The Best Times to Visit Portugal: Spring Edition
Most people know Portugal as a Summer destination. It has bright days, golden beaches, tasty food, and a panoply of fun activities to do. Still, the country has much to offer all year round. Lately, national organizations have been trying to promote tourism in less popular seasons. Their goal is to turn Portugal into a year-round destination.
For example, do you want to visit Portugal but hate the extreme Summer heat? Are you a fan of strolling around empty streets and enjoying scenic views in tranquility?
Then the Spring might be your best time to visit Portugal. Besides, there are many benefits to traveling off-season. In this article, find all the information you need about the Primavera (Spring) in Portugal. Learn about the weather conditions and landscapes. Explore what to do, where to go, and how to prepare yourself for the perfect Portuguese spring getaway.
The Primavera – Spring in Portugal
In Portugal, the Spring starts on the 20th of March and ends on the 20th of June. This period sees the end of the rainy Winter days. As the Summer approaches, mild temperatures increase progressively, and the days grow larger.
Next, look at what you can expect from the climate conditions and Portuguese landscapes in this shoulder season.
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Climate Conditions
Portugal built its reputation as a tourist haven mainly during the Summer months. Still, the country enjoys sunny days throughout the year. The temperatures in early Spring range from 16ºC to 24ºC, depending on the region. Northern Portugal usually records cooler temperatures during the Winter months. Yet, it also has higher temperatures than Southern and Central Portugal in the Summer months.
During the Spring, March is the month with the most unpredictable weather. The natives say Março, marçagão, de manhã Inverno à tarde Verão to describe sudden temperature changes. Days often start cold and cloudy and become warm and sunny in the afternoon.
April is known for its rainy days. Another common idiom is Em Abril, águas mil. It is similar to the English saying April showers bring May flowers, highlighting only the heavy April rain. May has some wind and mild weather. The average temperature is between 18ºC and 23ºC. Finally, June is already early Summer, and it is usually a warm month perfect for enjoying a few beach days.
Landscapes
The blooming flowers make the Spring one of the best times to visit Portugal. The charming cities and historic sites gain new life with the bright colors of the season. National parks are enchanting with their hills and waterfalls. Historic sites and monuments welcome the bright sunshine, bringing them an extra charm.
Most towns have a festival calendar starting from the Spring, which also adds to the beauty of this season. The locals decorate the streets and organize small fairs and markets that bring movement and animation.
Why Choose Spring Over the Summer Months
The best time to visit Portugal depends on the type of activities you want to do. Most people opt for the Summer because they want to make the most of beach resorts or enjoy specific events like music festivals. Still, there are three main reasons why you should choose Spring over Summer.
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Extreme Heat
In Portugal, Summer sees hot temperatures become scorching. Tourists and natives need to slather on whopping amounts of sunscreen to avoid sunburns. Sometimes, temperatures become so extreme that it is safer to stay inside.
Contrarily, the mild Spring weather enables you to visit anywhere from the northern regions to southern Portugal. It invites you to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach as much as to go hiking on the mountain. Between March and June, temperatures begin to rise. Thus, the days become warmer without reaching scalding levels. Because of the pleasant temperatures, Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Portugal.
Better Prices
Summer in Portugal’s cities, interior regions, and islands means higher prices. On the contrary, the beginning of the Spring is still considered low season. March-May hotel rates are more accessible and allow you to enjoy the same benefits.
Fewer People
Shoulder seasons, Spring and Autumn, have fewer crowds. Still, early Autumn has some popularity, being the grape harvest season. The peak season crowds arrive in late June-August and remain until mid-September.
After that, crowd density drops drastically. Thus, you will not have much trouble finding somewhere to stay during the Spring. Dealing with rental cars, booking restaurants, and visiting popular attractions is also easier.
A Guide For Visiting Portugal in The Spring
Which places can you go to at the best time to visit Portugal? What activities will you find? And which essentials should you bring along with you? Continue reading to discover all this and much more!
Where To Go And What To Do
From North to South and in the islands, there are many places to visit in Portugal during the Spring. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, there is always something for you to do.
You can discover the beauty of blossoming cherry trees by the river Douro in Resende. Explore the Peneda-Gerês National Park or visit Lisbon and its surroundings. Like most European cities, it has gardens, museums, scenic views, and a myriad of unique places to discover. The most iconic places include the Gulbenkian Foundation, the Queluz National Palace, and the Oceanário.
Oceanário Watchers, by Alexander Svensson, licensed under CC BY 2.0 Deed
Until the end of April, meet experienced surfers and practice your sport on beaches like the Praia do Norte in Nazaré. Take a trip to the Portuguese islands and hike the Levada do Caldeirão Verde in Madeira. Or find the beautiful lakes and lagoons in the Azores. Visit Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, or head South to the hills and plains of Alentejo.
Key Events
As the days become warmer, Portugal hosts many cultural events and programs. Here are some of the most significant Spring happenings throughout the country:
The Travessia da Gardunha
This mountain climbing gathering is the perfect opportunity to explore Serra da Gardunha. The route takes you on a journey to see the beautiful cherry blossoms of Fundão.
Ocreza River, by Francisco Antunes, licensed under CC BY 2.0 Deed
The Holy Week
Portugal is a mainly catholic country. As such, its population maintains many religious traditions and celebrations. The Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most observed events in many regions, such as Braga.
The 25th of April
The 25th of April marks a significant historic event that saw the end of a dictatorship in the 20th century. The celebrations spread throughout the country but remain concentrated in and around the main cities. It is also a national holiday.
The Flower Festival
The flower festival highlights Madeira’s biodiversity and heroes the beautiful colors of Spring. This event goes from the beginning up until the end of May. People from across the globe come and visit Portugal to participate in it.
Funchal zona monte by José Antonio Cartelle, licensed under CC BY 2.0 Deed
NOS Primavera Sound
NOS Primavera Sound is a yearly festival in Porto at the beginning of June. It lasts three days and includes concerts and shows by famous international artists.
Rock in Rio Lisbon
The Rock in Rio is a renowned music festival. In 2024, it marks the change from Spring to Summer, starting on the 15th and ending on the 23rd of June.
What to Wear
Pack clothes you can easily layer to adapt to the unpredictable weather of the early Spring. The evenings are still a little chilly, with wind in some places. Thus, pack a light jacket for the day and a coat for the night.
The typical day in Portugal demands sunglasses regardless of the season. Don’t forget to pack your umbrella and trench coat for a visit in March and April. A sun hat or a cap is ideal for your May and June trip.
Of course, shoes, clothes, and equipment will depend on the type of activities you will do. But overall, the Spring in Portugal requires light but more protective shoes over Summer sandals and flip-flops. Additionally, lighter skirts and dresses are better if you are visiting Portugal in early June.
Concluding on The Best Times to Visit Portugal: The Primavera
Spring is a beautiful season wherever urban and natural landscapes blend harmoniously. Portugal, for example, is a country that highlights the springtime charm. Whether your ideal destinations are coastal areas or mountainous regions, you can find your place in the Iberian country.
By choosing the blooming season, you will get the best weather to cater to whatever activities you want to do. You will also enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices. Hence, there is no better choice for strolling around Portugal’s cities or visiting its dramatic cliffs.
For a season-by-season guide, check out:
- Experience the Beauty of Wintering in Portugal: Must-Do Activities
- The Best of Autumn in Portugal: 10 Must-Have Experiences in 2023
Have you ever been to Portugal in the Spring? What did you like best about it? Let us know in the comments below! Besides, don’t forget to share the travel advice in this post with your friend who will visit Portugal this year.
