🌤️ When to go?
Best time to visit Portugal
The best time to visit Portugal for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less crowded tourist spots. This allows backpackers to explore the country comfortably and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and beach hopping. Additionally, accommodation and transportation costs are generally lower compared to the peak summer season.
Why visit Portugal in April?
April is a fantastic time to visit Portugal for a variety of reasons. The weather is often mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes, from the stunning coastline to the picturesque countryside. The springtime blooms also add a vibrant splash of color to the scenery, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sightseeing.In April, Portugal comes alive with cultural events and festivals, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local traditions and customs. From religious processions to music and food festivals, there’s always something happening in Portugal in April, providing a rich and authentic experience for travelers.
On the flip side, April is also a popular time for tourism in Portugal, so some popular destinations may be crowded with visitors. Additionally, while the weather is generally pleasant, it can be unpredictable, with occasional showers and cooler temperatures in some regions. Travelers should be prepared for varying weather conditions and plan their activities accordingly.
Overall, visiting Portugal in April offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and festive events, making it an exciting and memorable time to explore this captivating country.
Why visit Portugal in May?
May is a fantastic time to visit Portugal for a variety of reasons. The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches, charming cities, and lush countryside. The spring blooms are in full swing, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and sightseeing.In May, Portugal is also less crowded compared to the peak summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy popular attractions without the long lines and large crowds. This makes it an ideal time to experience the local culture and immerse oneself in the authentic Portuguese way of life.
Furthermore, May is the month of many traditional festivals and events in Portugal. From the Festa da Flor in Madeira to the Festa da Cruz in Barcelos, visitors can partake in the vibrant celebrations and witness the rich cultural heritage of the country. Additionally, the wine regions of Portugal are in full bloom, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings and tours amidst the picturesque vineyards.
Overall, May is a wonderful time to visit Portugal for those seeking a perfect balance of warm weather, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
Why visit Portugal in June?
In June, Portugal experiences warm and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to visit. The days are long, allowing for more time to explore the stunning beaches, charming cities, and picturesque countryside. The mild temperatures make outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and sailing more enjoyable, while the blooming flowers and lush green landscapes create a beautiful backdrop for sightseeing and photography.June is also the month of popular festivals and events in Portugal, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. The Festas de Lisboa in Lisbon and the São João Festival in Porto are just a few examples of the vibrant celebrations that take place throughout the country. These events feature traditional music, dance, and delicious food, providing an authentic and memorable experience for travelers.
On the downside, June is a popular tourist season in Portugal, which means that popular attractions and beaches can get crowded. Accommodation and flights may also be more expensive, and it’s advisable to book in advance to secure the best options. Additionally, some areas of the country, particularly in the Algarve region, can experience a high influx of visitors, which may detract from the tranquility of the surroundings.
Why visit Portugal in September?
September is the ideal time to visit Portugal for a variety of reasons. The weather is still warm and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the country’s stunning beaches, charming towns, and picturesque landscapes. The summer crowds have started to thin out, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience. September is also the start of the grape harvest season, making it an exciting time to visit Portugal’s wine regions. Visitors can take part in grape picking and wine tasting events, and witness the vibrant atmosphere of the harvest season. Additionally, September marks the beginning of the cultural and music festival season in Portugal, offering a plethora of events and performances to enjoy.
The pleasant weather in September also makes it an excellent time for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the country’s natural beauty. With fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures, September provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and truly experience the best of Portugal.
Why visit Portugal in October?
October is a great time to visit Portugal because the weather is still warm and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches and coastal towns. The summer crowds have started to dissipate, so you can enjoy popular tourist destinations without the hustle and bustle.In October, Portugal also celebrates its wine harvest season, making it an ideal time for wine enthusiasts to visit. You can take part in wine festivals and tastings, and even visit the vineyards to see the grape harvest in action. The Douro Valley, in particular, is a stunning region to visit during this time, with its terraced vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, October is a great time to explore Portugal’s natural beauty. The countryside is lush and green, and the temperatures are comfortable for hiking and exploring the many national parks and nature reserves. You can also take advantage of the pleasant weather for outdoor activities such as surfing, sailing, or golfing.
Overall, October is a fantastic time to visit Portugal for those looking to experience the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food and wine, all without the summer crowds and high temperatures.
🌤️ Climate in Portugal
In Portugal, the climate is subtropical oceanic in the northwest, with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers, while in the northeast, occupied by hills, the climate is semi-continental, with quite cold winters, and warm to hot summers during the day, but with cool nights.In the center-south, characterized by mild winters, less frequent rains and longer summers, we can speak of Mediterranean climate, with nuances regarding the rainfall, which progressively decreases as you go south, and the summer temperatures, which are cool in the areas most exposed to the ocean winds, and hot in the interior, towards the border with Spain.
In the north-central, there are also mountain ranges. In the highest, Serra da Estrela, which reaches 1,993 meters (6,537 feet), you can ski in winter.
In the following map, we can see the climate zones in Portugal.
Rainfall is more frequent and abundant in the north, and gradually less frequent as you go south. In fact, annual precipitation amounts to 1,450 mm (57 inches) in Braga and 1,250 millimeters (49 in) in Porto, while it drops to around 900 mm (35 in) in Coimbra, to 800 mm (31.5 in) in Lisbon, and to about 500 mm (20 in) in Algarve.
Therefore, the landscape in the north is definitely green, while it gradually becomes more arid towards the south, down to Algarve, which has a fairly dry climate.
Portugal is a country in southwestern Europe bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
source: climatestotravel.com
Explore Portugal
Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.