Best time to visit Portugal

Carnival (February or March)

Portugal’s Carnival festivities offer historic tradition as well as spangly costumes. Alongside pork-led feasting, different regions add distinctive spins. The Algarve goes in for egg-throwing, while in northern Portugal – most famously, Lazarim – local people in wooden masks (caretos) indulge in street japery before the burning of giant godfather and godmother figures linked to ancient fertility rites.

Freedom Day (25 April)

A national holiday, Freedom Day marks the Carnation Revolution of 1974, when Portugal threw off the shackles of dictatorship – demonstrators placed carnations in the barrels of revolutionary soldiers’ guns. You can watch parades and concerts, and follow the Revolution Day route via 14 historical sites across Lisbon.

Fatima Pilgrimage (12 & 13 May)

The 13 May is a good time to visit Fatima town if you don’t mind the crowds. On this day in 1917, three local children reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary, and believers have flocked to the city ever since. Come on the evening of 12 May to watch a moving candlelight procession, while on the following day the faithful wave white handkerchiefs as a statue of the Virgin May is borne aloft through the streets.

Feast of Saint John (23 June)

The Feast of Saint John is most strongly celebrated in Porto. Families get together to share a meal and crowds gather to watch a huge fireworks display at the Dom Luis I Bridge. The fireworks are actually a tribute to the sun; this Christian festival has its roots in pagan rites. The partying goes on until the early hours – don’t be unnerved by the traditional greeting of gently tapping someone with a leek or a small plastic hammer.

Sintra Festival (June & July)

An hour west of Lisbon, the town of Sintra is renowned for its magnificent architecture. The royal palaces, historic estates, and gardens are like something from Cinderella. Every summer this fantastical setting plays host to a renowned festival of classical music. Make a day of it if visiting from Lisbon – and do try to use public transport to get there, as the roads in get fiendishly busy. Our Sintra travel guide has more details.

Festival of the Trays (July; every four years)

Tomar, 90 minutes’ drive north of Lisbon, hosts the Festival of the Trays, one of the oldest festivals in Portugal. The event sees the women of the town bearing wicker baskets full of bread rolls in tribute to Saint Isabel. It’s not as easy as it sounds, though. The baskets are about the same height as the bearer, weigh up to 16kg, and must be carried for around 5km. No wonder they only do it every four years.

Olhao Seafood Festival (August)

What’s on the menu at the Olhao Seafood Festival in August? Anything that can be caught in the Rio Formosa, from oysters and clams to prawns, cockles and even lobsters. Cataplana is a seafood stew, while arroz de marisco is seafood rice, a similar dish to paella. Load a plateful, crack open a chilled bottle of vinho verde, and settle down to watch a local band at one of the Algarve’s finest food festivals.

What are the hottest months in Portugal?

July and August are the hottest months in Portugal – daytime temperatures can get to 28°C and beyond, though inland it can feel warmer still. Local people and visitors alike make for the coast, and the beaches of the Algarve get very busy during the summer. For a calmer atmosphere, opt for a stay on a locally owned quinta in the countryside – many have their own swimming pools. You can also find a more peaceful atmosphere, and milder weather, in northern Portugal.

Where is the best weather in Portugal?

The Algarve enjoys warm, sunny and dry weather pretty much year-round. Between September and May, you can enjoy sublime walking and cycling holidays in this region and in the neighbouring Alentejo. However, summer (June to August) can be stiflingly hot, and most people stick close to the beaches. If you prefer things a little cooler, look to the north of Portugal, where the green and lush vegetation indicates a milder climate.

What is the rainiest month in Portugal?

December is the rainiest month in Portugal, but the north sees most of it. Even in December, however, it’s rare for a day to be a total washout. While walking and cycling holidays won’t be much fun, in the cities a waterproof coat and an umbrella should ensure you can continue exploring in comfort. The southern Algarve region has a Mediterranean climate – very dry and hot for much of the year. By contrast, northern Portugal is much cooler and wetter, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The landscape there is much more green and lush.

What is the coldest month in Portugal?

The coldest month in Portugal is January, when daytime temperatures average just 9°C. The south of the country tends to be significantly warmer – up to 15°C around Faro. Winter (December to February) can still be a very good time to visit Portugal, with not many other tourists around. While rain can be expected, much of the time the weather is sunny and crisp.

What time of year is Portugal cheapest?

November to March is the cheapest time to visit Portugal, with lower flight costs and good deals available on accommodation. While the weather can be changeable, both November and March are good months to visit Portugal, as it is generally mild, and you can enjoy some pleasant walking. During the winter (December to February) the weather is rarely too wet or cold to enjoy yourself. But you will find many restaurants and shops are closed for the low season, particularly in more rural areas.