Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal, where golden beaches meet centuries-old castles, is a destination that shines in every season. But whenever you plan your trip, you can shape your experience—whether you're soaking up the sun in the Algarve or sipping port by a cosy winter fireplace. Each season paints the country in a different light, offering unique festivals, flavours, and adventures. So, when is the best time to visit Portugal? That depends on what you're looking for—but timing it right can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

Individuals
Sr. Citizens
Students

Plans for an individual of 30 years age travelling to USA for 15 days

Understanding the Seasons of Portugal

Portugal experiences all four seasons, each bringing its own weather patterns and ideal activities. Here's a summary of Portugal's weather conditions and temperatures every season.

Seasons	Summer	Winter	Spring	Autumn
Months	June to August	November to February	March to May	September to October
Temperature	17-30 °C	8-15 °C.	10-20 °C	15-27 °C
Weather Conditions	Hot temperatures and sunny days.	Cold weather with rain showers.	Warm temperatures, pleasant weather.	Warm temperatures, with chances of rain.
Things to Consider	Water temperatures are also warm- perfect for swimming.	Carry umbrellas and raincoats as this is the wettest season in Portugal.	Be prepared to face warm and cold days since the weather is fluctuating.	Carry raincoats and umbrellas to handle rain showers.

Whenever you decide to explore Portugal, make sure you pick a comprehensive travel insurance policy for Portugal. It is essential for your visa as well as safety.

Best Time to Visit Popular Cities in Portugal

Portugal's cities each have their rhythm, with the best time to visit varying depending on weather, events, and crowd levels. Discover the ideal time to visit Portugal's most popular cities here:

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Lisbon welcomes visitors with pleasant weather all year long, but spring (March to May) is when it truly shines. Blooming trees, longer days, and occasional rain keep the city lush and romantic, while the Portugal temperatures are just right for exploring on foot.
If festivals and outdoor events are your priority, visit in summer between June and September. You should be prepared for high hotel prices and larger crowds.
Best Time to Visit Porto

Summer (June to August) in Porto brings warm, sunny days and fewer rain showers, making it a great time for festivals and outdoor dining. However, this also means peak tourist season, with higher prices and packed attractions. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in spring or autumn, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are thinner.
Best Time to Visit Sintra

Although summer is the busiest season, Sintra is best explored in the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October. These months offer the perfect mix of sunny days and occasional mist, adding an air of mystery to the palaces and lush forests. The mild temperatures make it comfortable for hiking and sightseeing, without the scorching heat and heavy summer crowds.
Best Time to Visit Coimbra

The first week of May is the best time to visit Coimbra, thanks to the “Burning of the Ribbons” festival, where university students celebrate the end of their academic journey with music, traditions, and street parties. During summer, the city quiets down as students leave, but by September, they return, bringing renewed energy alongside mild, pleasant weather—making it another great time to explore.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Turkey

Best Time to Visit Greece

Best Time to Visit USA

Best Time to Visit Australia

Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Best Time to Visit Canada

Best Time to Visit Germany

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Expand

Best Months to Visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal from India depends on what you're looking for—whether it's sunny beach days, cultural festivals, or a budget-friendly trip. Each month offers something unique, from the blooming landscapes of spring to the festive charm of winter.

Months	Best City to Visit	Best Things to Do in Portugal
January	Nazaré	Witness some of the biggest waves on earth and try surfing.
February	Torres	Visit Torres- Portugal's only ski resort.
March	Loulé	Experience the vibrant Carnival of Loulé, Portugal's biggest and most colourful procession.
April	Lisbon	Discover the lush green parks, watch the blooming flowers, and enjoy outdoor activities.
May	Coimbra	Witness the Burning of the Ribbons festival.
June	Porto	Enjoy Porto's mild spring weather, explore wine cellars and do activities like cruising along the Douro River.
July	The Algarve	Visit the golden beaches, sea cliffs, and sandy islands. Try your hand at surfing.
August	Lisbon	Attend NOS Festival- an EDM (electronic dance music) festival.
September	Sintra	Explore fairytale castles, parks, and panoramic vistas.
October	Santarem	Attend the National Gastronomic Festival to learn about Portuguese food.
November	Major cities in the country	Witness the processions for 'All Soul's Day'- a festival that commemorates Christian saints.
December	Cabeça	Visit the Christmas Village of Cabeça - an event with age-old customs like Christmas mass, bonfires, etc.

Best Time to Visit Portugal for Budget Travellers

Travelling to Portugal on a budget? Timing your visit wisely can save you money on flights, accommodations, and attractions. Plan your trip between November and March to enjoy the best deals without sacrificing an amazing experience.

Lower prices & fewer crowds: Hotels offer off-season rates from November 1 to March 31, making this the most affordable time to visit.
Weather: There is no snow in Portugal, so most outdoor attractions remain open throughout winter. The weather is manageable, and public transport runs smoothly throughout the season. Check the current temperatures in Lisbon and other major cities before going to avoid surprises.
Festive December: A winter trip would allow you to explore the charming holiday markets, roasted chestnuts, and Christmas lights that bring warmth to chilly days.

Important Things to Know Before Travelling to Portugal

When you pick the best time to travel to Portugal, keep these essential tips in mind.

Schengen Visa: Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone, allowing visitors from many countries to stay for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa. Check if your country requires a visa before travelling.
Schengen Travel Insurance for Portugal: Travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation is required, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. It's a must-have for peace of mind during your trip.
Currency and Payment Methods: Portugal uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially in small towns and local markets.
Packing: Pack according to the season and current temperatures. Pack light clothes in spring and autumn along with rain protection. For winter, pack jackets, coats, and warm clothes.

Best Time to Visit Portugal from India: FAQs

Q1. How many days in Portugal is enough?

Ans. A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal for exploring Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve. For a shorter visit, 4-5 days can cover Lisbon and Sintra, while 2 weeks allows for a deeper exploration.
Q2. Which month is the coldest in Portugal?

Ans. January is the coldest month of the year in Portugal.
Q3. How much money do I need per day in Portugal?

Ans. As per the Schengen visa requirements, you need to have EUR 40 per day for your stay in Portugal. You may need more money depending on your accommodation, travelling time, and the places you wish to visit.
Q4. How do I go to Portugal from India?

Ans. You can take a flight to Lisbon from major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. There are no direct flights, but you can reach Portugal through connecting flights via Dubai, Doha, London, Frankfurt, etc.
Q5. What is the best part of Portugal?

Ans. Each part of Portugal has its charm. For history & culture, visit Lisbon and Porto. For beaches, head to Algarve. Wine lovers will enjoy the Douro Valley, while Sintra offers fairytale landscapes. Azores and Madeira are perfect for nature lovers.

Travel insurance companies

View more insurers

Disclaimer: The list of insurers mentioned are arranged according to the alphabetical order of the names of insurers respectively. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. The list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in