The Best Time to Travel for a Road Trip in Portugal
A road trip through Portugal is on many travelers' bucket lists – and we totally get why! The quieter months are the perfect time to explore the most beautiful spots in a minivan, from rugged surf spots to hidden beaches. During these times, you can enjoy a lovely 20-25 degrees and hardly see a cloud in the sky. The big summer crowds are absent, allowing you to peacefully enjoy gems like the surf village of Ericeira and the idyllic beaches of the Algarve.
It's no coincidence that we organize our Portugal Nomads trips during these periods – you really get the perfect mix of nice weather and optimal travel conditions. Curious about the best time to travel for your Portuguese road trip and why these months are so ideal? Keep reading!
Top tips from the team
- Start your day early in the Algarve – then you’ll have the beaches all to yourself
- Combine coastal and inland areas for the best temperatures
- Bring a sweater for the chilly ocean breeze on the west coast
- For nature lovers: spring is the perfect time for hikes along beautiful cliffs and hidden beaches.
- Evenings are often cool, so a light jacket or sweater is handy for comfort at sunset.
Climate in Portugal
From the rugged west coast to the sun-drenched Algarve – during your trip with Portugal Nomads, you'll experience various microclimates. Up north near Ericeira, the Atlantic Ocean brings refreshing temperatures and perfect surf waves. As you drive south through the fishing village of Sesimbra, you'll start to feel the climate taking on more Mediterranean traits. By the time you reach Lagos or Carvoeiro, you’ll be fully immersed in a southern vibe.
Spring and autumn are perfect seasons to explore southern Portugal. Especially the months of May, June, September, and October, with pleasant temperatures that are ideal for road-tripping, hiking, and soaking up the sun. And the best part? You get to enjoy all this beauty with far fewer other travelers than during the high season. Whether you're wandering through the streets of Lagos or discovering the hidden coves around Sesimbra – in these seasons, you'll experience Portugal at its purest.
The Seasons in Portugal
Winter – December to March
The winter months are quiet in Portugal. With temperatures between 15-18 degrees, you can still enjoy being outdoors, although you should expect more rain.
Spring – March to June
In spring, Portugal awakens from its winter slumber. May and June are especially magical – just the months when we plan our Portugal Nomads trips. With temperatures between 20-25 degrees and a clear blue sky, you can go anywhere. The ocean is pleasant for a surf session in Ericeira or Arrifana, while the beaches of the Algarve are already perfect for catching the first sun rays.
Nature is in full bloom, and the terraces start to come alive again. Without the summer crowds, you can still enjoy the authentic life in fishing villages like Sesimbra. In the Algarve, you can explore the spectacular cliffs around Carvoeiro at a leisurely pace.
Summer – June to September
July and August bring plenty of sunshine but also crowds. Temperatures often rise above 30 degrees, especially in the Algarve. The west coast offers some refreshment thanks to the Atlantic breeze, but you can still feel the peak season here. Beaches are busier, and popular spots like Lagos see a lot more visitors, so keep that in mind.
Autumn – September to December
September, October, and November transform Portugal into a true paradise for road trippers! The summer heat gives way to pleasant temperatures, and mass tourism pulls back. The seawater is still wonderfully warm from the summer months, perfect for a dip in Ericeira or Lagos.
In the Algarve, you can enjoy an endless Indian summer. The weather is perfect for hiking along the Fisherman’s Trail or the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.