Expect impromptu showers, however, as there's an average of nine days of rain in the month. Edging south, Lisbon fares slightly warmer and drier, with fewer rainy days and highs of 64°F (18°C).
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The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.
Rainfall. In Lisbon rainiest months of the year are December and November during which monthly rainfall average reaches 128 mm. On the other side, driest months are August and July when the average rainfall is reduced to 4 mm per month.
This statistic displays the average monthly rainfall in Portugal over the past 20 years. It shows that over the past twenty years the month with the highest average rainfall has been January, with an average rainfall of 171.5 mm. On average, August has been the driest month.
Rainfall. In Lisbon rainiest months of the year are December and November during which monthly rainfall average reaches 128 mm. On the other side, driest months are August and July when the average rainfall is reduced to 4 mm per month.
The winter months of November, December, January, February and March can be cool and wet, so pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella. Remember that even if the winter months are warmer than you are used to at home, they won't feel that way to the locals.
Like many places in Europe, July and August are the peak tourist season in Portugal. August, in particular, is very busy due to the fact that it's Portugal's holiday month, so Portuguese travelers join the throngs of international tourists.
The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered about 46 percent cheaper than in the United States. This, coupled with the country's excellent quality of life, beautiful beaches, stunning mountain ranges, reliable public transport, and rich history and culture, make it very easy to fall in love with Portugal.
In the off-season (roughly November–March), expect shorter hours, more lunchtime breaks at sights, and fewer activities — with the big exceptions of Christmas festivities and Entrudo (carnival), which is especially raucous in Lisbon and a few towns in the Algarve.
Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.
For those hoping to retire or move to Portugal long term, ask yourself what type of weather you can live with to be happy. If you hate hot, dry summers with little to no rain, and lots of summer tourists, pass on the Algarve. If you prefer spring-like summers and wet, cool winters, try the central or northern areas.