Best time to visit Portugal
The short answer? June and September. These are the months with the best balance in Portugal: warm (19-20 °C on average), dry, and with the sea already at a pleasant temperature — right on the edge of the July and August peak. Portugal's summer is milder and drier than Spain's; winter is mild but rainy, especially in Porto. Honest disclaimer: these averages are based on Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra (the north-central Atlantic coast); the Algarve, in the south, is warmer and drier and extends the beach season. What follows is a month-by-month breakdown.
The short answer: June and September
If you're choosing by climate, aim for June or September. Average temperatures hover around 19-20 °C, rainfall is low, and the water is pleasant — without the absolute peak in crowds and prices that July and August bring.
September is particularly good: it stays warm, the sea holds the heat of summer, and cities start to breathe again. June kicks off the dry season with long days. May is the next best bet if you don't mind a little rain.
Spring (April–May): mild with some rain
Spring ranges from around 15 °C in April to 17 °C in May, with moderate visitor numbers and still the occasional rainy day (55-70 mm). It's a great time for city sightseeing, viewpoints, and Sintra without the heat or the crowds.
Flowers and greenery are at their best, and prices haven't yet risen to summer rates. Bring a layer in case it cools down and a light rain jacket.
Summer (June–August): warm, dry, and beach-ready
This is the dry season: July and August see barely any rain (9-12 mm on average) with a mean temperature of 21 °C across our sample, though Lisbon and the Algarve feel hotter. It's the best time for beaches and outdoor life — and also the busiest and most expensive.
This is when the big festivals take over: the Santos Populares in June (St Anthony's in Lisbon, St John's in Porto) fill the streets. Book accommodation in advance, and in cities, avoid midday for long sightseeing sessions.
Autumn (September–October): a golden September
September is one of the best months of the year: 20 °C on average, a warm sea, and visitor numbers starting to drop. October cools to 17 °C, visitor levels remain moderate but rainfall picks up sharply (over 80 mm) — a sign that the Atlantic autumn has arrived.
If you can, aim for the first half of October: you'll still catch some good days before the weather turns unpredictable.
Winter (November–February): mild but rainy
Portugal's winter is mild — averages of 11-12 °C, rarely freezing on the coast — but it's the rainiest time of year: 100-120 mm per month, with many overcast days. Visitor numbers are at their lowest and prices are the best of the year.
It's a good season for city tourism (Lisbon and Porto with shorter queues) if you don't mind the rain. Bring waterproof footwear and an umbrella; Porto in particular is considerably wetter than Lisbon.
Lisbon vs Porto (and a note on the Algarve)
Not all of Portugal is the same. Porto, in the north, is cooler and considerably rainier than Lisbon for most of the year (in the depths of winter it can see double the rainfall of the capital). Lisbon and Sintra, in the centre, are slightly warmer and drier, though Sintra has its own cooler, mistier microclimate thanks to the hills.
The Algarve, in the south (not included in our averages), is the warmest and driest region: its beach season stretches from May to October and its winters are milder and sunnier.
How we calculate these figures
These averages are derived by combining the temperature, rainfall, and visitor data we verified for Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra — our Portuguese city profiles. You can view and compare the data by city on the data page.
All three cities are in the north-central Atlantic zone, so the south (Algarve) is not included and is warmer and drier. As with any climate data, these are averages: any given year can deviate from the norm. Check each city's profile and the official forecast before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
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Plan your trip to these cities
Lisboa
The capital of seven hills: tram 28, Tagus-river viewpoints, fado in Alfama and the custard tarts of Belém.
Porto
Northern capital on the Douro: the Ribeira and the Dom Luís I bridge, the port-wine cellars of Gaia, the Livraria Lello bookshop and the francesinha.
Sintra
Sintra: the palaces of Pena and Quinta da Regaleira, a Moorish castle and the Atlantic Serra, UNESCO World Heritage 1995 and fresh travesseiros.