A Guide to Portugal's Weather

Throughout the years, Portugal holidays have remained a firm favourite for many of Europe’s holidaymakers. Portugal's weather offers year-round sunshine and refreshing sea breezes, making it a top sunlight destination for anyone looking for things to do in Portugal with the family.

Portugal is located in the southwest of Europe on the Atlantic Ocean, bordering Spain and the Iberian Peninsula. It is considered one of the warmest countries in Europe, perfect for enjoying the stunning Portugal beaches it has to offer in the Algarve, Azores, Madeira, and more. While the country has a coastline that faces the Atlantic, Portugal benefits from a climate that is similar to those on the Mediterranean.

South Portugal's weather means one of the country’s most popular regions, the Algarve, consistently sees warm and sunny days, making Club Med Da Balaia an ideal destination for holidaymakers year-round. The western region, where beautiful cities including Lisbon and Porto are located, often experiences cooler weather thanks to winds rolling in from the Atlantic but it is still not unheard of to have balmy temperatures above 20 degrees even in the winter months. Meanwhile, the mountains in the north of Portugal - areas such as Serra da Estrela - will often experience cooler weather and it is not uncommon for it to snow throughout winter.

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Portugal Weather

Summer in Portugal

June-August

The summer season in Portugal technically starts in June and lasts into early September, however you can still enjoy temperatures of 20°C - 24°C in May, for those who prefer slightly cooler holidays, or who would like to take advantage of Portugal's weather in May half term!

In the Algarve, temperatures typically range from 26°C to 29°C during summer, though it’s not unusual to reach well into the 30s at its peak in July and August. It’s the reliably warm temperatures mixed with the refreshing Atlantic breeze that makes the Algarve such a draw for visitors looking to enjoy the sprawling beaches and surf. Just remember to pack sunscreen: that breeze is exactly why visitors can be surprised at the strength of the sun and how easy it is to burn - it’s often hotter than it actually feels! Travellers can expect around 10 hours of sunshine daily throughout summer, with this peaking at 12 hours in July. There is also very little rainfall from June to August, rarely exceeding more than 4mm per month, and humidity levels are low throughout the country.

The Atlantic waters on the Algarve’s long coastline offer perfect respite from the midday sun, as well as stunning scenery. Stay at Club Med Da Balaia during the summer to make the most of the resort's ideal location which benefits from a coastal breeze that stops the heat being unbearable at the height of summer. Guests can enjoy both the beach, accessible directly from the resort, and the two outdoor pools: a main pool where guests relax and swim, take part in aqua aerobics, water polo and other activities; and a Zen pool, naturally filtered by plants, perfectly situated atop a serene hill, overlooking the rest of the resort and the coast. Each pool offers easy access to alfresco dining and snacking options, with the main pool being ideally situated for lunch on the terrace of The Balaia buffet restaurant and a convenient healthy snack and smoothie bar within a few steps of your sun lounger at the Zen pool.

The inland regions of Portugal are protected by the mountains and can be hotter than those on the Atlantic coast. Locals tend to escape the heat and head to coastal regions at this time of year, so beware of booking a trip to central Portugal at the height of the summer or at least ensure you have a handy pool available to be able to cool off!

Head further north up the coast and the weather in Portuguese towns such as Sintra is usually cooler. While it usually maintains an average of 26°C in the summer months, climb to the top of The National Palace of Pena and there’s that breeze again: you might be a little windswept but the views are well worth it!

Autumn in Portugal

September-November

With the sun still shining well into November, this is one of the best months to visit Portugal and the most popular tourist areas without the heavy crowds.

With highs of 24°C and averages of 21°C, autumn in Portugal offers comfortable, perhaps even optimum, weather conditions for adventurers looking to explore cultural sites and make the most of the wide range of activities the Portuguese landscape has to offer.

While rainfall in the region is generally low, Portugal's weather in the autumn can be changeable. It’s never a bad idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat just in case, as well as a light jacket for the cooler autumn evenings.

If you’re a wine lover, autumn might just be the best time to visit Portugal. Following the sunny summer months, autumn is the time for grape harvests in Portugal. Wine regions, such as the Douro Valley, offer unique wine harvest experiences like grape-picking and wine tasting, allowing visitors to experience the local traditions firsthand. The scenery of the Douro valley is beautiful at this time of year too, as the foliage in the vineyards shifts from green to golden red.

Winter in Portugal

December-February

The cooler months can still be some of the best months to visit Portugal , particularly the southern parts of the country, with Portugal's weather averaging 16°C. This makes it the ideal place to catch some winter sun, though perhaps not if sunbathing is on your agenda. Beaches are likely to be empty in the Algarve, and it’s a great time to try your hand at activities like biking and hiking. The Algarve’s Atlantic Ocean will of course be coldest in winter, but the waves are at their largest in December, so the region still draws in keen surfers looking for a thrill.

You can expect the rain to increase as the winter months roll in, but only in short bursts. The capital of the Algarve, Faro, will still only receive around 100mm in November, an average of 9 days throughout the month, which is considered the wettest of the year.

For those looking to travel to Porto and northern Portugal, the days are cooler and nights chilly, with a higher possibility of heavy rain. Lisbon in winter averages temperatures of 14°C, while weather in central Portugal can be unpredictable, fluctuating between bright and grey days. As a basic rule of thumb, the further south or east you travel, the drier and warmer Portugal is in these winter months.

Spring in Portugal

March-May

If you’re looking to travel during Spring, Portugal's weather tends to reach mild but pleasant highs of around 22°C. Similar to autumn, temperatures in Portugal in March to May are ideal for more active exploration of some of Portugal’s best cities, towns and countryside in relative comfort. Activities including PGA Pro Golf Coaching and adventuring over the Algarve’s signature Red Rocks are offered by Club Med Da Balaia and are perfect for this time of year.

Spring in Portugal can see some bursts of rainfall, however showers are usually short-lived, and they should make way to sunshine and blue skies just as quickly as they came.

Coastal destinations such as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are popular spring destinations thanks to the pleasant temperatures and refreshing sea breezes. However, it’s good to be aware that the Atlantic Ocean might be a little cold for fair weather swimmers earlier in the spring season. As the weather warms throughout May onwards, so does the sea, making the water more inviting to visitors.

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Discover Club Med

Club Med Da Balaia

Experience the ultimate escape at Club Med Da Balaia , nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Algarve. Indulge in all-inclusive activities, savor gourmet dining, and entrust your little ones to the care of our esteemed kids clubs. From thrilling adventures to serene relaxation, every moment at Club Med Da Balaia promises an unforgettable holiday experience in Portugal's stunning coastal paradise.