Portugal Climate

Portugal has a wonderfully varied climate. In the north the weather is generally wetter and cooler while the south has one of Europes warmest and sunniest climates.

Spring time and summer are generally the best times to visit Portugal as the climate is perfect. In the summer it becomes very hot in the interior of the country and temperatures can sore to over 40 degrees in July and Ausgust. This period is a good time to visit the north west where the influence of the Atlantic keeps temperatures down. The Algarve in the south of Portugal has its peak season in the summer when the Algarve climate is hot and sunny. Particularly in the west refreshing sea breezes make for ideal weather.

September and October are an ideal time to visit Portugal. Most of the counrty apart from the far north will still be experiencing late summer warmth but the temperatures will not be excessive. In the Algarve the weather is generally still ideal for swimming as the sea and air temperatures remain warm.

November can be very nice and warm especially in the south with temperatures in the 20s although towards the end of the month temperatures can fall off into the teens and heavy rains often arrive in the north.

December, January and February are winter time in Portugal and the climate in the north and interior of the country can be quite cold and wet. The mountains in the noth such as the Serra da Estrêla (Portugal's highest mountain at 1,986 meters) and the Serra do Gerês will experience snow fall and their peaks are covered with snow for several months. In the south of Portugal the winter climate is milder with plenty of sunshine and temperatures as high as 20 degrees. On the island of Madeira the winter time is the peak season as the island's southerly location offers a warm sprind like climate.

From mid February thru March and April it is spring time in Portugal and the weather in the south will already be warm and sunny. Further north the winter lasts longer but by May the whole country will be enjoying plenty of sunshine and climbing temperatures.

June is an ideal time to visit Portugal as it is hot and sunny but the land has not dried out yet and many wild flowers and plants cover the landscape.

Portugal temperatures