The Best and Cheapest Times to Visit Portugal

See the best of Portugal with our Local Insider on our nine-day adventure – starting in Porto, you’ll taste wine in the Douro Valley before hitting the beach in Ericeira and visiting the top attractions in Lisbon.

Travellers on a budget should visit Portugal outside the summer months and major holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. During these particular times, when most people plan their long weekends and vacations, flight and hotel costs soar, even outside the major cities. In general, the most cost-effective months are January and February, with late spring and late autumn coming in tied for second place.

The Portuguese coast isn’t known for having very warm water, and temperatures may still feel a bit frigid in early summer. July to September are the warmest months, meaning the water temperatures will be the most ideal, too. For travellers who prefer comfortable swimming conditions, plan a trip to the Algarve, the Azores or Madeira during the summer when the water temperatures are slightly warmer.

Although the warmest season is summer, winter is when surfers will find magnificent waves. To watch the pros in their element, visit Nazaré or Peniche between November and January. If you want to jump into the water, too, but aren’t ready to hit colossal waves, head to Ericeira, Figueira da Foz, Sagres or the beaches near Porto.

June is known as the month of the Popular Saints’ Festivals in Portugal. In Lisbon, the street parties reach their peak around the 12th and 13th in celebration of Santo Antonio, while Porto’s streets come alive on the 23rd for the festival of São João. No matter which city you are in during June, its residents are celebrating one saint or another. However, winter and spring are also good times to plan a trip, with Madeira hosting one of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations (including a phenomenal fireworks display) and all of Portugal taking part in Carnival festivals between February and March.

Portugal is also home to numerous music festivals, which generally take place between spring and early fall, with June through August being the peak of the season. For a regularly updated list of all the music events happening throughout the country, check out Festicket.

Avoid the scorching sun and large crowds by visiting the Algarve between late April and early June or from mid-September to late October. The spring season may still be a bit too cold for swimming, but it’s the perfect time to sit on the beach and enjoy the water’s aesthetic appeal. In fall, the water should stay warm halfway through the season. Spring and fall are also ideal seasons for golf and hiking, two popular activities in this region.

Portugal’s north may not see as much sun as the south, especially in the winter. However, that doesn’t detract from this stunning and historical part of the country; rather, it adds to it. Fall may arguably be the best time to visit, when temperatures range between 24C and 17C (75-63F) – early fall to late fall – during the day but drop at nights. It’s the perfect time for wandering the streets or hiking paths while the sun is out and retreating for comfort food (and wine) indoors at night. Fall is also the harvest season, and the northern part of Portugal is well known for its delicious wine.

In general, the best times to visit and experience as much as possible in Portugal are between March and early June or from mid-September to late November. In spring, blooming flowers add extra colour to the cities already brightened by pastel-painted buildings, while autumn is the time for harvest, meaning the wine season.

Fancy visiting more of Portugal? Join our epic six-day trip to the Azores to discover the best spots around this Atlantic archipelago. Alternately, browse our collections of Epic Trips, Mini Trips and Sailing Trips to find your next exciting destination.