Best time to visit Portugal

The ideal months to visit Portugal during the summer are July to September. Because Portugal is not recognized for having warm beaches, the water on the beaches may not be as warm as you may think. If you want to visit Porto, the months of July and August are the hottest. Autumn occurs between September and October, and these are the months when you will view the city's vibrant colors, however it will be chilly at night.

However, budget travelers should avoid visiting Portugal during the summer months and major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Flight and hotel expenses surge during these seasons, when most people plan their long weekends and holidays, even outside of large cities. January and February are the most cost-effective months in general, with late spring and late autumn equal for second.

The Portuguese coast isn't recognized for having particularly warm water, so early summer temps may be chilly. The warmest months are July through September, which means the water temperatures will be optimum. Plan a trip to the Algarve, the Azores, or Madeira during the summer months, when the sea temperatures are slightly warmer.