Did you really want to travel to Portugal, but you don't know the best time of year to do it? The answer depends on you, do you prefer heat or cold? Want to go to the beach or visit the mountains?
Be that as it may, know that Portugal has a temperate climate, and the seasons are well noticed as the months go by. Therefore, you can count on a very hot and dry summer, ideal for the beach, walks by the sea or visits to charming monuments. On the other hand, winter tends to be cold and rainy, while spring and autumn usually present us with milder temperatures and beautiful flowers.
Portugal is a country located in the Northern Hemisphere and it is worth remembering that the seasons of the year are different from some countries, so check our “Seasons” table to make sure you come at the time you really want.

But will the climate be the same across the country?
The answer is no, the Portuguese climate varies from one region to another. Let's see what you can count on, from north to south of the country and not discarding the islands!

North

In the north of Portugal (Porto, Guimarães, Braga, Vila Real and others), the climate is generally colder than in the rest of the country and with more rain in the winter months, with temperatures reaching negative values in some regions of the northern interior, as in Vila Real or Alto Douro.

Center

In the more central area, temperatures are similar, at some times of the year so low that it snows, which is why Serra da Estrela is one of the favorite attractions for tourists and Portuguese alike. In the Lisbon area, it is common for the weather to be more sunny and less rainy, making the city an ideal destination to visit at almost any time of the year.

South

On the other hand, in the south of the country you can count on more inviting temperatures throughout the year. The thermometer rarely drops below 15ºC and the rainiest months are October and November. Hence, the Algarve becomes a dream destination for beach lovers, with waters between 17ºC and 24ºC. The month with the best temperatures in the Algarve is the month of August, usually chosen by tourists and therefore almost always sold out.

Madeira and Açores

The Madeira island has a particularly mild climate and throughout the year there are small variations in temperature, always between 13ºC and 25ºC. On the Açores island, there is a subtropical oceanic climate due to its location and generally between March and October it is quite rainy.

Whatever time of year it is, Portugal has the best to offer. In no case will you be disappointed, make the most of all seasons and have a good trip!