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Best time to visit Portugal: month by month
Short answer
April to June and September to October are the best months, with Lisbon highs of 20-25°C and few rainy days. July and August are hot (around 29°C in Lisbon and hotter inland) and busy on the Algarve. Winter is mild (14-16°C) but rainy, with the lowest prices.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C | 8°C | 5 | low |
| Feb | 16°C | 9°C | 9 | low |
| Mar | 18°C | 11°C | 8 | medium |
| Apr | 20°C | 12°C | 7 | high |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 3 | high |
| Jun | 25°C | 17°C | 5 | high |
| Jul | 29°C | 18°C | 0 | very high |
| Aug | 29°C | 18°C | 0 | very high |
| Sep | 25°C | 18°C | 8 | high |
| Oct | 24°C | 16°C | 11 | medium |
| Nov | 18°C | 12°C | 9 | low |
| Dec | 16°C | 11°C | 11 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from 18°C in March to 24°C in May, with 3-8 rainy days; wildflowers and quiet beaches.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm to hot, with highs of 25-29°C and almost no rain in July-August; festivals in June and crowded beaches.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September (25°C) and October (24°C) are excellent; November turns wetter at 18°C with 9 rainy days.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild, with highs of 14-16°C and lows of 8-11°C; 5-11 rainy days and low prices.
Events worth planning around
- Santo António festival in Lisbon, 12-13 June
- São João in Porto, 23-24 June
- Douro grape harvest, September
- Carnival, February-March (biggest in Loulé and Torres Vedras)
- NOS Alive music festival near Lisbon, July
When to avoid
August brings the biggest crowds, heat inland and peak prices on the Algarve. December to February are the wettest months, though still mild.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Portugal?
April to June and September to October: warm, sunny and less crowded.
Is Portugal good in winter?
Yes for cities: mild at 14-16°C, cheap and quiet, though expect some rain.
When is the sea warm enough to swim?
On the Algarve from about June to October; the west coast stays cooler all year.