Portugal
Beaches, azulejos and pastéis de nata! Fill up on adventures by visiting Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Sintra and the Algarve!
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Portugal
Portugal weather
If you are thinking of taking a holiday in Portugal, the best time to visit runs from spring to autumn, when the climate is mild and pleasant. Summer is also an ideal time to discover the country, although some popular destinations, notably the beaches of the Algarve and big cities such as Lisbon and Porto, can be busier.
Portugal enjoys a climate that varies by region: a Mediterranean climate predominates in most of the country, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The coastal regions of the west and south are more temperate, with refreshing sea breezes in summer. By contrast, the interior of the country, notably in the Alentejo region, can experience very hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In the north, winters are cooler and wetter, especially in mountainous areas such as the Serra da Estrela, where it is possible to see snow in winter.
The city where it rains the most in Portugal is Viana do Castelo, followed by Braga and Porto. A mountain climate influences the higher areas, bringing significant variations depending on altitude. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year: from lazing on the beaches in summer to discovering the Douro vineyards in autumn, not to mention exploring the historic cities in any season. Portugal always has something to offer.
Find out more about the weather in Portugal.
Frequently asked questions: planning your trip to Portugal
Lisbon, on the banks of the Tagus. Porto, Braga and Coimbra are the other major cities.
Portuguese. English is widely understood in tourist areas, in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve.
From spring to autumn, when the climate is mild. Summer is perfect for the beaches, particularly in the Algarve, even though Lisbon, Porto and the coast are busier.
The euro. Portugal is part of the eurozone.