The weather in Portugal is one of the reasons that attracts visitors from other not so pleasant (weather speaking) places, mainly from central and northern Europe. In general, the weather in Portugal is characterized by a temperate climate, with 4 four seasons throughout the year, Spring (April – June), Summer (July – September), Autumn (October – December) and Winter (January – March). The sun and mild temperatures are the hallmark of the weather in Portugal but, even in a small territory such as this, there are differences that are important to know when planning a trip to Portugal.
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What to expect about the weather in Portugal
- The weather in mainland Portugal is influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, on the one hand, and the land mass of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula, on the other. In physical terms, the territory of mainland Portugal is divided in half by the “Montemuro-Estrela” mountain range, that separates the hydrographic basins of the rivers Douro and Tejo, and this determines important differences in the weather in Portugal, north and south of that mountain range.
- The weather in the Azores is determined by the ocean, with its characteristic instability, making it possible to have the four seasons in one day.
- The weather in Madeira is determined by the proximity of the African coast and by the latitude, which is already close to the tropics.
Weather in Portugal – South
The south of Portugal, that is, south of the “Estrela” mountain range, has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with 5-6 dry months, with high temperatures and very low precipitation, and winters with mild temperatures and reduced precipitation. In the summer, temperatures in Alentejo and Algarve go above 40⁰C (104⁰F).
Weather in Portugal – Northern and central coast
The northern and central coast of Portugal has a temperate Mediterranean climate with an oceanic influence, with greater humidity and precipitation. Temperatures are milder, summers are cooler and winters are milder.
Weather in Portugal – Northern and central interior
The northern and central interior of Portugal has a temperate Mediterranean climate with continental influence, characterized by the air being drier and the rainfall reduced, although sometimes occurring in the summer. Temperatures are more extreme, with very hot summers and very cold winters, and snowfall in winter is frequent, especially in the highlands, above 800m (2600ft). In the summer, temperatures in Trás-os-Montes and Beira Interior go above 40⁰C (104⁰F).
Weather in Portugal – Mountains
Estrela (1991m/6500ft) and Pico, Azores (2351m/7700ft) have a mountain climate, with low temperatures throughout the year and precipitation occurring in winter in the form of snow due to the altitude. In Estrela, in winter, there is a ski resort.
Weather in Portugal – Azores
The Azores have a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year, high levels of humidity in the air, regular rains (but more frequent in winter), sometimes strong winds, and low insolation rate. Winters are not harsh, but they are rainy, with snowfall sometimes occurring in the highlands, while in summer the days are warmer and sunnier, although the days of completely clear skies are rare. Weather instability in the Azores can affect access (entry or exit), especially in the case of the Western Group (Flores and Corvo islands), due to fog and wind.
Weather in Portugal – Madeira
Madeira has a climate similar to the hot tropical climate, but with four seasons throughout the year, with spring, summer and autumn being dry and hot seasons, and winter with greater precipitation and mild temperatures. Precipitation in Madeira island is reduced, except in the interior due to the altitude. Porto Santo island is even hotter and drier than the island of Madeira.
Best time to visit considering weather in Portugal
Weather in Portugal is one of the things you might want to consider when deciding the time of your trip to Portugal. Although, generally speaking, Portugal is a all year travel destination, there are some destinations that are best enjoyed in specific times of the year.
If you want to go to the beach
The best time to visit Portugal if you want to go to the beach is summer. If you are going to the Algarve or Madeira, the best time to visit is from April to October. If you go to the Atlantic coast or Azores, the best time to visit is May to September.
If you want to go hiking
The best time to visit Portugal if you want to go hiking is spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder and more suitable for hiking, both in the north and south of the country. In Madeira you can visit all year round, as the interior of the island is not so hot.
If you want to go sightseeing
The best time to visit Portugal if you want to go sightseeing is all year round, but in the summer it can get very hot in the south of the country, which can be limiting, and in the winter it can get cold and rainy in the north.
