The Best Times to Visit Portugal, According to a Local

Once taking a back seat to popular destinations like Italy and Spain, Portugal has since come into its own. Roughly 26.5 million visitors flocked there in 2023, a 19.2 percent increase over the prior year. Many travelers head to the beaches of the Algarve during the sunny summer months, while others prefer the quieter spring months when the countryside comes alive. Portugal’s tourism seasons fall into three categories: 

• High Season: June through August
• Shoulder Season: September to November; April to June
• Low Season: December to April
  

Wondering about the best times to visit Portugal? Here's what to know.

Best Times to Visit Portugal for Smaller Crowds

The best time to visit Portugal for smaller crowds is during the colder months from December through April. That said, the weather will indeed be colder up and down the coast, making it a less-than-ideal time to hit the beach. However, it’s an exceptionally good period to explore places like Lisbon and Porto, the country’s two largest cities. In both, you’ll find plenty of historic attractions, like Praça do Comércio and Belém Tower in Lisbon, as well as the World of Wine in Porto, which will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about Portuguese wine. And really, there’s no better time to try one of the nation’s famed red wines than on a chilly winter day. 

Best Times to Visit Portugal for Good Weather

For warm, long days, pay Portugal a visit over the summer months. The warm season in Portugal typically lasts from mid-June to mid-September, when the average daily high hits above 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest month is August, with an average high of 83 degrees. The only thing to note during this time is that the winds tend to pick up, which is why most people who frequent the beaches in Portugal own screen guards to keep the sand from whipping up around them and getting into their swimsuits while sunbathing.

Best Times to Visit Portugal for Lower Prices 

The best time to visit Portugal for lower prices is in both its shoulder and low seasons. While we’ve discussed the low season above, it’s key to point out that Portugal’s shoulder seasons in the spring and fall can be fantastic, too. You’ll typically find thinner crowds in highly touristed areas like Lisbon, Faro, and Porto, but the weather will still usually be sublime. It's also a great time to find deals on hotels and excursions, plus visiting during this period gives you a much better shot at snagging coveted reservations at the country’s hottest restaurants. If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and are a fan of beautiful wildflower blooms and bright green pastures, make your way to Portugal in its spring shoulder season. For still-warm (and even potentially hot) days, try the fall shoulder season instead. 

“Portugal is known for its year-round good weather. Having said this, I suggest visiting in the spring [April to June] when nature is awakening and brings incredible light and energy,” shared Teresa Barros, founder and CEO of Xpose Consulting. “As an alternative, I suggest visiting in the fall [September or October], when the weather is still great, and places are generally more chill than in August. It's also a great way to extend summer.” 

Best Times to Visit Portugal for Festivals

Portugal is a nation that loves its festivals. A favorite is Festas de Santo António, which is celebrated in Lisbon and beyond and honors the city’s patron saint, Santo António. The main celebrations happen from the night of June 12 to Santo António's feast day on June 13, when people take to the streets to enjoy sardines and watch the fabulous parades. (Seriously, the parties happen in every corner of the city, and people spill out onto the streets all night long, so don't expect to get a good night's sleep over these few days).

Other major festivals in Portugal include Carnival, which occurs in February or March; Holy Week in March or April; and Sintra Festival in June. 

It's also worth visiting during the festive holiday season, as the nation takes its Christmas joy seriously. Travelers can find twinkly lights and nativity scenes just about everywhere, along with several Christmas markets in places like Lisbon and Porto. 

“Portugal is one of the smallest countries with the largest plethora of touristic activities on offer,” Nick Roucos, managing director of Bomporto Hotels, which owns The Vintage Lisbon and The Lumiares, shared with Travel + Leisure. “In such a small territory, you can, in a very short framework of time and space, immerse yourself in the culture of city life, enjoy natural wonders from beaches to rivers to gardens, taste its rich yet diversified gastronomy across every region, or just lay back and relax in the most peaceful surroundings.”

As a resident of Portugal, I can attest to its bounty of activities, history, and delicious food — don't miss the pastéis de nata (sweet custard tart), bacalhau (dried and salted cod), or garlic shrimp. I can also promise it’s a place worthy of exploration throughout the year.

Worst Times to Visit Portugal

There's no bad time to visit Portugal, as every season offers its own rewards. However, if you want to avoid the destination's rainy season, avoid coming in October and November. This is when you’ll be hard-pressed to find a fully clear day, plus temperatures may be a bit cooler, and the days get a lot shorter. That said, you can always find something to fill your time here, so really, the best time to visit Portugal is whenever you wish.