The best time to visit Portugal
The best time to visit Portugal for warm, sunny weather is June to September, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 91/100 with daytime highs around 24°C / 75°F. May and October are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 4 months a year, warmest in August at 22°C.
Portugal by month, averaged across 6 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52 | 16° / 61°F | 74 mm | 17° | Good |
| February | 53 | 16° / 61°F | 64 mm | 17° | Good |
| March | 56 | 16° / 61°F | 71 mm | 17° | Very good |
| April | 66 | 17° / 63°F | 58 mm | 17° | Very good |
| May | 81 | 19° / 66°F | 40 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| June | 90 | 22° / 72°F | 21 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| July | 93 | 24° / 75°F | 10 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| August | 92 | 25° / 77°F | 15 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| September | 88 | 24° / 75°F | 38 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| October | 80 | 21° / 70°F | 82 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| November | 68 | 18° / 64°F | 86 mm | 19° | Very good |
| December | 54 | 16° / 61°F | 87 mm | 18° | Good |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: June to September — Portugal's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 91/100, ~24°C / 75°F days). Shoulder season: May and October — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: August, ~25°C / 77°F. Wettest: December (87 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Faro (3,157 h/yr), Lisbon (2,985 h/yr), Funchal (2,835 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Portugal month by month, the hottest places in Portugal, or every Portugal destination with a full climate card.