What is the best month to swim in Portugal?

The high season – June to August – is the best time for the beach. During the summer months, you'll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers.



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If you are looking for a beach holiday, then the Algarve is the perfection destination. You can swim in the ocean comfortably from March until October. And in the winter months, you can take long refreshing beach walks.

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May is the perfect month to travel to The Algarve if you love the warm Algarve sun but want to avoid the hot 30+ temperatures in summer. It's warm enough for activities like exploring beaches, eating out, and swimming, but still mild enough to enjoy activities like hiking, horse riding, bird watching, and climbing!

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Best Time for Visiting Beaches: Beaches around Lisbon can comfortably be enjoyed from late April through late September. Beaches will be at their busiest during the peak of summer, July and August, especially on the weekends.

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Whether you have an upcoming trip booked or are looking for travel inspiration, keep scrolling to see the best beaches in Portugal.
  • Praia Dona Ana, Lagos.
  • Costa da Caparica, Almada.
  • Praia Porto Santo, Porto Santo Island.
  • Praia de Moledo, Moledo.
  • Praia da Falesia, Albufeira.
  • Praia de São Jacinto, Aveiro.


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In fact, the waters of Portugal's coasts are rather cold compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea. A period of mental and physical preparation is necessary to enjoy a swim in the waters of the beaches of Portugal. However, there are some places where the temperature of the water is warmer and warmer.

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The best month to visit Portugal, specifically the Algarve, is during the shoulder season. I personally love visiting in May-June or late Sept-October. If you're looking to make the most of the Algarve, the sweet spot lies in the shoulder season — May-June and September-October.

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On the coast and especially in the tourist resorts of the Algarve, dress is far more casual. Shorts, t-shirts and camisoles are perfectly acceptable. In the summer wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) and a sunhat. Pack sunglasses whatever time of year you go.

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June to August is the best time for perfect weather The Algarve sizzles during high season, encouraging days of lounging on the beach followed by refreshing dips in the ocean (cold Atlantic currents mean that the sea never gets quite as warm as it does in the Mediterranean).

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Praia dos Coelhos, Sétubal The setting for innumerable films and advertising campaigns, this idyllic, secluded beach on the Arrábida coastline boasts some of the clearest waters you'll likely ever swim in. Though increasingly on the tourist trail, it's still relatively crowd-free.

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Portugal's beaches are beautiful, yes–but due to being set on the Atlantic, the water is actually much colder than many visitors might expect (yes, even in the Algarve). What is this? Spain's long Mediterranean coast, on the other hand, tends to offer much warmer water and a longer swimming season.

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Top 5 beaches with the hottest waters in Portugal
  1. Praia de São Torpes, Sines. The Brazilian magazine Viagem e Turismo has highlighted the temperature of the waters of this beach of Costa Alentejana. ...
  2. Praia da Manta Rota, Algarve. ...
  3. Praia da Rocha, Algarve. ...
  4. Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro, Sines. ...
  5. Praia da Marinha, Algarve.


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The ocean currents can be strong and unpredictable. If you plan on swimming, go to beaches with lifeguards and pay attention to the warning flags – green means it's safe to swim, yellow means use caution and stay near the shore, and red means do not enter.

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The Algarve is a popular destination for expats and tourists alike, so it can be more costly than other areas in Portugal, especially compared to the north of the country. Overall, however, you will find that prices are more reasonable than in other regions of western Europe.

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You can swim in the ocean comfortably from March until October. And in the winter months, you can take long refreshing beach walks. Find out what the weather in the Algarve is like from January until December.

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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.

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In nine to 12 days, you can expect to see a generous chunk of all that Portugal has to offer, from its most sensational cities to sublime vineyards and beaches, on a north-to-south trip.

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Here are 11 of the best beaches in Portugal, with something for every type of traveler.
  • 01 of 11. Praia do Norte. ...
  • 02 of 11. Praia do Camilo. ...
  • 03 of 11. Praia do Quinta do Lago. ...
  • 04 of 11. Zambujeira do Mar. ...
  • 05 of 11. Praia de Cavaleiro. ...
  • 06 of 11. Praia Baleal. ...
  • 07 of 11. Praia da Ursa. ...
  • 08 of 11. Praia da Comporta.


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Top beaches include Praia da Prainha and Praia do Porto do Seixal, a gorgeous black sand beach surrounded by vibrant green mountains. Just remember to set aside time for exploring Madeira's natural swimming pools.

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Best Beaches in Portugal
  • Albufeira.
  • Lagoa.
  • Portimão.
  • Sagres.
  • Aveiro.
  • The Azores.
  • Madeira.
  • Tróia Peninsula.


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