Summer In Portugal: Tips, Warnings And More
Summer in Portugal was all the rage because Portugal is a gorgeous country, it tends to be cheaper than many European countries and because the weather is warmer. But there's more to Portugal than just the financial sense and the warmth. It is a country that is rich in culture, has a lot of biodiversity, has some amazing culinary scenes and some of the nicest people I have ever met.
We have always traveled to Portugal in the shoulder the period so for us, heading to Portugal in summer was a first. I have to say that we were a bit skeptical because of the heat given that Portugal has been experiencing a lot of heatwaves with temperatures crossing 40C.
In hindsight, I have to say that while the heat got to us in bits, we survived and are already considering heading back next summer because it was the best vacation we have ever had.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.
Table of Contents
When Is Summer in Portugal?
Summer in Portugal is between June to August. It is important to note that while this is technically summer, the months of May and September are also pretty hot. This is largely because of how much climate change has affected the country. The hottest month is generally August.
Best Time To Visit During Summer In Portugal
It is important to remember that summer in Portugal can get hot. We started off with our trip in mid July where the temperatures were on the cooler side at hovered at around 28-34C but as the holiday continued and we headed into August the temperatures proceeded to rise. Now we were well aware of this and we came prepared to beat the heat. We also did not have a choice because we visited during the school summer vacation.
Anyways back to the topic. If you want to visit with a little cooler weather then I would recommend visiting in June-July when summer just starts or somewhere towards the end of September. These are also the shoulder months because most people head back after the school vacation. That means cheaper accommodation and lesser crowds.
Is It Peak Season In Summer?
I have mixed feelings about this because everyone has a different opinion about Portugal in summer. Generally yes. Summer is peak season in Portugal. Lately however thanks to climate change, Portugal has had some intense summers. The temperatures hit the low 40s. This means that it is sweltering hot and you have to stay indoors during the afternoon.
That's the reason why people have begun to avoid summer in Portugal. That being said the weather during the start and the end of summer is much milder with temperatures generally around the low 30s. This part of the season is really busy.
It also depends on which part of Portugal you visit. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are always crowded. The southern coast is famous for its beaches and therefore popular with the tourists. The Douro valley is a bit cooler and thus a refuge from the heat.
If you head into the interiors of Portugal. To the smaller cities like Branganca, Viana do Castelo, Braga, etc you are more likely to see less tourists. The natural parks are also a good idea if you want some quiet time.
How To Get The Best Accommodation
As I mentioned before summer is busy because a lot of people travel during this season. When during the summer period is also important. Portugal remains one of the best places to spend summer in Europe. Its beautiful, the people are amazing, the food is good and there is so much to see.
That is why we usually always book our accommodation in Portugal way way in advance. In fact, we usually end up booking our stuff in January - February and we still consider ourselves late. Now this isn't because you won't get accommodation but rather because you won't get the best and cheapest accommodation. Which means that you would settle and not be happy or pay considerably more for something nice.
Which Platforms Work Best For Booking Accommodation
Booking.com: Generally speaking when it comes to booking my accommodation I use Booking.com. You get some discounts depending on how frequently you use the platform and the genius points. It also gives you access to guest houses, farms, apartment rentals etc.
Airbnb: I know a lot of people use this especially if they want a longer stay period or a cool trendy place to stay. Sometimes you can even get a nice budget spot. I personally have moved away from Airbnb.
Expedia: This is also popular with some travelers. I don't have personal experience with this brand. I do know that a lot of people find it convenient.
Agoda: Offers a range of different options. It also allows you to filter through the options easily. Plus it runs deals pretty often.
Hotels.com: This one is great if you want to compare hotels in the region.
While I generally tend to use one platform so I have all the bookings in one place, it is useful to check across platforms because then you can compare rates. Sometimes one platform offers a better discount or rate than the other.
Some Locations Are More Expensive Than Others
When picking locations to visit, it is important to understand that some locations are busier and more crowded. Lisbon is by far the most popular place to be and that should not come as a surprise. This also means that costs are higher in the capital city. Cities like Porto and Coimbra follow suit. The southern coast is also very popular so that gets booked out quickly.
I love the quieter villages and cities. Generally the places where you would find more local tourists than international ones. These also do get booked out but not as quickly as the main cities. There is however a smaller supply of good accommodation options.
Some of my favorite places include Viana do Castelo, Espinho, Peneda de Geres, Braganza etc. When you head off the beaten path, you may not always find accommodation that is central. The downside to this means that you need your own mode of transport. If you do have your own mode of transport, you should also be comfortable driving on the Portuguese roads.
Tips To Beat The Heat In Summer In Portugal
You have probably noticed that I have constantly mentioned that summer gets hot in Portugal. It is important to know that you can deal with the heat in a couple of ways. We've been in Portugal when the temperatures crossed above 40C. It was HOT. After staying in the Netherlands for years, it took us a bit of time to get adjusted. Luckily after living in India for a large chunk of our lives, we were prepared with all the tips we needed to beat the summer heat.
In retrospect, the heat did not bother us as much as we did. Which is why I intend to share the tips that we used.
1. Book Accommodation With An AC
Airconditioning is a lifesaver during the heatwaves. Not all houses have it which is why it is important to check when you are making your bookings. In general, Portuguese houses are built to stay cool. So staying indoors is still cooler no matter what. The air-conditioning however would take it from bearable to pleasant.
2. Plan Your Day
Afternoons are when the heat peaks. Plan your days such that you are indoors at this time of the day. It doesn't have to be just in your hotel. There are different ways to have fun even when its hot. We visited museums which are sheltered and cool.
Restaurants are also a great place to sit at and chill. The Portuguese are not rushed when it comes to food so you have a leisurely meal. If you don't want to eat a whole meal you could stop at one of the cafes. They serve up a great coffee and pastries. Many of the locals do this. It is a peaceful way to spend the afternoon.
The best time to head out into the great outdoors is early morning and later in the evening. This includes visits to the beach and parks.
3. Use The Public Swimming Pools
Almost every city has their own public swimming pools. They charge a nominal rate to use the facilities for a day. For an added price they may even provide you with a shade or a lounger. The pools are generally large and well maintained with enough for people of all ages to do. On the hottest days of the month these pools are crowded but they provide a welcome relief from the heat.
4. Replenish Your Fluids
Dehydration is one of the biggest risks when it comes to the heat during summer in Portugal. Everyone will tell you to drink water but it is important to understand that you also lose salts. One of the best ways to rehydrate is by drinking juices. Avoid too much caffeine.
5. Don't Forget Your Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must. UV index is pretty high. Sometimes you may not even realize just how much your skin has reacted to the sun. It is also a good idea to test your sunscreen out before you travel so that you know that you aren't sensitive to anything in it.
6. Carry A Shade Or Umbrella To The Beach
A lot of people head to Portugal in summer to enjoy the coast. It is beautiful and a great place to spend sometime but more often than not, you will find that there is no shade to be found. Considering how hot it gets, you probably won't last very long there. Which is why we carry our own portable umbrella. Its bulky but it does the job and we can spend a long while enjoy the sandy shores.
Free Travel Advice
Your Portuguese Escape
It just takes 60 secs and 10 questions to find the best offbeat location in Portugal for you!
Best Summer Destinations In Portugal
The whole of the country is great if you want to spend summer in Portugal. The long coastline means that there are a number of great beaches to enjoy. There are many interesting medieval villages, bustling cities and numerous natural parks as well.
Is The North Cooler Than The South Of Portugal In Summer?
Generally speaking the north is cooler than the south of Portugal in summer. Its by a couple of degrees Celsius but that can make a big difference during a heatwave. I need you to also be aware that while the north is cooler, it is also hot here. We spent a summer there where the temperatures reached the high 30s and low 40s. At those temperatures you have to stay in.
Is The Sea Warm In The North Of Portugal In Summer?
No. The sea is definitely not warm. The beaches are. So you can find yourself sweltering in a heatwave and still the water will feel icy. Sometimes there is a cold wind that comes in too. Which means you may need a light shawl or a sweater. The UV remains very high so don't let the breeze deceive you.
Great Natural Parks To Spend Summer In Portugal
There are so many great places to visit if you are looking for natural parks. Here are some of my favorites.
- Boticas Natural park
- Peneda de Geres
- Parque Natural de Sintra - Cascais
- Serra de Estrela Nature park
- Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros
- Parque Natural do Douro Internacional
- Montesinho Natural Park
These are just some of the parks that we visited while we traveled here. I'll update the list every time we head back to Portugal.
Is It Worth Choosing Offbeat Destinations In Portugal
Honestly I truly believe that the offbeat destinations are the best spots in Portugal. It is a quieter way to spend the holidays away from the crowds. Portugal has so much to offer in terms of culture, food and just all round relaxation. Most of the people who head to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve don't always get the full local experience and that's understandable. Its a different way to travel.
We generally prefer the offbeat locations. The smaller villages and the natural parks. We mix in a bit of time at the beaches and spend a lot of time just slowing down. Its a great change from the pace of daily life. The downside of the offbeat areas is that you need your own transport to head to them and you need to be comfortable driving in Portugal.
Renting A Car
You could also choose to rent a car. I recommend using Discover cars because you can compare across a number of the world renowned car rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, Sixt etc and see which one fits best with the dates you are traveling on.
Some people say that it is cheaper booking through individual companies but I find that it is a lot of hassle figuring out which one gives the lowest rates. And when I finally narrow down on one, Discover Cars usually beats that rate because it doesn't have any hidden additional charges.
What To Wear In Summer In Portugal
When you spend summer in Portugal, you should pay attention to what you wear. Not because there are rules about clothing but because you will want to remain cool in the heat. I advice using loose cotton clothing. Light pastel colors are the best and make sure that you pack a hat to stave off the heat.
Here's a quick capsule wardrobe that should work for your travels.
- 2 Summer dresses
- 2 cotton shirts
- 1 tank top
- 1 shorts
- 1 sandals
- Swimwear
- Beach cover up
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- A wide brimmed hat
- A cool backpack
- 1 sling bag
- 1 pair of sunglasses
As you can see, summer in Portugal has its challenges but it is still a great place to be. You just need to plan your days around the heat.
These Posts Will Interest You
- Where to stay in Lisbon
- Best spots to pick accommodation in Porto
- Where to stay in Cascais
- Unique things to do in Porto
- Amazing places to visit in North Portugal
- Lisbon vs Porto: Which is better?
Don't Forget To Pin This Post
