Skip to search
List
7 nights

Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal calling? Here's when to go.
With its sun-splashed coastline and beautiful beaches, Portugal’s a firm favourite for summer holidays. But when’s the best time to visit? April to August takes the lion’s share of the year’s nicest weather, with spring breaks offering warm temperatures, minus the crowds. Here’s all you need to know about the best time to visit Portugal...

Get clued up and then check out our deals to book your break for less

BEST TIME FOR BEACHES

One of the main reasons tourists visit Portugal is for the country’s pristine beaches – long stretches of golden sand overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The mercury in July and August reaches the high 20s, so a trip during these months combines tanning weather with a chance to cool off in the waves. If that sounds like your perfect holiday, head to the Algarve. This bit of coastline on Portugal’s south coast is a mix of bustling towns and under-the-radar fishing villages, so you can choose the perfect resort for you without compromising on postcard-ready sands.

Find out more about our holidays to the Algarve

BEST TIME FOR NATURE LOVERS

Green-fingered types should head for Madeira. This Portuguese island is actually closer to Morocco than it is to the mainland – with the climate to prove it. It’s been nicknamed the Floating Garden thanks to the blanket of flowers and forests covering it. And, locals have made the most of it all in capital Funchal by creating an impressive botanical garden. Madeira’s got its own beaches, too. They tend to be pebbly numbers, but you’ll find a sandy stretch in Ribeira Brava and a man-made spot in Calheta. Spring’s the best time to visit the island, when the flowers are all in bloom and the temperature’s still comfortably warm – ideal for exploring.

Find out more about our holidays to Madeira

BEST TIME FOR OFF-THE-GRID ESCAPES

Just north of Madeira is another Portuguese secret – Porto Santo. It’s much smaller than its nearby sister and hasn’t made much of an impact on the tourism scene. But that’s what makes it worth a visit. You won’t find busy resorts here, just restaurants run by locals and quaint town squares. And, it’s got an impressive line-up of beaches. One on the east coast unravels for 10 kilometres, making social distancing simple. Scuba diving’s big business on the island, too, so you can get up close and personal with life under the waves just as much as above them. Visit in July and August for the best of the weather. There’s hardly any rain, and plenty of sunshine.

Find out more about our holidays to Porto Santo

BEST TIME FOR GOLFING BREAKS

Portugal’s a huge hit with golfers – in fact, it’s got some of the best golf courses in the world. Spring’s a good time to go if you’re planning on working on your swing, as temperatures sit in the low 20s. May’s the most popular month for golfers, so try shoulder months April and June for slightly quieter greens. And, you’ll find the best courses in the Algarve, so when you’re not napping on the beaches, it’s easy to stretch your legs with a game or two.
Know when to go?

Browse our Portugal deals. And, for more inspiration, check out our articles on where to stay in the Algarve and the best things to do while you're there.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Lizzie Butler

Last updated: 17.11.2021

Holiday Type

Destination

Show more