Visiting Portugal In Spring: Weather, Where To Go, & Tips 2026

Wondering what it’s like visiting Portugal in Spring? Read on to find out everything you need to know before booking your trip.

Portugal is one of our favourite countries in Europe, filled with beautiful cities, quaint towns, stunning landscapes, and a dramatic coastline. We spent a month in Portugal in Spring, and it was stunning.

Spring generally brings mild temperatures, longer days, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. However, parts of Portugal can still be pretty rainy and a little chilly in spring. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to expect during Spring in Portugal, including the weather and where to go, so you can decide if it’s the right time for your trip.

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Is Spring A Good Time To Visit Portugal?

We actually think Spring might be the best time to visit Portugal. Spring lasts from March through to May, and is considered ‘shoulder season’. This means there’s going to be far fewer crowds than in the peak summer season, making it much more enjoyable to explore.

Plus, if there’s fewer crowds, there’s generally lower prices too. Accommodation and flights can both be slightly cheaper than in the summer.

The biggest draw, however, has to be the weather. Spring is when the days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and there’s less chance of rain. We also found the sunsets to be particularly vibrant in spring.

Our favourite thing about visiting Portugal in Spring was the flowers. The Jacarandas and Bougainvillea start to bloom, making the towns and cities even more beautiful. Everywhere you walk, you can see them cascading down blue azulejos and lining the roads.

If you want to experience Portugal at its most beautiful, with fewer crowds and warm weather, Spring might be the perfect time to visit.

Portugal Weather In Spring

As Portugal is a long country with varied landscapes, the weather does differ depending where you visit and which month you go in. Generally, the weather is warm and sunny with less rain than in winter. The further south and the later in the season you visit, the warmer it gets, though the coast can be a little breezy.

Spring Temperatures & Rainfall Across Portugal

The weather in Portugal varies quite significantly depending on the region you visit, with the north of the country generally seeing cooler and wetter days in spring than the south.

Across the country, temperatures range from around 16-18°C in March, to around 21-24°C in May. This is such a nice temperature to explore in, though you may need some warmer layers earlier in the season and for the evenings.

Throughout Spring, rainfall starts to decrease and by the end of the season you’re unlikely to get more than a shower.

Best Months To Visit In Spring

Spring is a time of great change and the end of the season feels very different to the start of the season. Here’s what each month is like to help you decide when’s best for you.

Portugal In March

March is the very beginning of Spring in Portugal. The days are just starting to get longer, and early spring flowers are beginning to bloom. The landscapes are beautifully green from the winter rainfall, and the air feels fresh.

March receives more rainfall than other months in spring, and the temperatures average between 16-18°C which can feel a little chilly. However, this is one of the quietest months to visit. If you don’t mind the odd shower and a few warmer layers, March is the best month to visit in Spring to avoid the crowds.

You can experience Portugal at its most authentic, with the lush greens and flowers adding a charm most people don’t get to experience. However, if you want to visit the coast, it’s probably going to be a little too cold to sunbathe or enjoy the sea.

Portugal In April

The weather in Portugal in April starts to balance out a little more, with less rain and slightly warmer temperatures. The first half of the month is slightly more rainy, but as the month continues the rain drops to a just a few showers here and there. Temperatures rise throughout the month, and end up around a pleasant 20°C.

As you would expect in Spring, April brings with it even more flowers than March. It’s also still very green this time of year, making day trips into the countryside a great option.

There are fewer crowds in April than in May, but it does start to get a little busier than in March. That being said, it is by no means crowded!

One thing to be aware of is the timing of Easter. We will get more into this in the Celebrations section below, but Easter does bring considerable crowds and most businesses will close for Easter Sunday.

Portugal In May

May in Portugal is like summer without the crowds. The temperatures are beautifully warm, generally sitting around 21-24°C. The days are long and sunny, and rain showers tend to be few and far between. The jacarandas and bougainvillea are in full bloom and the cities are stunning.

Visiting in May is perfect for both city breaks and beach escapes, though the sea is still likely to be pretty cold.

As it is the warmest Spring month, May is also when crowds start to increase. It is nowhere near as busy as the peak summer months, but it’s certainly not as quiet as March or April. However, if you want beautiful warm, sunny weather and fewer crowds than summer, May is the perfect time to visit.

Where To Go In Portugal In Spring

Whilst Spring is a great time of year to visit Portugal, the experience you have will vary depending on where you visit.

Lisbon In Spring

Lisbon is one of the best places to visit in Portugal in Spring. Its location halfway down the west coast means that it’s one of the warmest and sunniest cities in Spring. The temperature is perfect for sightseeing and long days exploring on foot. The city is covered with beautiful flowers, and there are far fewer crowds than in peak summer when the city is packed with people.

We also thought that the sunsets were particularly beautiful in Spring, and Lisbon has no shortage of incredible viewpoints to watch the sunset from. In fact, this was one of our favourite things to do in Lisbon.

Spring is also a great time to explore beyond Lisbon on a day trip. One place you cannot miss is Sintra, though the temperature is much cooler than Lisbon so you will likely need a jumper. Sintra in summer is almost unbearable with the crowds, so visiting in Spring is incredibly refreshing.

If you want a warm city break, with plenty to do, then Lisbon in Spring might be best for you.

Porto & Northern Portugal

We love Porto. We think it’s a seriously underrated city. It is incredibly beautiful, particularly in Spring with all the bougainvillea trailing down the blue azulejos. Spring in Porto tends to be pretty quiet, with most people favouring Lisbon or the Algarve. It feels like Portugal at its most authentic.

The weather in Porto tends to be a few degrees cooler than Lisbon and a little unpredictable. When we visited, there were days that started pretty chilly and a bit grey, but by lunch time it had brightened up and we had to change into shorts.

If you visit Porto in Spring, you are also more likely to experience rain at some point. It can be a bit grey and drizzly during Spring, particularly in March. There are plenty of indoor things to do if it does rain, though. In fact, it might be the perfect excuse to tour a port wine cellar!

Hopefully, the rain won’t put you off as we think the risk is totally worth it. It’s an amazing city, and very quiet and beautiful in Spring. Plus, day trips to the Douro Valley wine region are incredible this time of year as the landscape is so green and lush.

The Algarve In Spring

Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Algarve. The temperatures are perfect for hiking and cycling along the coastline, with warm sunny days making it the perfect time to explore. There are fewer crowds, and the beaches tend to be pretty empty. Plus, the cliffs are covered in stunning wildflowers which you don’t get during any other time of year.

I’m going to be honest with you and say that it’s possibly not quite warm enough to be sunbathing on the beach until late-May (at the earliest), and the sea is pretty cold too. It may not be the best time of year if you’re after a typical beach holiday. However, if you love to keep active, Spring is the best time to visit the Algarve.

Countryside & Road Trips

If you want to venture beyond the cities and Algarve, Spring is a great time for a Portugal road trip. The landscapes are bright green and luscious, wildflowers are blooming, and the mostly sunny days are great for exploring. Plus, if it does start raining, you can simply hop in your car and move on.

This is the best way to see Portugal at its most authentic, away from the crowds. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are quiet, and smaller inland towns are virtually empty of tourists. If you want to head a little off the beaten path, Spring is a great time to visit Portugal.

What To Pack For Portugal In Spring

As the weather in Portugal during Spring can be a little unpredictable, it’s important you pack layers and a good raincoat. Here are some essentials you’ll need for a Spring trip to Portugal:

A good thin waterproof coat
A warm jumper
Comfortable shoes for walking in
Light layers
Comfortable trousers
Shorts if you’re visiting later in Spring
Sunscreen – the sun can still burn you in Spring
Small day bag – even better if its waterproof
Reusable water bottle

Tip – If you’re visiting multiple regions, make sure to pack layers. Coastal areas can feel significantly cooler than inland cities

Easter In Portugal

Easter generally falls in March or April and it’s a very festive time in Portugal. If you’re visiting during Easter, you can expect religious processions through the streets and lots of traditional foods on offer. This can be a great time to visit if you want to experience how another country celebrates.

However, you can generally expect greater crowds and slightly higher prices. Some places will close on Easter Sunday too, which may affect your plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a few questions about visiting Portugal in Spring? We’ve answered the most common questions below.

How Long Should I Spend In Portugal During Spring?

How long have you got? Portugal is an incredible country and to explore it properly you’re going to need at least 2 weeks.

If you just want to see Porto, 3 days is a nice amount of time. If you’re visiting Lisbon, we would recommend 5 days to do the city justice.

How Much Does Portugal Cost In Spring?

Spring is a slightly cheaper time to visit Portugal compared to Summer. Exact costs will vary depending on where and when you are visiting, however you can generally grab good deals on flights and accommodation.

Is Portugal Crowded In Spring?

Generally, Portugal is not too crowded in Spring, particularly in March and April. It starts to get a little busier during May as summer approaches, and it can be crowded during Easter.

Wrap Up

After exploring for a month, we can safely say Spring is our favourite time to visit Portugal. From the beautiful flowers and green landscapes to the quiet cities and beaches, it offers a completely different vibe to the peak summer months.

If you’re after a quieter, slightly cheaper, but no less beautiful, time to visit Portugal, Spring might be the best time for you.