Seasons of the Year 7 Best Resorts in Portugal
Portugal is the country on western edge of the Iberian Peninsula. It is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and also incorporates two groups of islands: the Azores and the Madeira. Relief of the country varies from mountains in north-eastern and western provinces to plains in central and southern regions. Climate of Portugal is affected by the ocean and modulated by features of relief from region to region.
Warm subtropical weather makes great resort of Portugal. Different points for vacationing are scattered over plains (spa), mountains (skiing) and coast line (beaches) of the country. Dependent islands are great resorts too similar to other tropical islands.
Climate and Season
Contents:
Madeira
Picturesque Island of Madeira is situated in 1000 km (~620 miles) from continental Portugal. Also it is popular luxurious European resort. The island is known for its clear coastal water and pleasantly warm climate with minor alternations of weather conditions over a year.
Madeira Climate by Season
Climate of southern and northern extremities of the island is slightly different, but most of it has mild maritime subtropical climate. Spring is marked by reduction of precipitation and growth of temperature. By beginning of summer rains are coming to neigh and temperature reaches 22 °C (71 °F).
September is the warmest month with around 23 °C (73 °F) and some rain. By the end of the season temperature drops to 20 °C (68 °F) and reaches lowest point in the middle of winter, when at afternoon air warms up to 17 °C (62 °F). Winter is the rainiest season, though precipitation is still moderate and won’t bother visitors.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 16°C 62°F |
16°C 61°F |
16°C 62°F |
17°C 62°F |
18°C 65°F |
20°C 68°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 22°C 71°F |
22°C 72°F |
22°C 72°F |
21°C 70°F |
19°C 66°F |
17°C 63°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 17°C 63°F |
17°C 63°F |
19°C 66°F |
19°C 66°F |
21°C 70°F |
21°C 70°F |
| - | - | - | - | ⛱ | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
23°C 73°F |
22°C 72°F |
22°C 72°F |
20°C 68°F |
20°C 68°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Cascais
Small town to west from Lisbon offers walks among streets of old town and access to 17 sandy beaches. Praia do Guincho is one the most popular among surfers. Near the beach there is Cresmina Dune that is slowly crawling under gusts of local winds.
Climate Cascais by Seasonality
Cascais is one of localities that has typical Mediterranean climate and are located far from actual Mediterranean region. There are mild winters and pleasantly warm summers with smooth transitions between them. Spring temperatures start at range of 19 °C (66 °F) during the day and 8 °C (46 °F) at night. With progression of the season weather becomes drier and warmer. In the middle of summer there is 28 °C (82 °F) and 15 °C (59 °F) respectively.
Whole autumn has great weather with slow reduction of temperature from 27 °C (80 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F) and some rain. Winter is the coolest and the rainiest season with usual afternoon average of 17 °C (62 °F) and around 7 °C (44 °F) at night.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 11°C 52°F |
12°C 53°F |
13°C 56°F |
15°C 59°F |
16°C 61°F |
19°C 66°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 20°C 68°F |
21°C 69°F |
20°C 68°F |
18°C 64°F |
14°C 58°F |
12°C 53°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 10°C 50°F |
10°C 50°F |
14°C 57°F |
14°C 57°F |
16°C 61°F |
16°C 61°F |
| - | - | - | - | ⛱ | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 18°C 64°F |
18°C 64°F |
17°C 63°F |
17°C 63°F |
15°C 59°F |
15°C 59°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Albufeira
Former quiet fishermen village is now busy seaside resort town on southern coast of the country. Gorgeous beaches, pine groves and fragrant orange trees are attracting visitors from around the world. Albufeira has to offer full package of entertainment in the ocean and on land.
Climate of Albufeira by Seasons
The resort is situated in sunny southern part of Portugal. It is sheltered from cool northern winds by the mountains and receives warmth from warm Atlantic currents. General weather conditions of the resort are similar to the Mediterranean region. There are warm to hot summers and rainy winters with mild temperatures. Spring provides warming from 19 °C (66 °F) to 24 °C (75 °F). Amount of rain gradually reduces towards summer. During the warmest season precipitation is almost absent and temperature reaches 32 °C (89 °F).
Through autumn temperature goes down from 29 °C (84 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F) and rain grows back to noticeable amount. Cooling continues in winter and stops at around 17 °C (62 °F). Temperature stays above freezing even at coldest winter nights. Average lowest temperature is 7 °C (44 °F).
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 12°C 54°F |
13°C 55°F |
14°C 57°F |
15°C 59°F |
18°C 64°F |
21°C 69°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
23°C 74°F |
22°C 71°F |
19°C 66°F |
15°C 59°F |
13°C 55°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 16°C 61°F |
16°C 61°F |
18°C 64°F |
18°C 64°F |
20°C 68°F |
20°C 68°F |
| - | - | - | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 22°C 72°F |
22°C 72°F |
20°C 68°F |
20°C 68°F |
19°C 66°F |
19°C 66°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Azores
The Azores are nine major populated islands and bunch of smaller ones. They are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in 1490 km (925 miles) away from coasts of Portugal. Significant distance and relatively poor tourist infrastructure are making some sort of delicacy for travelling gourmets that had tried most of destinations and now want something special.
Climate Azores by Seasons
Climate of the archipelago varies from north to south. Also there are altitude related variations of weather conditions. Since the islands are situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean weather there is moderated by the ocean. In general weather of the archipelago has many features common to Mediterranean climate. During spring afternoon averages are growing from 15 °C (59 °F) to 17 °C (62 °F) and then to 22 °C (71 °F) in summer. In July and August temperature may reach or exceed 25 °C (77 °F) for short periods of time. Through warm half of a year precipitation reduces.
Through autumn and winter temperature drops back to 15 °C (59 °F) and amount of rain increases. Not a single occasion of snow, frost or freeze was ever recorded on the islands except alpine regions and mountain tops.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 15°C 58°F |
14°C 57°F |
15°C 58°F |
15°C 59°F |
17°C 62°F |
19°C 66°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 21°C 70°F |
22°C 72°F |
21°C 71°F |
19°C 66°F |
17°C 62°F |
15°C 60°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 17°C 63°F |
17°C 63°F |
19°C 66°F |
19°C 66°F |
21°C 70°F |
21°C 70°F |
| - | - | - | - | ⛱ | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
23°C 73°F |
22°C 72°F |
22°C 72°F |
20°C 68°F |
20°C 68°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Algarve
Algarve is the southernmost province of the country. It has over 200 km (~125 miles) of cast with gorgeous beaches. This is vast territory for exploration. Local climate is mild; even in the middle of summer there’s no devastating heat or stifling humidity. In addition most of hotels in Algarve have their parks.
Algarve Climate by Season
Southernmost region of Portugal has mild climate with moderate precipitation and mild temperatures. There are warm and dry summers and wet and mild winters. Spring brings warming, growth of sunshine and reduction of rains to the region. Temperature follows from 19 °C (66 °F) in March to 23 °C (73 °F) in May. Warming continues through June and in July and August temperature peaks at 29 °C (84 °F).
Autumn has nice weather with slow reduction of temperature to 20 °C (68 °F) in November. Winter has the coolest days with around 17 °C (62 °F) through whole season. Peak of precipitation is in December. Freezing, snow and frost are exceptionally rare in Algarve.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 15°C 59°F |
16°C 61°F |
18°C 64°F |
19°C 66°F |
21°C 70°F |
25°C 77°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 28°C 82°F |
28°C 82°F |
26°C 79°F |
22°C 72°F |
19°C 66°F |
16°C 61°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 16°C 61°F |
16°C 61°F |
18°C 64°F |
18°C 64°F |
20°C 68°F |
20°C 68°F |
| - | - | - | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 22°C 72°F |
22°C 72°F |
20°C 68°F |
20°C 68°F |
19°C 66°F |
19°C 66°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Nazaré
Small locality on western coast of Portugal is heaven on earth for surfers. 30 m tall waves are real challenge for most of them. And at the same time conquering of one of them is greatest pleasure. Aside from waves Nazare is typical small and cozy Portuguese resort with splendid beaches, old sights and numerous little fish restaurants.
Climate Nazaré by Seasons
Climate of Nazare is typical for central western coast of Portugal. It is mild and somewhat windy. Weather there is never excessively hot or cold. During spring, first shoulder season, temperature grows from 18 °C (64 °F) to 21 °C (70 °F) and amount of precipitation gradually reduces. In summer average temperature reaches 27 °C (80 °F), but winds and clouds are moderating it. Such conditions explain presence of woolen sweaters next to swimsuits on stalls along streets and beaches of Nazare.
Through cooler part of a year temperature reduces from 26 °C (79 °F) to 15 °C (59 °F) and amount of rain grows. December is the rainiest month of a year. The sea is pretty cool even in the middle of high season with temperature of around 20 °C (68 °F).
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 11°C 52°F |
11°C 52°F |
13°C 55°F |
14°C 58°F |
16°C 61°F |
18°C 65°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 20°C 67°F |
20°C 68°F |
19°C 66°F |
17°C 63°F |
14°C 57°F |
12°C 53°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 10°C 50°F |
10°C 50°F |
14°C 58°F |
14°C 58°F |
16°C 61°F |
16°C 61°F |
| - | - | - | - | ⛱ | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 18°C 64°F |
18°C 64°F |
17°C 63°F |
17°C 63°F |
15°C 59°F |
15°C 59°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Chaves
Chaves is the small town in north-eastern corner of Portugal in several kilometers from border with Spain. Its name literally means “springs” due to plenty local thermal springs. In addition, there are most interesting architectural sights: ancient roman bridge, medieval block, Chaves Castle, couple fortresses and artfully painted churches.
Climate Chaves by Seasons
The town is situated near northern border of the country, so weather there is cooler. Springtime progression of temperatures follows from 15 °C (59 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F). In July and August average highs reach 29 °C (84 °C) and there is certain probability of brush fires around the town.
Through autumn temperatures are decreasing to 15 °C (59 °F) at afternoon and 8 °C (46 °F) at night. In winter air cools air down to 12 °C (53 °F) at afternoon and to 2 °C (35 °F) at night. Waves of cold Arctic air might cause slight drops of temperature to lower range. Snow is light and rare while winter fogs are common.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 6°C 43°F |
8°C 46°F |
10°C 51°F |
13°C 55°F |
15°C 60°F |
19°C 67°F |
| ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 22°C 71°F |
22°C 71°F |
19°C 66°F |
15°C 58°F |
10°C 50°F |
7°C 44°F |
| ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ | ⛹⌘ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health; ⌘ - excursion
