A week in winter Portugal. When is the best time to go on holiday to Portugal? Portugal is in winter
I was asked a question by a person who wants to come to Portugal for the winter. Have you asked? We answer!
Portugal is a country with a wonderful climate and excellent ecology. To come here to live for a few months - in my opinion, this is the best thing a person can do for his health (both physical and mental). When does winter start in Russia? In my memory - at the end of October, when it falls wet snow, then it melts, then falls out again... and so on until the end of March. In Portugal, the end of October is Indian summer. Even in the north of the country you can swim in the cold Atlantic until November. In December, of course, it starts to rain. In January, the so-called winter ends. It's already raging in February early spring. There are, of course, exceptions, like this year, when in January the temperature dropped to plus five degrees (at night). And even in June there were a few not very pleasant, cold rainy days, but this is rare.
This is how acacia (which we call mimosa) blooms in February.
So, wintering in Portugal. What questions need to be answered and what nuances should be taken into account?
- Need to choose a place.
The islands are stunningly beautiful, warm and peaceful. But let's face it: it's very boring there.
Mainland Portugal is conventionally divided into three parts: the north (Braga and Porto), the central part (Viseu, Quimbra) and the south (Faro, Albufeira, Portimão). Lisbon and its surroundings stand a little apart.
Porto in February. 
Porto is an ancient city, with interesting story and of great importance for the whole of Portugal. It's no surprise that the country's second largest city lives full life of an average European city. There is an excellent, spacious, modern airport from which you can get directly to almost any point in Europe and America (to Russia, however, you can’t - only through Lisbon, from Lisbon to Porto it’s a 1-hour flight). Porto hosts exhibitions, festivals, biennales, conferences, concerts and other interesting things. The infrastructure (transport, shops, hospitals) is well developed here.
I especially appreciate that the city has many faces: there are old quarters, multi-storey modern buildings, expensive villas, there are typical Portuguese town houses, there are mansions for the middle class - take your pick. Although, all Portuguese cities are exactly like this... It’s just that Porto is subjectively closer and dearer to me.
Unlike Lisbon, Porto does not suffer from the invasion of illegal migrants, nomadic gypsies or barbaric tourists. Everything here is within the bounds of decency. The city is crowded, but there are many beautiful quiet places.
It is believed that Porto is located in the north, and therefore it is very cold and rainy here. All this is slander and slander. The whole of Portugal from north to south is 560 km. If the winter is cold and rainy, then it will be like this along the entire coast, and the temperature difference between Porto and Lisbon, if there is any, is insignificant.
- Visa.
- Housing.
It might be worth looking for something through Booking or Airbnb (I like Booking more, it doesn’t take a commission from guests), then you won’t have to pay for utilities and everything will be simplified from the point of view of the contract, registrations and other paperwork. And another important point: through these sites you can book wonderful apartments, even for six months, even for a year in advance, which is almost impossible to do during a regular apartment search, since the owner needs to rent out the apartment faster, so the search for an apartment takes place in real time. And it will be easier to agree on payment (for example, you can pay for the first month when booking, and then continue to pay monthly).
- How much money do you need to live?
You need to think in advance which card (or better yet, cards) you will use here. Russian banks give privileges to some clients for interest-free cash withdrawals abroad using some cards (from foreign currency accounts, of course). Portuguese ATMs dispense 200 euros at a time. Those. if you want to withdraw 1000 euros, you will have to insert the card into the ATM five times and make 5 withdrawal operations. In large Portuguese cities, bank cards are widely accepted for payment.
- Language.
English in Portugal is not as good as in Holland or Slovenia. But not as bad as in Italy. Representatives of prestigious professions: doctors, lawyers, bankers, as well as customs officers and airport workers - speak 100% excellent English. Young people are likely to talk well. People from 40 and above - more or less, something primitive and everyday, yes, they can handle it.
- Medical insurance.
- Connection.
I hope I answered all the basic questions about wintering in Portugal. In any case, you need to remember: those who come here will not remain in a vacuum. There are quite a lot of Russians here who are ready to help (if not with action, then at least with advice).
The best time to travel to Portugal is May - October. In general, the weather conditions in Portugal can be called warm and sunny, but depending on the region, the climate may differ slightly. You can choose any time of year when you fly to Portugal, but you should take into account certain features.
Portugal in winter: where to go
The weather in Portugal in winter is significantly different from what residents of Ukraine and Russia are used to seeing. Holidays in Portugal in winter can be overshadowed by the fact that this season is considered the rainiest. Despite this, you can sunbathe in the southern regions of the country and ski in the northern regions. Due to ocean currents, the water here is always colder than on the Mediterranean coast.
With the coming winter months It's low season in Portugal. Despite this, you can sunbathe on the beaches of the Algarve even at this time. Some hotels in the country offer discounts for those who dare to come to Portugal in winter.
Portugal in spring
The advantages of holidaying in Portugal in the spring are that warmth comes to the country already in February. At this time of water Atlantic Ocean warm up to +14 - +17 o C.
As for the air temperature, the most cold weather in Portugal in the spring it sets in Porto - +17 o C, it becomes warmest in Madeira and the Algarve - +19 - +20 o C. With the onset spring months, on beach resorts The country attracts lovers of active sports, including surfing.
Holidays in Portugal in summer
Officially high season in Portugal it begins on June 15 and lasts until September 15. However, tourists from Russia and Ukraine open the beach season long before this date. If you want to know the details of the weather in Portugal in the summer, then it is characterized by a dry, hot and sunny climate, while rain is very rare throughout the country.
Planning beach holiday in Portugal in the summer, it is worth knowing that in June the ocean warms up to +18 o C, and in August to +20 o C. In the southern regions, the water temperature is usually several degrees higher. In the northern regions of the country, swimming is not recommended even in summer. There are quite strong winds here, so the climate is suitable only for excursion holiday, sunbathing and admiring the local landscape.
I’m telling you about a winter trip to the country of “green” wine and sardines. and of course, an incomparable drink called Port!
Portugal, the full official name of the Portuguese Republic, is the westernmost state in continental Europe. The name of the country comes from the city of Porto (lat. Portus Cale - "warm port").
The most important traditional industries are textiles (cotton and wool), clothing, winemaking, olive oil production, canned fish production, and cork bark processing (leading in the world). Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering (shipbuilding and ship repair, automobile assembly, electrical engineering); The chemical, oil refining and petrochemical, cement, glass and ceramic (production of blue facing tiles) industries are developing.
IN agriculture Agriculture predominates. About half of the cultivated land is occupied by arable land; viticulture, fruit growing, olive plantings. In livestock farming, cattle breeding, sheep breeding, pig breeding. Fishing (mainly sardines).
Export: textiles and clothing, food products, cork, ships, electrical equipment, chemical products.
On a cold Moscow evening, having ignored a party with friends, I stay at home looking through Portuguese photographs and indulging in memories of green meadows and palm trees, fresh fish and delicious wine. the trip turned out great - from the series if suddenly you have 10 days off, no need to stay in the city!
Have a massive New Year's binge in another country. possibilities modern world allow you to quickly and quite cheaply travel to a completely different world, and this time our world was called Portugal.
Many, having heard about Portugal in winter, turned their heads, but the general reaction was “how cool!” The idea of a trip appeared in my head back in September, when my uncle returned from a press tour to the races that take place near Lisbon. he brought a lot of impressions, and from then on I knew exactly the direction of my next
trips.
We bought tickets at the end of October from Helsinki to Lisbon for ridiculous money, in general, for a direct flight - 270 euros roundtrip (flight 4.5 hours). The Portuguese airline TAP, at first glance, did not discredit itself in any way - the Airbus planes, the entire crew were selected - what caught the eye - in a well-fitting uniform with a positive combination of colors - red and green on a black background. On the way there we were delayed for only 1.5 hours - in the harsh conditions of the city of Helsinki, the luggage compartment door froze, and we could not fly away.
taxis in Lisbon are cheap, however, and the airport is nearby (5 km). now I just understand that The best way getting to know a city means driving around it in a car with a map, trying to figure out the narrow streets and names. We enjoyed this to our hearts content and in different areas. in 10 days from north to south with stops in small towns and private villas: Lisbon-Porto-Sintra-Lisbon-Faro-sky the small town of Tavira on the border with Spain-Spanish Huelba, which is not far from Seville-Lisbon airport. The roads in Portugal are beautiful, driving is a pleasure, the turns are smooth, and it’s not scary to fit in even a 130! However, tolls are about 40 euros for 300 km. plus gasoline is expensive, but car rental is budget-friendly. on trains and buses it would be the same, if not more.
in Lisbon there was a feeling that all the residents had left the city, tourists stopped by, but were also confused and all disappeared somewhere. V New Year's Eve there was a feeling that no one in this place knew about the existence of the holiday except us. Only at about one o'clock in the morning did some screams in an untranslatable language begin to be heard. either because of the mountainous terrain, or because of the distance of our hut from the central streets, there was a feeling that they were celebrating only on Red Square. which Portuguese television reported in the New Year's news and showed this very Red frozen square with a crowd of abnormal people standing in front of the Kremlin in 20-degree frost. We tried for a long time to set up a 1-channel wave on the Internet, but realizing the futility of our actions, we sat down to play cards. Fortunately, we had a jar of red caviar and “green” wine on hand.
Perhaps the most pleasant feeling for January 1 is to go outside and feel that the wind is warm. I, of course, had a sore throat on the road, so I was in no hurry to undress. but when the sun began to burn openly on the embankment, she took off both her jacket and scarf. and drank port for lunch. in principle, in Lisbon in January you can wear ballet shoes, unless, of course, it's raining. It feels like such a pleasant soft autumn with palm trees.
Since the entire city is on hills, it is quite difficult to move around on foot. After a couple of hours, you’re already sweaty, your legs are tired, and yet another restaurant beckons with fresh seafood in the windows. We honestly crawled around the city for two days, we didn’t go to the museum, it was too nice on the street. They didn’t take the elevator either - it was the only place where tourists started to feel sick. After standing in line for about 15 minutes, we realized that we couldn’t fit into the elevator, and in the corner where the line happened to be there was a terrible smell of urine. so the elevator is for suckers! You don’t have to pay 3 euros to see the city from above. There are plenty of viewing platforms in every area.
There are also plenty of dealers on the streets. “Hash-hash, coca,” they hiss as you pass by. however, the city is not touristy, which is nice. There are no Chinese with cameras, mostly the French, who are looking for cheap prices, and the Danes and Dutch, who are cold at home. Russian speech was heard only a few times. It’s immediately clear that Afisha has not yet published a guide to Lisbon. This, on the one hand, is pleasant, on the other hand, it’s offensive, because... their guidebooks are devoured like books: it’s interesting to read and you learn everything you need about the city.
from Lisbon we started towards Porto - despite the fact that a small part of our company was initially against the trip to the North. To visit Portugal and not go to Porto for me would mean the whole trip was completely pointless! the birthplace of the magical drink port wine, which in our country does not have the best reputation, thanks to the Soviet-era swill called 777 and the like. but since I was taken to the Crimea since childhood, I tried Massandra wines and ports at a rather tender age. however, the city itself is also worthy of attention.
Having visited Prague and London, I thought that I had seen old cities, but after walking along the streets of Porto, I realized that they were combed and made for tourists as old ones, behind which new plumbing and double-glazed windows were hidden. in Porto, as in all of Portugal, there are no problems with antiquity. on the central streets there are a huge number of uninhabited houses with rickety frames. dampness emanates from the cellars along the river, and it seems as if victims of the Inquisition are still languishing there.
in Porto, of course, you need to go to the ocean and dine in a restaurant where the waves crash against the walls. You definitely need to order oysters - they are the freshest, try sushi to see how different it is from what we serve, and you can even have pasta with chicken. It will certainly be delicious and the surroundings will be incredibly beautiful. after all, the winter sea, which you can’t go into naked and with a running start, is also very cool. Just looking at it is enough!
oysters must be taken with your hands and removed with a special spoon
2 days are enough in Porto, unless, of course, you come in the summer. Then we headed towards Lisbon, deciding on the way to look into the picturesque area of the town of Sintra, located at the westernmost point of continental Europe. further - only the islands, and America! We trampled the Cabo Da Roca cape, which offers an excellent view of the rocks. in winter it even seems like you are in some Scotland. but it's still much warmer.
You can spend the night not in Sintra itself, where prices are higher and the locals even speak good English, but in one of the villages on the ocean. In winter, this is, however, a dubious pleasure. In most cases, houses do not have central heating, and they remain unheated throughout the “winter.” Due to the close proximity of water, everything becomes damp, and sleeping on a damp bed is unpleasant. but there are no problems with hot water! after the Lisbon apartment, where everything was falling apart a little - this was one of the pleasant moments in the villa of the Englishwoman Suzanne. who met us with three huge dogs on a dark country road when we had completely despaired of finding her house.
Having dropped off a friend at the Lisbon airport, who was leaving for his homeland 3 days before us, we figured out the possibility of staying in the capital, doing some shopping and visiting the Belem district, or rushing south and also managing to catch a part of Spain bordering Portugal... by rummaging through the homelidays website .com, found an overnight stay for two for 35 euros in a summer resort and, without a word, packed our things into a rented Fiesta for three more days. The road was easy, in some places it passed through the mountains. the turns, as I already wrote, were smooth and incredibly beautiful. I didn't want to stop. Having reached Faro in just a couple of hours, we rushed to the main square of the town for lunch. Having met the English with strollers and in flip-flops (they themselves were in light coats), we came across some kind of diner, where we were served a disgusting tour menu with stale tuna. it was only possible to compare this with what we ate in Porto approximately.
After such disappointment, having also discovered a parking fine in such an inhospitable city, we were finally upset, deciding that the trip to the south was a mistake... however, as soon as we found our destination - the Perdas del Rei resort not far from the small town of Tavira - all doubts disappeared ! a separate bungalow with a kitchen and two rooms 100 meters from the beach (even in winter!) was like a message from heaven. Having bought port wine at a local shop, we again enjoyed delicious food. However, troubles overtook us again when the air conditioner, which had been working all day for heating, broke down. a gloomy worker came to us and, after talking to someone on the phone for a long time, fixed it. We didn’t dare turn it on any more, so we spent our nights in a rather chilly room under three blankets each.
nevertheless, all these little things could not overshadow the joy of 17 degrees Celsius (compared to -25 in Moscow) and the endlessly warm sun. my friend, it seems, even got a tan! The neighboring fishing village of Santa Lucia, in addition to excellent photo sketches, provided a wonderful lunch and the smiling faces of the restaurant owners. we were very pleased. Having decided that Natasha should still show up in Spain with her Spanish visa, we drove 50 km to the nearest border town - Huelba. where we did some vague shopping and hurried back to our village for souvenirs.
Meanwhile, my temperature rose with sensations close to poisoning. It’s not clear whether the fish was too fresh, or whether I ate something on the way that Natasha didn’t eat, but I arrived at the plane with a persistent feeling of a temperature of 38-39. I was feverish all the way back. Considering that our flight ultimately arrived in Helsinki 17 hours later, I don’t want to write in more detail about the services of the Portuguese airline. The emergency landing in Bordeaux was a blur for me. In the Finnish capital, we missed the minibus to St. Petersburg and, as a result, the plane to Moscow... with my parents, instead of a day at home, I spent an hour at the airport. The final chord of the trip was a meeting while waiting for a Moscow flight with my boss, who, without a jacket and luggage, ended up in St. Petersburg on the way from the Philippines. When we finally boarded the last plane this time, there were 8 hours left before the start of the working day..
One of ancient states Europe, famous for its rich historical heritage, Portugal is a quiet, sunny country on the southwestern “outskirts” of the Iberian Peninsula, stretching along the border with Spain on one side, and along the Atlantic coast on the other. Find out on the Tour Calendar why the most favorable time for a holiday in the “European province” - from the end of May to mid-September.
Portugal - "provincial outskirts of Europe" favorite place measured, respectable rest for tourists fed up with the standard beauties
Tourist season in Portugal
Portugal is perhaps the most attractive European country for an environmentally friendly holiday. An excellent climate, picturesque landscapes, impeccable beaches, marked with the Blue Flag for the highest quality of water and the amenities of coastal areas, an abundance of unique antiquities, delicious cuisine, good shopping - all this annually attracts up to 10,000,000 tourists here. Such impressive figures give reason to conclude that Portugal, with its Azores and the Madeira archipelago, ranks 5th in Europe in terms of tourist flow. However, the measured, sedate holiday inherent in it is available only to real gourmets with incomes “above average”, who, as a rule, have already seen many countries, and are now looking for something unconventional and very interesting in Europe. Therefore, there is no talk of high demand for this tourist destination among Russians yet.
High season
The largest number of fans of Portuguese holidays come to the country in the summer, when the prices are moderate. hot weather, favoring both swimming in the waters of the Atlantic and participating in various excursion programs. The two weeks of the New Year are also considered to be high season. Travelers book trips both to the continental part of the country and to the island of Madeira, where they vacation all year round due to its warm climate. By the way, a magnificent carnival takes place here in February, so air tickets are sold out several months in advance. Portugal is visited by travelers from completely different parts of the world, but this moment The leaders are tourists from Britain (the Queen of England loves Portugal very much), America, Canada, Holland and Germany. There are never crowds in Portugal, even at the height of summer. There are quite a few Russians in the high season. The lack of regular direct flights is taking its toll.
Low season
The low season in Portugal runs from November to the last days of April, excluding holidays and religious weeks. Thanks to warm climate, considered one of the most favorable in Europe, you can relax in this country even in winter. And Madeira is generally considered a year-round resort, but it is more suitable for eco-tourism, since good beaches there's practically none there. The main advantage low season prices for accommodation, excursions and meals in restaurants are very reasonable. So, the same hotel room in winter will cost about half as much. Prices for SPA treatments are also being reduced. Therefore, if the cultural and historical heritage of Portugal and its gastronomy are more important to you than a beach holiday, which, in principle, can be replaced by a luxurious heated swimming pool, then do not waste time and book your tour now.
Beach season in Portugal
The beach season opens in mid-April. Sun rays at midday they are already quite hot, but at the same time they are quite safe. With patience, you can get a wonderful tan. But even the most seasoned holidaymakers do not dare to swim either this or next month - the water temperature is still about +14 °C..+16 °C. The swimming season in Madeira begins the earliest, since by mid-to-late May the coastal waters of the ocean warm up to +20 °C..21 °C. In general, for many, Portugal will not seem like a very suitable place for a beach holiday, because the maximum water temperature, usually reached at all resorts on its continental part, does not exceed +20 °C under the influence of the cold Canary Current passing along the western shores. In addition, a cool wind constantly blows along the entire coast, which is why it becomes quite chilly to go ashore after swimming. Well, if the desire to combine an excursion program with a beach holiday is great (it is summer after all!), then it is better to give preference to southern resorts or the Madeira archipelago, where the maximum water temperature during the season is approximately +23 °C.
Velvet season in Portugal
The velvet season, which occurs in September in Portugal, is a relative concept, since the ocean significantly cools the perception of temperatures that are quite high for this time of year. And the water is somewhat invigorating - +20 °C..+22 °C. If you are planning to make your children healthier during the velvet season, then this is unlikely to work; it is best to prefer the same neighbor Spain, where there are still a lot of holidaymakers in September. In early autumn, tours are mostly booked for South coast countries, the Algarve province, or Madeira. In October, the ocean has not yet completely cooled down -19 °C..+20 °C, but more frequent rains and cold evenings can completely destroy hopes for a full-fledged beach holiday, so we advise you not to take risks and plan an appropriate vacation for more favorable months.
Windsurfing season
The long coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, which is rarely completely calm, is amazing for all types of surfing. Quite low prices, a safe underwater world, excellent surf spots and professional instructors, and most importantly, excellent weather conditions all year round have turned Portugal into one of the main centers of European surfing. Hundreds of thousands of fans of this sport visit the country every year. The advantages of boarding in this country are that the season here lasts all year round. In winter, Australians flock to the coast for “powerful pipes,” and in summer, residents of northern Spain flock to the coast in search of moderate waves. The only disadvantage of local windsurfing is that in winter the water temperature does not exceed +14 °C..+15 °C, but a special suit saves the situation. The instructors themselves say that best conditions for windsurfing - the period from May to November, however, for those who feel confident on big waves, it is more advisable to prefer September - November and February - April. Popular surf spots in Portugal include Sintra, Sagres and Guincho. In winter in Gincho, wind speed reaches 30 m/s, which creates ideal conditions for advanced surfers.
Fishing season
Fishing in Portugal has long been elevated to the rank of a sport. Locals practically do not waste their time on small fish, but “hunt” for big ones. If names like blue marlin, blue shark, golden mackerel, bigeye tuna, swordfish tickle your ears, then you definitely need to take part in this exciting action. Night fishing, jigging, trolling - the season is open all year round. The peak occurs in July - October, when the catch is especially pleasing. When it comes to lampreys, underwater hunting for them begins in early spring.
Best time for excursions
Once upon a time, Portugal was a large kingdom that controlled half the world. Today it has a huge number of architectural structures and historical monuments taken under the protection of UNESCO. You will be amazed by the authentic atmosphere of ancient cities and the pristine natural beauty of the country. In our opinion, the most conducive time for sightseeing in Portugal is April - end of June and September - beginning of November.
Cruise season
In mid-spring, the navigation season opens in Portugal, during which cruise ships bring millions of tourists to the country's resorts. Portugal is one of the countries of call during cruises, most often carried out from St. Petersburg (via Denmark and the Netherlands), Copenhagen, Istanbul, Savona, Venice, Rome, Barcelona, etc. Cruise companies also offer river travel on the Douro River, during which stops are made in many cities of the country.
Ski season
Today, Portugal can boast of only one ski resort, located almost in the very center of the country - Serra da Estrela. It is superbly equipped, but is mostly aimed at beginners, although there is plenty to do for advanced skiers as well. Four red and one black tracks await them. The skiing season does not last long - from January to March. The largest influx of vacationers is observed in February.
Wellness season
Excellent climate, virgin nature, clear fresh air, intoxicated with the aromas of mountain herbs and flowers, abundance thermal springs, healing golden sands - all these countless riches of Portugal serve for the benefit of human health. The country has over 40 large balneological resorts and dozens of SPA complexes offering a wide range of services to restore health and beauty - from simple cosmetic procedures and anti-stress programs, to treatment courses for correcting the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and digestive tract. Best time for taking care of your own health - this is early autumn and the second half of spring - early summer.
Religious season
The Portuguese, especially those who live in the north of the country, are very religious people. They celebrate all dates according to the Catholic calendar. Religious processions and masses throughout the country take place on such holidays as Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Corpus Christi (exactly 60 days after Easter), St. John - June 24, Dormition Day - August 15, All Saints Day - November 1, Immaculate Conception Day - December 8 and Christmas Day - December 25. Pilgrimage trips and walking tours to holy places and miraculous springs, of which there are quite a few, are very popular. For example, the city of Fatima is known throughout the world miraculous phenomenon Virgin Mary at the beginning of the 20th century, who predicted the near future of Russia. After this, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world began to flock here. Their largest influx occurs on March 13 and October 13 - these are the first and last dates of the phenomenon Holy Mother of God. People also come here on the 13th of the summer months and September 19th. In July, the Orthodox of Portugal traditionally carry out a pilgrimage, walking in the footsteps of the Apostle James, in which believers from Russia and Ukraine also take part. Today, Russian tour operators are developing a wide variety of routes visiting the holy places of Portugal. As a rule, Spain is also included in them.
Football season
The Portuguese love football; there are a lot of football teams in the country. But the most titled are Porto, Benfica and Sporting, which form the Big Three. The next gaming season opens in September and ends in May.
Theater season
Theatrical art occupies special attention in the cultural life of Portugal. Ballet troupes and actors from different countries world, including from Russia. The opening of the theater season occurs at the beginning of May, and the end occurs in mid-late October. In September, Porto traditionally hosts the International Puppet Theater Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of fans from all over Europe.
It's time for holidays and festivals
Portugal is famous for its noisy carnivals, and in each province the holiday has its own “color”
The most significant public holidays in Portugal include the following events: Carnival (“Fat”) Tuesday, preceding the day of the beginning of Lent, Freedom Day - April 25 (1st day of the anti-fascist revolution against the regime of Antonio Salazar), Portugal Day - June 10 (death day the author of the epic about the history of Portugal), the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic - October 5 and Independence Day - December 1. Throughout the whole year, the Portuguese attend noisy carnivals, fairs, and dozens of festivals of all kinds. The most magnificent festivities take place during the February carnival, which captivates the entire country. Particularly loud celebrations take place in Funchal on the island of Madeira, in the province of Lule and in Lisbon: huge platforms decorated with flowers, garlands and crowned with huge papier-mâché dolls are moved through the streets, all this action is accompanied by a costumed procession, music and fiery dancing. In April, Madeira hosts a dazzling 4-day festival of exotic flowers, and a similar celebration is expected in Campo Mayor in September. The entire month of June is marked by a series of “Festas de Lisboa” events in honor of the Portuguese capital, which usually last until mid-July. In the middle of summer, one of the streets of Águeda turns into a real kingdom of colored umbrellas, where the fiery installation “Umbrella Sky” is staged, the beauty of which will take your breath away. The Portuguese know a lot about good cuisine. The country's famous gastronomic festivals include the April Lisbon Fish & Flavors seafood festival in Lisbon and the Óbidos chocolate festival in the second half of February.
Climate in Portugal
The weather in Portugal is dictated by its location in the zone of influence of the subtropical Mediterranean climate, but it has moderate features. This means that sudden temperature changes are not typical for the country. Summers in southern Portugal are dry and not very hot, while winters are cool and damp. In the north of the country, most the area of which is occupied by hills, the average air and water temperatures are several degrees lower. There is often snow on the hills in winter. The climate of Madeira and the Azores is milder - there is no heat in summer, and very warm in winter. In general, the bulk of precipitation falls between November and April, with the northern regions of the country receiving it in greater quantities.
Portugal in spring
Spring comes quite early in Portugal - already in the last days of February. Nature is renewed with fresh greenery thanks to the earth, which has “drunk” enough during the winter from the abundance of precipitation, and the subtle, delicate aroma of almonds and the sweetish smell of acacia hovers in the air. Rains are happening less and less often, and the weather is more often pampered with sunny days. Although in the north of the country residual manifestations of winter are still possible. Best of all at this time in Madeira, where tourist season lasts all year round. There the thermometer easily reaches +20 °C. In April there is still enough rainfall, but it becomes much warmer, the first rays of the sun gently warm, gently sliding over the skin. Many people flock to the beaches to lie on the sand and sunbathe, while others devote a fine day to sightseeing. In May it becomes very warm weather. The piercing blue of the bottomless sky is only occasionally broken by fluffy clouds floating across it, and a light breeze blows. It may still rain, but it is extremely rare. The only thing that can cause inconvenience at this time is the sudden cold snap immediately after sunset.
Temperature and weather in Portugal in spring
| Weather in March | Weather in April | Weather in May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | +17 +15 | +19 +16 | +22 +17 |
| Madeira | +19 +18 | +19 +18 | +21 +19 |
| Algarve | +18 +16 | +20 +17 | +22 +18 |
| Porto | +16 +14 | +18 +14 | +19 +15 |
| Coimbra | +17 | +19 | +21 |
| Evora | +17 | +19 | +22 |
| Faro | +18 +16 | +20 +17 | +22 +18 |
Portugal in summer
June is the most comfortable summer month in terms of weather with an average daily air temperature of about +25 °C. The sun shines up to 10 hours a day, its rays are already hot, but it is not at all hot, so, without any doubt, you can go on long excursion trips. The first days of summer are also marked by a decrease in precipitation and an increase in daylight hours. However, the ocean is still quite cool, so the bulk of tourists can be seen on land. On the islands the situation is somewhat different. There, thanks warm current Gulf Stream, the water warms up to +20 °C..+21 °C, but due to fresh ocean breezes blowing across the entire coastline, long swimming is not yet possible. At the height of the season, the air temperature on the Portuguese mainland warms up on average from +27 °C to +30 °C. Fortunately, such temperatures are well tolerated due to dry weather and low levels relative humidity. Madeira is less hot, making it an ideal holiday destination for those who cannot stand the summer heat. In the northern regions it is much cooler, and in the mountains (by the way, we recommend going on an excursion there) the maximum temperature of the thermometer does not exceed +18 °C. Please note that evenings throughout Portugal are quite cool, so bringing some warmer items into your suitcase is not crazy, but a reasonable necessity.
Temperature and weather in Portugal in summer
| Weather in June | Weather in July | Weather in August | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | +25 +18 | +27 +19 | +28 +20 |
| Madeira | +22 +20 | +24 +21 | +25 +23 |
| Algarve | +25 +19 | +29 +21 | +29 +22 |
| Porto | +22 +17 | +25 +18 | +25 +19 |
| Coimbra | +26 | +28 | +29 |
| Evora | +27 | +31 | +31 |
| Faro | +25 +19 | +29 +21 | +29 +22 |
Portugal in autumn
The first days of autumn in Portugal mark the beginning velvet season. Moderately warm weather, invigorating water and a predominant amount sunny days per month - the maximum you can count on in September. The ocean has a significant influence on the weather, due to which even the most high temperatures in the fall they feel quite moderate. As October approaches, the intensity of precipitation increases, fogs make themselves felt more and more often, and as the evening approaches it becomes noticeably cool. Unlike mainland Portugal, in Madeira the summer celebration continues. The weather here doesn’t even think about deteriorating, and many tourists still swim, however, the water and air temperatures at this time are the same - about +22 °C. In November, her whims appear more and more clearly, even on the islands where the massive beach season is coming to an end. cold rains and strong winds become frequent guests. If you come to Portugal in late autumn, choose central areas for your routes, away from the Atlantic coast, which is very turbulent during this period.
Or where to go on vacation in winter, spring, summer and autumn?
Weather in Portugal allows you to have a great rest at any time of the year! Unless, of course, by relaxation we mean not only lying on the beach. For such entertainment you should come from June to the end of September. And if you are a lover of real travel and discovery, value nature, culture, history and go for new emotions and impressions, then you can safely plan a trip to Portugal in any of the twelve months.
Spring in the Douro River Valley. North of Portugal
The weather, and in general the climate (Mediterranean), is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
Its waters wash more than eight hundred kilometers of coastline, the entire western and southern border of the country. The country has only two neighbors - the ocean and Spain... And it is thanks to the ocean currents that the winters are warm and the summers are not hot. But this applies to coastal areas. So, the air temperature is Lisbon Riviera, for example, in the hottest months it will be 3-7 degrees lower than +25 +30 C than at the border with Spain, where +30 +37 C. And in winter, on the contrary, it will be warmer on the Riviera. I have never experienced a more comfortable summer and pleasant weather anywhere else!
Summer in Cascais. Lisbon Riviera. City Beach
Exactly climate puts most visitors to the country first when answering the question of why they liked it here. Or why, year after year, they vacation in this particular country or buy real estate here.
Porto city in early January
Although Portugal is a small country, the climate and weather in different regions has its own characteristics. For convenience, we will divide it into three, approximately equal, parts. Coastal parts. And let's discuss each of them. Let's call these parts:
Let's divide the map of Portugal from top to bottom into three parts
— Central Portugal
— South of Portugal, or Algarve region
— North of Portugal
Weather in Central Portugal. Lisbon, Setubal, Sesimbra, Sintra, Lisbon Riviera - Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos, etc.
The average annual temperature is +16.9 C
The hottest months are July and August, the air during the day is +22 +28 C, and at night from +15 +22 C, that is, there is an opportunity to rest during the night.
From October to March +12 +22 C during the day, at night from +8 to +15 C. It may rain during these months, especially in December, January and February. But the right clothes and shoes solve all the issues.
Central Portugal, Nazaré. Ocean in November
April, May, June, September in Central Portugal will warm up to +18 +25 C during the day, +15 +20 C at night
Summary:
Beach holiday- June July August September
Weather for active travelers all twelve months are suitable. A comfortable climate, magnificent landscapes, an abundance of attractions and excursion programs, the opportunity to get acquainted with cuisine, winemaking, and culture will make your vacation unforgettable.
Lisbon in November. Now is the time for excursions...
Weather in the North of Portugal. Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Espinho, Viano do Castelo, Aveiro etc.
Average annual temperature in Porto + 14.4 C
North of Portugal. The city of Aveiro - Portuguese Venice
It's wetter and cooler here. This especially applies to the autumn and winter months.
From June to September + 20 + 25 C - during the day, at night +15 + 20 C
In spring and autumn +10 +18 C during the day, +5 +13 C at night
December, January and February during the day +8 +16 C, at night +5 +10 C
Espinho beach in northern Portugal in summer, near Porto
Summary:
Beach holiday- June, July, August, first half of September
For active travelers, the weather in the Northern part is suitable all twelve months. The history of Portugal began from here, so Special attention I recommend giving it. And the nature of the North is simply mesmerizing. The fabulous banks of the Douro River, vineyards, ancient cities and villages, and the city of Porto itself are at the top of all tourism charts.
Porto is the leader of the tourist charts
Weather in the South, Algarve region. Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimao, Lagos etc.
The average annual temperature in Faro is +17.2 C
In summer the weather is dry and quite hot, during the day +22 +28 C, at night +18 +25 C
In autumn and spring during the day +15 +25 C, at night +13 +18 C
In winter, during the day +13 + 17 C, at night +8 +13 C, rainy
Winter in the Algarve. Absolute freedom…
The Algarve is a resort region. There are attractions and cities that are a must-see. But not the same number as in North and Central Portugal. But the Algarve boasts an abundance of amazing beaches. There is everything for entertainment - casinos, discos, water parks, a dolphinarium, excellent opportunities for fishing, golf, and water sports. There are a lot of vacationers in the summer. And in winter it becomes empty, and life stops until May.
Algarve. Portimão city, Rocha beach in the evening at the end of September
Summary:
Beach holidays in the Algarve are great from May to September. The water warms up to 26 C in the second half of summer. While in the north and central Portugal in August the water temperature is only 22 C
For active travelers, the weather in the Algarve is not suitable in winter, if you just come here for a couple of days. Visit the main attractions in Faro, Silves, Sagres and stroll along the beaches, for example, in the city of Portimao.
"Russian coaster" in the Algarve water park, southern Portugal
The sun in Portugal shines very brightly all year round. In summer, during the daytime, you need to beware of its direct rays. You can seriously damage your health. And in winter it warms so well that some even in February manage to sunbathe on the beach or take a nap on the warm sand for an hour or two to the sound of the surf. Starting in September, the sun disappears quite early, and without it it immediately becomes more than fresh. Therefore, when packing your suitcase, remember about pullovers, scarves, jackets and socks...
Portuguese village road in winter
About the snow. You have to go specially for him. For example, from Porto it is about 200 km to the southeast. To the Serra da Estrela mountains. This is the only place where you can see him. And only in winter. And sometimes there are snowfalls in the north of the country. But the snow is melting quickly. And by lunchtime there is no trace of him left...
Snow in winter in the Serra da Estrela mountains
There is a nuance that I would like to draw your attention to. IN summer months There are a lot of tourists in the country. Mainly from Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil. In 2015, more than 10 million people visited us. This is the entire population of the country! On the beaches, of course, there is enough space for everyone. But taking a photo calmly, with your own company, without “extras,” for example, at Cape Roca next to the cross, at the Belém Tower in Lisbon or in a well at Quinte Da Regaleira in Sintra, will not work. People are everywhere. In cafes and restaurants too. And for those who may find this somewhat annoying, my advice is to come from October to May. It is at this time that it is much more pleasant to wander the streets of the city, gaze at the monuments, palaces and castles, listen to the guide during the excursion and the surf of the ocean waves...
In Alguerve in the summer. Dos Caneiros Beach
When planning your trip, don't stop at just one city or region! Even if you are a passionate fan of the beach, sun and sea, believe that it is worth seeing the glorious Lisbon, the mysterious Sintra, the Templar Tomar, the medieval Obidos, the second capital of Portugal Porto, the cradle of the country Guimarães. Moreover, it is so compact, only 561 km from south to north, and 218 from west to east. The road from the cities of the Algarve to Lisbon will take no more than three hours by car, bus or train. From Lisbon to Porto - about the same. And how many impressions, emotions and photographs!
October. Neighborhood of Lisbon, Queluz Palace. And I, with its lovely inhabitants
Come visit us in winter, spring, summer and autumn! Ignoring weather forecasts. The main thing: a good mood, a desire to relax to the fullest, a passion for travel and the right clothes...
.About the author portugaletta
Dear friends! Welcome to Portugal! I will help you organize your holiday in this wonderful country. You can contact me for a transfer, an excursion in any city in the country, for advice on which hotel to stay in or where to eat deliciously and on all other issues related to Portugal.
