Best time to visit Portugal
Historic cities and dream beaches galore: travel to Portugal all year round
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The best time to visit Portugal is between April and October. During these months, temperatures range from about 70 to 79°F, and you can expect little rain. Perfect for swimming and hiking! However, the ideal travel time really depends on your personal preferences and what activities you have planned. Here, you’ll find useful information and tips to help you plan your trip.
Raphaela Wedel
Travel expert for Portugal
Updated on 08/25/2025
When is the best time to travel to Portugal?
Picturesque coastal towns such as Faro, cultural highlights such as Porto, beautiful beaches in the Algarve or hiking in Madeira - there is plenty to experience on a trip to Portugal all year round.
The climate in Portugal is temperate maritime, but there are regional differences that also influence the respective travel time. The further south you travel, the drier and warmer it gets. This means that the bathing season is also longer in the south. In Madeira, the thermometer rarely dips below 20 degrees all year round. Nevertheless, rainfall is always to be expected, especially in winter and in the north. But that's what makes the island so beautifully green! While Madeira is a year-round destination, the best time of year on the mainland is between April and October. July and August are the best months for swimming on the north coast. Those on a city trip can expect pleasant temperatures in spring and fall.
Recommended travel time: April - October.
Activities: Depending on the activity, the best time to travel may vary. While many activities can be carried out during the recommended travel time, spring and fall are particularly recommended for activities such as hiking and golf to avoid the summer heat.
Important public holidays: Freedom Day (April 25), Portugal Day (June 10), Republic Day (October 5)
Please note: When traveling to Portugal, you should be aware of the different climates: Atlantic climate on the mainland, temperate on the Azores and subtropical on Madeira. Watch out for extreme weather changes and storms in the fall and winter, especially on the coast.
Climate table for Portugal
| Climate Table for Portugal | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Temperatures in °F | 63 | 64 | 66 |
The table shows average values based on the climate data for Lisbon, the Algarve, Madeira and Porto.
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Although Portugal has its peak season in the warmer months, the country can be visited all year round. While Madeira has spring-like temperatures at all times, the seasons are more pronounced in the rest of the country. Spring in the north is still quite damp and cool, while in the south it is already warmer and slowly becoming dry. The best time to go hiking! Summer is very hot, especially in the south, making it the ideal time for a beach vacation.
Portugal in Spring
Spring draws nature lovers, active tourists, and culture buffs to Portugal from March to May. With temperatures reaching up to 77°F, it's a fantastic time for hiking - whether you're exploring the fishing trails in the Algarve, the countryside of the Alentejo, or the mountains of Madeira. Visitors to Madeira and the Azores can especially revel in a stunning sea of flowers now. It's also a great time for city trips. In Lisbon, in particular, you can enjoy plenty of spring sunshine with a bica on the terrace.
Portugal in Summer
Thinking about Portugal in the summer? It's all about beach vacations! While the south, especially the Algarve, can get pretty hot and crowded during the peak vacation season, the north offers a more moderate climate. In the north, temperatures rarely get much above 77°F, making it ideal for those looking to escape the intense summer heat. The absolute peak season is between July and August when both visitor numbers and prices soar. If you're not tied to summer vacation schedules, you might want to skip these months.
Portugal in the Fall
As the intense summer heat starts to ease in the south, fall brings warm and sunny days. While it can still feel like summer down south, temperatures in Porto linger around 72°F, making it perfect for a relaxed city trip. Autumn in Portugal is a fantastic time for hiking, city excursions, or golfing. As temperatures drop, so do the crowds, giving you more space to enjoy the beaches.
Portugal in Winter
If you only think of beach vacations when you think of Portugal, you probably don't necessarily think of winter. But even if summer temperatures don't beckon in winter - a walk on the almost deserted beach in the Algarve, sitting comfortably in the cafés of Lisbon or a hike in Madeira exude a special magic. Now you can benefit from low prices and have many of the otherwise busy places almost to yourself. The perfect time for flexible travel!
Best time to visit Lisbon
Look forward to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Lisbon beckons with magnificent facades, an iconic streetcar, delicious desserts and the languorous fado. As the streets are always full in July and August due to the summer vacations, it is worth avoiding the high season. Spring and fall are therefore the best times to visit Lisbon.
Best time to travel to the Algarve
The Algarve stands for uniquely beautiful beaches, imposing cliffs and water sports - in short, the perfect destination for a beach vacation. The best time to visit the Algarve is between April and October, with July and August being the peak season. If you want to avoid the summer heat and the vacation crowds, travel to the Algarve between April and June or in September and October.
Best time to visit Madeira
The flower island of Madeira is easy to visit all year round, but spring is the island's showpiece season. From April to May, nature is in full bloom, with scents and sprouts everywhere. A feast for all the senses. It can get a little crowded in summer and it often rains in winter, so spring is the best time to visit Madeira.
Best time to visit Porto
The Douro River has shaped Porto for centuries. It carries the port wine to the city's wine cellars and the river banks are crossed over mighty bridges. The Ribeira, the old town with its narrow streets and countless restaurants, is just a stone's throw away. The best time to visit this magnificent northern city is from May to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm.
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Not only is the Algarve coastline fantastic, but the hinterland is also enchanting. The interior of the country attracts visitors with its rustic charm and picturesque villages. Hiking in the spring is a particularly enjoyable way to experience the magic of nature as it comes to life.
”
Raphaela Wedel
Travel expert for Portugal
Surfing
With over 620 miles of coastline, Portugal is one of the top surfing destinations in Europe. But when is the best time to hit the waves? The answer is simple: it depends on where you want to go. If you're looking to surf in northern Portugal, aim for the warmer months from April to October. The best spots can be found around Lisbon, where you can surf year-round. The Algarve, on the other hand, offers great waves, especially in the winter, with some high waves that are ideal for advanced surfers.
Diving & Snorkeling
Pico in the Azores, Madeira and the Algarve are just some of the places in Portugal that invite you to go snorkeling and diving. As the Atlantic is quite cool, the best time to go snorkeling is at the height of summer, when you can go exploring in the water without a wetsuit. The Algarve coast, Sesimbra and Madeira are ideal for diving. Here too, the summer months are the best time to go diving in Portugal.
Hiking
Attention hiking fans: Portugal is a paradise for nature lovers who enjoy walking. The Rota Vicentina, the Way of St. James or hikes across the flower island of Madeira inspire with breathtaking landscapes. The best time to go hiking in Portugal is the low season, from March to June and from September to early November. In summer, it can get very hot, especially inland on the mainland. In spring and autumn, the weather is less oppressive and nature beckons with its bright colors.
Golf
Golfers love coming to Portugal. No wonder, after all, you have the best conditions here almost all year round. The best time to travel to Portugal for golf is in spring or early fall, when the weather is already warm but not yet too hot. The hot summer, especially July and August, should be avoided, particularly in the south. In the fall and winter, the conditions are also very suitable for golfing.
Road trip
Once along the coast or a few detours into the interior? You can discover the most beautiful places on a road trip in Portugal. The warm months from April to October are particularly suitable for this. However, as it gets quite hot and crowded in July and August - and therefore less flexible - it is advisable to be on the road before or after.
Beach Vacation
When you think of beach vacations, the Algarve probably comes to mind. The west coast alone boasts around 435 miles of sandy beaches, and then there are the Azores. The best time for beach vacations in Portugal is between June and September, when temperatures rise above 86°F and the sun shines reliably. July and August are the absolute peak season, with temperatures in the Algarve sometimes surpassing 104°F and the beaches bustling with activity.
Family Vacation
Portugal with children is the perfect idea! Family-friendly hotels, countless beaches and lots of nature. If that doesn't sound perfect! The weather is warm and dry from April to October. If you don't have school-age children, you can avoid the summer vacations and travel in early summer or late summer to benefit from cheaper prices and emptier beaches.
Cruise
Whether a river cruise through the Douro Valley, along the Atlantic coast or to Funchal. A cruise in Portugal shows the most beautiful sides of the country in a comfortable way. Most cruises take place between April and September. This is when the best weather awaits, inviting you to take a dip in the cool water during shore excursions.
