You’re lucky if you’re living in Portugal because Portugal weather is quite varied throughout the year. It provides great beaches to swim in and places in the north to go skiing at the same time. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal has a temperate climate, which can also be called a Mediterranean climate. This is why the climate is affected by the ocean.
In the north of Portugal, there’s a rainy and cool climate. When you go in the direction south, you’ll see it becomes warmer. Finally, you’ll see at the very south that the climate is dry and sunny in the Algarve. When you go to the north center, you’ll find mountain ranges, and Serra da Estrela, where you can go skiing in winter. While summer is usually sunny everywhere in Portugal, you can see rainfall during the period between November and March.
Let’s get to know about Portugal weather all year and what to expect in each season.
Average Temperature, Rainfall, and Snowfall in Portugal
You’ve already got that each region experiences a different climate. However, generally, summers are warm, and the rest of the seasons are mild in Portugal. Portugal weather in January can reach as low as 17°C until March. In the summer, it rises up to 27°C.
Throughout the year, you can see the most rainfall in winter. Annually, Braga experiences a huge amount of precipitation, which is 1,450 millimeters. Porto follows it with 1,100 millimeters. It’s followed by Coimbra, Lisbon, and Algarve.
If sunshine is an important factor for you, you may consider living in Lisbon or the Algarve. Lisbon has around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Portugal weather Algarve is similar in this respect, making it possible to enjoy the beaches for a long time.
Snowfall is not a casual experience you’ll enjoy in Portugal, because of the mild climate. However, you can go to Serra da Estrela to enjoy the snow while skiing.
Best Time To Visit Portugal
So, when is the best time to enjoy Portugal weather by month? You can enjoy the country from May to mid-June, and between the middle of September and the beginning of October. Summers are quite hot, so it may not be a preferable period to visit the country. However, if you want to enjoy the beaches, you can go in summer, i.e, in July and August. Winters can sometimes be windy and rainy if you’re in the north. Inland areas can also be cold in winter.
Seasons in Portugal
Let’s now look at each season in Portugal and how the weather changes during these periods.
Spring in Portugal
Usually, spring really comes after March in many parts of the country. Until this period, you may encounter rainfall and heavy clouds. So, from March to June, temperatures reach 20°C and even more. It’s also a good time to spend in Portugal, especially on easter break in the Algarve or Alentejo.
Summer in Portugal
Summer in Portugal lasts from June to mid-September, and as noted above, it’s sunny. However, expect mild and sometimes cold weather on the northern coast. While it’s around 25°C in Lisbon Portugal weather, it’s around 20°C in Porto in summer. The inland areas in summer get hotter and drier in summer. In these areas, the heat can reach and even exceed 40°C, and 36°C on the coasts. If you don’t want to go to the beach, you may consider going to the Azores or Madeira to enjoy nature. Also, even on the hottest days, the temperature doesn’t reach more than 25°C.
Autumn in Portugal
September marks the beginning of autumn in Portugal. It’s also the beginning period of the school year. Temperatures begin to drop gradually after this period, and evenings start to get cooler. If you want to visit Portugal in autumn, you may consider coming here on the Christian holiday of St. Martin’s Day in November. Portugal weather November doesn’t bring snowfalls usually. However, as a tradition, you can eat the traditional roasted chestnuts in this period.
Winter in Portugal
Winter covers the period in Portugal weather December to February. On the coast, the weather is usually mild during this period. In January, the temperature is about 12°C in Lisbon, and 10°C in Porto. In the northern part, there may occur winds blowing from the ocean as well. The inland areas are affected more in winter, compared to the coast. On the mountainous fields and hills, snow can fall. During this period, you may consider going to the ski resort at Serra da Estrela.
The Climate in Different Regions in Portugal
You can expect differences in the weather in different regions. The differences become obvious especially when you go from north to south or from inland to coastal areas. When you’re going to Porto and the northern areas, for instance, be prepared for rainfall. This is why bringing an umbrella and a rain jacket will be safe. Portugal weather Porto is rainy from November to February. Other areas in the north such as Braga and Viana do Castelo experience dry summers and wet winters. The sea temperature in the northern area is also quite cool almost throughout the year.
When you come to the center and south of the country, you can enjoy regular sunshine in summer and many sunny days in winter. Portugal weather Lisbon is an example of this. Also, in the central and southern parts of Portugal, you have mild winters. Also, you don’t see many windy days in this area. Except for the coast, summer is also warmer here. It’s also drier than the northern areas, except for the mountainous areas in the more inland areas.
When you to the south of the country, it gets hotter in temperature. Alentejo and the Algarve are two of the places that are located in this area. Summers here are dry and hot, and winters are warm. In the Algarve, many cities offer a Mediterranean climate.
You may wonder about the climate in The Azores as well. This is a group of islands located over 1,000 kilometers off the Portuguese coast. The climate here is mild throughout the year. the Gulf Stream affects this climate. Tropical storms are possible because of the location of the islands. In Madeira, you can encounter a mild subtropical climate. So, you can visit the place any time you want throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Weather
How is the Portugal weather in February?
Portugal weather in February provides eight days of rain on average. When you move to the northern areas, expect the temperature to be around 11°C. Also, it gets wetter in the north during this period.
How is the climate in Faro?
Faro is situated in the very south of Portugal. As a southern area, Portugal weather Faro is warm and arid in summer. Winters here are long, windy, and cool as well.
What to expect from Lisbon’s weather when I’m there in winter?
Lisbon Portugal weather in November brings chilly nights. Also, mornings are cool and it turns milder in afternoons. Lisbon Portugal weather December is also similar, and the temperature reaches around 16°C in the daytime. In November, it’s around 19°C-20°C in the daytime.
