year to explore the various hiking and walking trails on offer. The evenings are however still cool and can dip to 13ºC, so bring a light coat if you plan on staying out after the sun goes down. Sea temperatures range from 16-17ºC. If you’re more of a pool than sea swimmer, you can always take a dip in the luxury heated pool of your Villa Vilenia Anemelia. Expect rainfall to decrease as May arrives, with only 20mm expected for the month. The 25th of April is Portugal’s Freedom Day, which celebrates the end of Portugal’s 50-year dictatorship, with plenty of concerts and parades held nationally.
Autumn (September-November)
The autumn time is undeniably one of the best times to book flights to Portugal, as the summer crowds have left, but sea and beach temperatures are still warm. If you plan on sightseeing or hiking, daily highs are more comfortable. If you are a fan of wine, it is also a great time of year to sample the year’s grape harvest and book a wine tour to discover local tipples. You’ll get average highs of 22ºC in September and October, lowering to 19ºC by November. The Algarve still sees 12 hours of sunshine a day at this time of year. Further inland, daylight on offer ranges between 6-7 hours. On the third weekend in September, following the harvest, Portugal celebrates Feiras Novas, which consists of large local fairs and markets, fireworks, brass music and dancing, especially in Ponte de Lima.
Winter (December – February)
The winter months mean fewer sunny days, but temperatures are still warmer than back home in the UK. The Algarve in particular remains sunny and warm, and makes an ideal location for a winter getaway. It is the best time of year to visit Portugal if you are in need of some winter sunshine and a quiet break. If you’re exploring inland Portugal, this can be done with ease in the winter months when cities are quieter, with fewer crowds. Expect daily temperatures of between 15-16ºC between December and February. In the Algarve, temperatures are much warmer and usually reach 20ºC thanks to the winds blowing up from Africa. Nights can however be more chilly, and range from 10ºC-15ºC, so pack a jacket and some layers in your luggage.! The 6th January is Three Kings’ Day, when Portuguese children receive gifts from the kings, rather than Santa Claus. Portugal also hosts its carnival in February, so expect plenty of music, dancing and extravagant parades in major cities and towns at this time of year.
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