Budget-conscious people will have the best time in…
Portugal is a great place to visit for budget-minded travellers, especially if you are not visiting during the summer months or significant holidays like Christmas and Easter. These are the times when people plan long vacations and weekends. This is also when hotel and flight costs can skyrocket, even in major cities. The most cost-effective months, in general, are January and February. Late spring and autumn are tied for second.
The best time to go to the beach
Although the Portuguese coast doesn’t have very warm water, it can still feel cold in the early summer. July through September are the warmest months. This means that the water temperatures will be at their best. If you prefer to swim in comfortable conditions, consider a summer trip to Madeira, the Azores, or the Algarve during warmer temperatures.
The best time for surfing
While summer is the warmest, surfers will still find stunning waves in winter. Visit Nazare and Peniche between November-January to see the pros at their best. You can also jump in the water if you are not ready to take on the massive waves.
The best times to make merry
June is the month of the Most Popular Saints’ Festivals. Street parties in Lisbon peak between the 12th and the 13th to celebrate Santo Antonio. Porto’s streets are alive on the 23rd of the Sao Joao Festival. It doesn’t matter where you live in June; there are always people celebrating one saint. Winter and spring are good times to travel; Madeira hosts one of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, including a stunning fireworks display, and Portugal participates in Carnival festivals between February-March.
The best times to attend music events.
Portugal also hosts many music festivals. They are held between spring and early autumn, with the peak season being June through August. Festicket keeps a list of all music events taking place in Portugal.
The best time to visit Madeira
Madeira lives up to its name, “Island of Eternal Spring.” It has a subtropical climate with average temperatures of 77°F in July and 62°F in January. This is due to Madeira’s location in the Atlantic, 600 miles from Lisbon. If you are okay with a little rain (and less expensive) in the offseason, Madeira is open all year. The best prices for Madeira are from April to mid-June.
This volcanic island is known for its lush vegetation and fruits like mangoes, guava, and anyone. You can choose to go windsurfing (September-February), birdwatch, swim in lava pools or laze on beaches. Or you could explore the Laurisilva forest and watch whales (April-October).
The best time to visit the Azores
The Azores is a group consisting of nine islands located in the middle Atlantic at a distance of approximately 900 miles from Lisbon. 3 Many of these islands are rarely visited, and others are more relaxed and peaceful than the rest. May to October is the best time to visit. Whale watching is excellent in the Azores, and May-September is the best time to go. Every morning, boats depart from Faial or San Miguel.
The hottest air and water temperatures are in the summertime, which runs from June through September. March, April and May are the months with the most unpredictable weather. Sunny days can alternate with heavy rain. Because the weather can change so rapidly, it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day.
November through March are winter and the peak season for the rainy season. Although temperatures don’t drop below freezing, the dampness can make it feel much colder. There are still plenty of things to do, such as relaxing in thermal springs. Just bring the right clothes and take advantage of the low price for accommodation.
The Azores, like Madeira, are volcanic. This creates a wild landscape with exciting hikes and a unique environment. Pico Volcano is Pico’s highest mountain. It is a difficult climb up to the summit that can be dangerous in rainy weather. June would be the best month to visit Pico.
The best time to visit Algarve
You can avoid the heat and crowds by visiting Algarve from late April to early June or mid-September through late October. Although it may be too cold to swim in spring, this is the best time to relax on the beach and take in the beauty of the ocean. The water should remain warm throughout the year in the fall. Both spring and fall are great seasons for hiking and golf, which are two of the most popular activities in the region.
The Algarve is located in the south of Portugal. It runs from Lagos to Tavira and has a border with Spain. In the inland, it reaches Monchique. The south will have more sunshine, warmer temperatures and air quality than the north.
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. Summers in Algarve can reach 104 degrees F. It is also very hot. This heat is what leads to high prices for food and accommodation. The season with the lowest costs is winter, which runs from December 21 through March 20. Although there are some rainy days in winter, the Algarve enjoys a pleasant climate all year. Avoid peak season.
The Algarve is not only a holiday destination but also a paradise for golfers, with almost 40 golf courses. Golf is more enjoyable in the spring and fall than it is in the summer heat. You can also enjoy sightseeing in Faro and Lagos as well as boat trips to Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and the islands. All of these activities are available year-round.
The best time to visit Porto and the north of Portugal
Portugal’s north is cooler than its south, making it a great place to see if your interests include road trips, sightseeing and hiking. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit.
The almond trees and mountains of the north bloom in spring. This is the best time to hike and explore the beautiful cities of Porto and Sintra in the north.
Mid-September to mid-October is harvest time. This is when the Douro Valley and Dao are bustling with activity during the grape harvest. The countryside is bursting with beautiful colours thanks to the blossoming of chestnut trees. Fall is the best time to hike in the mountains. The average temperature of the Tras-os Montes and Minho regions is 55 degrees F.
Winter temperatures are much colder (between January to March), especially in the Estrela Range. Skiers should head to one of the many sports centers in the area. Surfers who are keen to surf should head for Ericeira (or the Atlantic coast (Costa Verde), in the months of November through February. Waves reach record heights of 80 feet.
The summer months in the north are great for beach holidays. They are cooler than the south due to the fresh Atlantic breeze. The north has many beaches to pick from. Be aware that the water temperature may be lower than in the south and that there might be occasional rain showers. If you are only able to visit the North, book well in advance as prices can rise. The beaches in the north also attract the Portuguese who love to vacation in the summer.
Portugal’s north might not get as much sun in winter as the south. This doesn’t diminish the beauty and history of this part of Portugal. The best time to visit is the fall when temperatures are between 24C (17C) and 75-63F (75-63F) during the day and drop at night. This is the best time to wander the streets and hike the trails while the sun is shining, and then retreat indoors for comfort food (and wine). The harvest season is also in fall, and the northern region of Portugal is known for its excellent wine.
The overall best time to visit Portugal
The best time to visit Portugal and enjoy as much as you can is between March and June or mid-September and late November. Spring brings blooming flowers to brighten the already pastel-painted cities. Autumn is harvest time, which means it’s wine season.