Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It has sunny beaches, old towns, and friendly people. You can relax by the sea, walk through cities like Lisbon and Porto, or join local festivals. No matter when you visit Portugal, the country has something fun to offer.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?

The best time of the year to visit Portugal is spring (March–May) or fall (September–October). During these months, the weather is nice, there are fewer tourists, and prices are often lower than in summer. In spring, the flowers are blooming and the days are warm, which is great for outdoor activities. In fall, the weather is still sunny and pleasant, but the crowds are smaller. This makes it a good time to visit cities like Lisbon and Porto, go hiking in Sintra, or enjoy wine tasting in the Douro Valley.

Tourist Season in Portugal

High Season (June to August)

• This is the busiest time of year, especially in coastal areas like the Algarve.

• Expect hot weather, lively beaches, long lines at attractions, and higher hotel and flight prices.

• Ideal for beach lovers and festival-goers, but advanced booking is recommended.

Shoulder Season (April to June & September to November)

• A great time to visit with mild to warm weather and fewer crowds.

• Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra are easier to explore.

• Many local festivals take place, and accommodation prices are more reasonable.

• Perfect for cultural visits, outdoor activities, and wine tourism.

Low Season (December to March)

• The quietest period, offering a more relaxed and authentic experience.

• Weather can be cool and rainy, especially in the north, but the south remains milder.

• Great for budget travelers, as prices drop for flights and hotels.

Note: In 2024, Portugal’s tourism industry reached record levels and played a major role in the country’s economy. According to Turismo de Portugal and the national statistics office (INE), 31.6 million tourists visited the country, resulting in over 80 million overnight stays. More than 70 percent of these stays were made by international travelers. Tourism revenue also saw strong growth, rising by 8.8 percent to €27.7 billion. [1]

The majority of visitors came from the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, the United States and France. The number of tourists from the US increased by more than 12 percent compared to the previous year. Overall, tourism now accounts for around 16.5 percent of Portugal’s GDP, highlighting its importance to the national economy. [2]

Best Months to Visit Portugal: Seasonal Insights

January to February

Temperature: Between 5°C and 14°C

Weather: Cool and rainy, especially in the north. Occasional sunny days in the south, particularly the Algarve.

Price: Lowest of the year. Flight and hotel prices drop significantly, ideal for budget travelers.

Crowds: Very low tourist presence. Major attractions are quiet and peaceful.

Events & Festivals:

• Candlemas Day: Religious celebration marking light and spiritual renewal.

March to May

Temperature: Between 8°C and 21°C

Weather: Mild and fresh with blooming landscapes. Rainfall decreases through spring.

Price: Moderate travel costs. Still affordable with good value for mid-range budgets.

Crowds: Manageable. A gradual increase in visitors, ideal for sightseeing and nature activities.

Events & Festivals:

• Holy Week: Religious processions and traditional celebrations across the country.

• Freedom Day: April 25 marks the end of dictatorship with parades and concerts.

• Festival de Sintra: Classical music and opera performances in palaces and gardens.

June to August

Temperature: Between 14°C and 28°C

Weather: Hot and dry with long sunny days. Coastal areas offer refreshing breezes.

Price: Highest of the year. Flight and hotel prices reach peak levels.

Crowds: Very high. Cities and beaches are packed with tourists.

Events & Festivals:

• Portugal Day: June 10 celebrates national pride with public festivities.

• Feast of Saint John the Baptist: June 23–24 in Porto, with fireworks, music, and cultural traditions.

September to October

Temperature: Between 12°C and 26°C

Weather: Warm and comfortable. Ideal for outdoor activities and vineyard visits.

Price: Moderate. Prices start to decline after summer, offering good value.

Crowds: Noticeably fewer tourists. Cities and coastal towns feel relaxed and authentic.

Events & Festivals:

• Grape Harvest Season: Wineries offer tastings and harvest experiences in regions like Douro and Alentejo.

November to December

Temperature: Between 6°C and 16°C

Weather: Cooler and wetter, especially in the north. The south remains mild and sunny.

Price: Low season rates. Great deals on both flights and accommodations.

Crowds: Light tourist presence. Perfect for quiet city walks and countryside visits.

Events & Festivals:

• Christmas Celebrations: Streets light up with markets, decorations, and midnight masses.

• Winter Music Festivals: Local cultural events bring warmth and entertainment during the colder months.

Roamless eSIM for Your Portugal Trip

When traveling in Portugal, a Global eSIM like Roamless helps you stay in touch with family and friends easily. You get fast and secure internet without needing a local SIM card or searching for Wi-Fi.

• Easy to Install: Instant activation without the need for a physical SIM card.

• Budget-Friendly: Affordable data plans for short or long stays.

• Device Compatibility: Supports most eSIM-enabled smartphones and tablets for easy setup.

• Wide Coverage: Reliable internet across Portugal, even in remote areas.

• Dual SIM Functionality: Keep your personal number active while using local data for multitasking.

Before planning your trip, check out our eSIM Portugal and eSIM Lisbon page. For more detailed information about eSIMs, explore our pages on roaming charges in Portugal and the best eSIM for Portugal.

Worst Time to Visit Portugal

The worst time to visit Portugal is usually from December to February. The weather is colder and often rainy, especially in the north, making outdoor activities and sightseeing less enjoyable. Some attractions may also have shorter opening hours. However, it can still be a good option for budget travelers looking to avoid crowds and high prices.

Knowing the best time to visit Portugal helps you plan a better trip. By looking at the weather and tourist seasons month by month, you can choose the perfect time to explore. Whether you travel Portugal during peak, shoulder, or off-season, the country has something special to offer all year round.

Source:

[1] Turismo de Portugal. (2024). “Tourism in Portugal – Preliminary overview 2024.”

https://www.turismodeportugal.pt/en/Turismo_Portugal/visao_geral/Pages/default.aspx?

[2] The Portugal News. (2025, February 2). “Tourism records historic high.”

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-02-02/tourism-records-historic-high/95294