BROWSE PORTUGAL TRIPS

portugal

The Best Time to Visit Portugal

When is the Best Season to Travel to Portugal?

From the craggy Serra da Estrela mountains and ancient Camino Portugués pilgrim trail to spectacular Douro Valley wine country, Portugal’s varied landscapes take on a different character each season. In the springtime, expect the mountainous regions to be lush and dotted with wildflowers. In the fall, the fragrant forests of Peneda-Gerês National Park erupt in color and the wine region of Douro Valley is in full swing for the grape harvest. 

While there’s no bad time to go to Portugal, the spring, summer, and fall are the best times for exploration, and particularly for hiking. Temperatures are generally mild these three seasons, ranging from the 50s to 80s, though short rain showers are always a possibility. The quiet winter months are a great time to experience Portugal’s cultural capitals of Lisbon, Porto, and Lamego, which you can discover on relaxing Douro River cruises.

Destination JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Porto 56°



43°
4.5″
58°



44°
3.5″
61°



46°
2.8″
63°



49°
3.1″
67°



53°
2.3″
72°



57°
1.1″
75°



59°
0.4″
75°



59°
0.6″
73°



57°
2.0″
68°



54°
4.4″
62°



48°
4.9″
57°



45°
5.1″
Manteigas 49°



40°
7.4″
50°



40°
6.8″
54°



43°
5.0″
56°



45°
3.9″
64°



51°
3.3″
72°



58°
2.2″
79°



63°
0.5″
79°



64°
0.5″
73°



59°
2.0″
62°



52°
4.6″
54°



45°
6.6″
51°



42°
5.6″
São Miguel (Azores) 62°



56°
2.1″
62°



55°
1.9″
62°



55°
1.6″
64°



56°
1.4″
66°



59°
1.0″
70°



62°
0.6″
75°



66°
0.2″
77°



68°
0.5″
75°



67°
1.3″
71°



63°
2.0″
67°



60°
2.4″
64°



57°
3.0″
Funchal (Madeira) 62°



55°
0.9″
62°



54°
1.1″
63°



55°
0.9″
64°



56°
0.5″
67°



58°
0.3″
1°



62°
0.1″
74°



65°
0.0″
75°



66°
0.1″
74°



66°
0.3″
71°



63°
0.9″
67°59°
1.2″
64°



57°
1.4″

portugal in the Spring: march, april & may

Why Visit Portugal in the Spring?

Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Portugal, when the beaches are warm enough to enjoy but still relatively free of summer crowds. Near the coast, expect mild, clear days marked by the occasional afternoon shower. In higher elevations, including in the mountains, there are slightly cooler temperatures, averaging in the 50s. As a bonus, spring’s bounty means local menus bursting with fresh flavors (expect to see a lot of rhubarb, artichokes, loquats, and figs).

What to Expect on Our Spring Tours

Spring promises ideal conditions on our Hiker’s Journey to Portugal adventure, when the mountains are still crisp and cool, the forests of Peneda-Gerês National Park are lush from the winter rains, and the hillsides of Douro Valley wine country are carpeted in wildflowers. While the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores are known for their eternal spring weather, you’ll practically have their stunning coastal, forest, and mountain trails to yourself on our spring departures of Hiking the Isle of Madeira and Hiking in the Azores.

portugal in the Summer: june, july & august

Why Visit Portugal in the Summer?

There’s a palpable magic to summertime in Portugal, when the days are longer and nights are warmer. On the mainland, temperatures average in the mid-70s, but can often reach into the mid 80s, while the Portuguese islands are cooler, often in the 60s. Late summer is also often when the winds pick up—you’ll often see beachgoers with screen guards to protect them from gusts.

What to Expect on Our Summer Tours 

The islands of Madeira and the Azores boast a mild, subtropical climate year-round, making them ideal summertime alternatives to Portugal’s mainland, which can experience hot days in summer. Our adventure on Madeira is crafted to highlight the best of the summer season, from hiking unique levada trails through subtropical forests to sampling the freshest catch-of-the-day fish. In the Azores, our adventure explores four different Azorean islands, each with a distinct character.

portugal in the Fall: september, october & november

Why Visit Portugal in the Fall? 

Fall is a fabulous time to visit Portugal, when the Douro Valley’s age-old vineyards, known for their velvety port wines, are in the full swing of the grape harvest. Expect ideal hiking conditions, with clear days averaging the mid 70s and crisp nights in the 50s along the coast and riverways. It is slightly cooler in the beach resorts of the Algarve in autumn. Fall is also a great time to explore Madeira and the Azores, as their most popular beach towns grow quieter and more local.

What to Expect on Our Fall Tours 

Fall is the most in-demand time for our Hiker’s Journey to Portugal (even with multiple departures, our fall dates always sell out quickly!). It’s no surprise, with the gorgeous autumnal color and days spent exploring castle-topped towns and family-owned quintas (traditional wine farms) at the height of their harvests.

PORTUGAL in the WINTER: december, january & february

Why Visit Portugal in the Winter?

While chilly and rainy days mean less-than-ideal beach and hiking conditions, the quiet winter months are a great time to experience Portugal’s cultural capitals of Lisbon, Porto, and Lamego, which you can enjoy on a Douro River cruise.  

What to Expect on Our Winter Tours 

The early winter is one of our favorite times for a relaxing cruise along the Douro River, when the weather is still mild and the days are clear. At this season, Portugal’s medieval towns and traditional wine farms quiet down after the summer and fall visitors disperse.