The best times to go to Portugal really depends on the regions you plan on visiting, but in general, the high seasons is the best time for the beach (June to August) with big national celebrations, as well as lots of local outdoor events (including concerts and film screenings). If you want to escape the crowds, the low season offers cheaper places to stay (November to March) whereas the shoulder season months (April, May, September and October) are ideal for outdoor adventures exploring Portugal’s natural wonders on a Portugal Walking Holiday or a more active Portugal Cycling Holiday. We give you a month by month guide for travelling in Portugal along with some of the best things to do in each season.
Best Things To Do in Spring in Portugal
When: March – May
Pros: great for outdoor activities like hiking without the crowds and profusion of wildflowers. Prices and visitor numbers are low
Cons: rain and chill in the interior and north of Portugal
March is for scenic walks without the crowds, although it experiences rain and chill in the interior and the north of Portugal, where the south sees ample sunshine. Prices and visitor numbers remain low. Come April, Spring arrives with a flourish, bringing warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in both the north and the south. April sees a profusion of wildflowers in the south. May is the month for outdoor adventures with lovely sunny weather making it an ideal time to visit, especially if you’re hitting hiking trails. A hike in The Azores is wonderful in May when hydrangeas start to bloom. Join us a hiking adventure into The Azores on our San Miguel Deluxe Walk or venture into a Discovery Walk of Madeira and trek its peaks and coastlines. The crowds begin to arrive in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, though it’s still a fairly relaxed scene compared to the summertime high season.
Best Things To Do in Summer in Portugal
When: June – August
Pros: perfect for beach, outdoor dining and open-air concerts
Cons: busy time for travel so expect crowds, high accommodation prices
The summer heat arrives, so too do the crowds. Sunseekers from northern Europe journey for Portugal’s pristine beaches along with huge numbers of Portuguese to the beach paradise of the Algarve. Lisbon and Porto also swell with crowds, and prices soar in July and August. It is an ideal time for outdoor dining at terrace restaurants overlooking the seaside, see open-air concerts and film screenings and browse for treasures at street markets.
Best Things To Do in Autumn in Portugal
When: September – November
Pros: pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, ideal for wine tasting and vineyards
Cons: expect crowds
September and October are two of the best months to visit Portugal. The weather is still warm and pleasant offering a much more comfortable temperature for sightseeing and hiking. Browse our itineraries for a Walking Holiday in Portugal. It’s also a wonderful time to visit many of Portugal’s wineries with the grape harvest in full swing. As the temperatures cool, head to the vineyards of the Douro, where you can see grape harvesting and treading and even help out. Pair an active cycling adventure with wine tasting on our Luxury Northern Portugal & Douro Valley Cycle from ancient Porto to valley vineyards. October is also a great month for birdwatching, with many species passing through en route to Africa during the annual fall migration.
Best Things To Do in Winter in Portugal
When: December – February
Pros: least crowded, peaceful months to visit, Christmas markets
Cons: cold and rainy, some outdoor activities like hiking and biking may be more difficult in the winter
This is Portugal’s rainy season which means fewer sunny days, but you can still experience more sun than rain and warmer temperatures than much of Europe. The Algarve usually remains pleasant and sunny attracting European visitors looking for a winter getaway. Most towns and villages are festively decorated throughout December with holiday Christmas markets, roasted chestnuts and colorfully decorated squares, that make for a unique white Christmas experience. January & February are peaceful months to visit, though the weather can be patchy and cool . You can still experience some sun and take advantage of the thinner crowds.
