One cannot deny the fact that Portugal is a great country and everyone would like to visit it at least once if not more than once, but check out this video which shows you the magical and deserted beaches in Portugal. It’s impossible to give a general answer to when is the best time to visit Portugal because whether you’re interested in sunbathing in the Algarve, wandering around the atmospheric old streets of Lisbon and Porto, or going for a scenic wine tour along the picturesque Douro Valley, you need to plan your trip according to your own targets. There are different experiences of each season so you should choose the right time to visit.
The moment you decide to go for Portugal Holiday Packages or Portugal Tour Packages, you will not be disappointed as we customise packages as per the taste of every season. With spring’s blooming landscapes, summer’s livelier festivals, autumn’s wine harvest and winter’s festive charm, this guide will give you an accurate picture on how to build your own ideal Portugal adventure.
Here are the Best Time to Visit Portugal: A Seasonal Travel Guide
March – May: The Spring (Best Season for Sightseeing & Nature Lover)
Portugal is one of the best places to visit in spring as the temperatures are from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) and pleasant. It is lovely countryside, full of Sintra’s lush landscapes, the Douro Valley vineyards, the wildflowers of Alentejo.
The following are some of the reasons why one should consider traveling to Portugal in spring:
- Lower numbers of tourists as compared to the high tourist season.
- Suitable for tourist attraction within Lisbon, Porto and Sintra.
- Perfect for hiking in the Azores and Madeira.
- Christians celebrate Easter and other festivals which give cultural flavour to the places.
Recommended experiences:
- Discover Alfama district in Lisbon without summer heat.
- Explore Douro River and experience the beauty of spring and the vineyard.
- Go to the Festa das Cruzes in Barcelos, a traditional and vivid event.
Best for: Cultural travelers, nature lovers, and photographers.
Summer (June – August): Best for Beach Lovers and Festivals
Summer is warm and active in Portugal, the temperature ranges from 30 degree Celsius (86 degree Fahrenheit) and above. This is the high season for tourism especially to Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve regions with tourist attractions such as Praia da Marinha and Camilo beach.
The following are the main reasons why one should visit Portugal in summer:
- Perfect beach weather with warm ocean temperatures.
- The sightseeing and outdoor activities are possible during the day since there are many hours of daylight.
- Attractions cultural festivals, some of which are, São João do Porto festival and NOS Alive Music festival.
Recommended experiences:
- Sunbathe on Algarve’s golden beaches.
- Take a tour around the streets of Porto and then spend some time at the riverside during the sunset.
- Visit the Madeira Wine Festival in the late summer period.
Best for: Beach lovers, festival-goers, and nightlife enthusiasts.
Autumn (September – November): Best for Wine Tourism and Mild Weather
Autumn is also characterized by a good weather, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C / 59°F and 77°F and it is also not very busy with tourists. This is especially so because the Douro Valley is in full grape harvest during these months, making it a heaven for wine enthusiasts.
List of the most important motivations to travel to Portugal in the fall:
- Chilly weather makes it pleasant for sightseeing and any outdoor activities that one would wish to undertake.
- The best time to visit for wine tours in Porto, Douro Valley, and Alentejo.
- Beautiful autumn view of the countryside.
Recommended experiences:
- Take part in the grape picking and wine tasting in the Douro Valley.
- Discover the beautiful palaces of Sintra, in low season.
- It is recommended to visit Lisbon Oceanarium and Jerónimos Monastery in a comfortable weather.
Best for: Wine lovers, cultural tourists, and lovers are the best bet for this hotel.
Winter (December – February): Best for Budget Travelers and Christmas Markets
Winter in Portugal is relatively moderate than most other European countries with average temperature varying between 8 ° C to 16 ° C (46 ° F to 61 ° F). While the beach is not the best destination during this period, it is a perfect opportunity to visit the historic sites, taste traditional Portuguese cuisine, and enjoy the Christmas celebrations.
The following are some of the top reasons why one should visit Portugal in winter:
- The cheapest fares on flights and Portugal Holiday Packages.
- Less congestion in famous areas such as Belém Tower and the Ribeira district of Porto.
- Christmas markets in Lisbon and Porto.
Recommended experiences:
- Pastéis de nata and Portuguese hot chocolate are recommended to taste.
- Experience one of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Europe in Madeira.
- Discover the Azores’ hot springs to experience a rejuvenating time.
Best for: First of all, the budget travelers, secondly, those who are interested in gastronomy, and thirdly, those tourists who want to get acquainted with the quieter side of Portugal.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Portugal is an interesting country to visit at any time of the year as it has something to offer in each season. Depending on whether you are interested in seeing the sights, tanning on the beaches of the Algarve, visiting wine regions in the Douro Valley or enjoying the Christmas time in Lisbon and Porto, there is always the right time to go. Portugal is always good for a visit any time of the year as it has something to offer in terms of history, beautiful sceneries and friendly people.
For more ideas about your trip check our Portugal Packages or Portugal Holidays Packages in order to provide you with the real tailored travel experience of each season. Portugal offers various type of tourists starting with beach lovers and going up to culture and cuisines tours. Begin the planning of your dream vacation in this beautiful country of Portugal today.