Why is the ocean water in Portugal so cold?

Living in Portugal, we are blessed with a warm climate and stunning beaches, but the sea is practically always “freezing”. This is due to a combination of factors such as Portugal's location on the westernmost part of Europe, where we are exposed to the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.



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The graph below shows the range of monthly Lisbon water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 67.8°F / 19.9°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 59°F / 15.0°C.

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The most famous are in the Algarve. With three thousand hours of sun per year and warm waters, there are beaches along its 200km length to suit every taste and many dreamlike resorts.

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The average temperature in Europe is 21.8°C. The highest current temperature on the continent according to our data, is in Koper (Slovenia) where water has 28.9 degrees celsius. On the other hand the lowest temperature is in Dalatangi (Iceland) where water has 12.1 degrees celsius.

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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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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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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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Living in Portugal, we are blessed with a warm climate and stunning beaches, but the sea is practically always “freezing”. This is due to a combination of factors such as Portugal's location on the westernmost part of Europe, where we are exposed to the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Both countries have Mediterranean climates, meaning they are generally temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. In Portugal, the average temperature in Lisbon is 24°C in July and 11°C in January, and in Spain the average temperature in Barcelona is around the same: 24°C in August and 10°C in January.

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Avoid swimming in areas where there are no lifeguards. You should also exercise caution when swimming at beaches that connect to rivers as the streams and currents can be more hazardous. On the beaches where there are lifeguards, there are typically flags placed to indicate the level of danger to swimmers.

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Nissi Bay Beach, Ayia Napa, Cyprus It's located on the island of Cyprus, which is known to have some of the clearest waters in all of Europe. A tiny strip of soft, pale sand divides two sections of light blue shallows, ensuring picturesque views no matter where you set up camp.

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A little cooler than your body temperature (98.6° Fahrenheit) should not be too cold so that you don't get chilled. 70° to 78° Fahrenheit is the range where most folks feel comfortable swimming.

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During winter, Portugal continues to have plenty of beautifully sunny days, and the temperatures stay mild. While it might be too cold to swim, you'll have gorgeous Algarve beaches all to yourself. Read on to learn details about what winter in Portugal is like, and 10 reasons why you should visit Portugal in winter.

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Sea temperatures, which range from 18 to 20°C, are still not suitable for swimming. The average daytime temperature in Lisbon is around 22°C during this month, while nights do not go below 13°C. Porto sees temperature shooting up to 20°C during the daytime, while evenings see the mercury drop to 12°C.

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Portugal has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you enjoy hot perfect sunny days the best time to visit Portugal is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 22 C.

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