Portugal Weather in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Portugal's spring weather means flowers are in full bloom in April, and the weather turns mild or warm and sunny most days along with showers and flowers. The weather is good for nature hikes, urban tours, and sightseeing the highlights.

Read on for our weather information and travel advice including average temperatures and rainfall, places to go, and travel tips…

Portugal Weather in April: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 12–20°C (54–68°F)
• Rainfall: 7 cm (3 inches)
• Rainy days: 10
• Humidity: 70%
• Sunshine hours/day: 7 hours

April Climate Comparison (Averages) for Portugal's Top Tourism Areas

In April, Portugal is mild or warm at the low elevations, and because there are 7 hours of sunshine, you will often feel warm during the day at the tourist highlights. You could get out into nature for extended hikes and visit Portugal's historical and urban attractions.

Northern Portugal: The region has an Atlantic oceanic climate. There are more storms, rain, and cooler temperatures. Daily highs reach a pleasant 18°C (64°F) with 7 hours of warm sunshine.

Central and southern Portugal: The Algarve and the Alentejo region east of Lisbon generally experience Mediterranean-like weather. It is warmer, sunnier, and drier, so there is good weather for sightseeing, hiking, and touring. The area near Lisbon has good surfing conditions.

Madeira Island: Madeira gets cloudier in April.

Azores: See below.

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The Best Places to Visit in Portugal in April

Portugal is one of the sunniest places in Europe, and in April, it is as sunny as Greece, except that Madeira gets cloudier. You could welcome the sunshine and warm weather while visiting historical places and ancient ruins and enjoy hiking. Flowers, both wild and cultivated, bloom abundantly

1.Lisbon — Enjoy Historical Highlights and Excursions to Beaches and Countryside Towns

Lisbon is the sunniest capital city in Europe with 8 hours of sunshine a day in April. The 70% humidity makes the average 20°C (68°F) daily highs actually feel a little warmer in the sun, so you can take pleasant warm walks. Low rainfall falls about 12 days in April.

Historic places such as the Castelo de São Jorge that is a big castle with a museum are highlights. When the weather is sunny, historic towns such as Sintra (30 minutes' drive) or Évora (90 minutes' drive) have countryside beauty to hike and stroll in and historic places and archeological sites.

There are good beaches near Lisbon. Ericeira that is about 35 minutes away by vehicle has about the best surf in Portugal in April. The sea temperature is about 16°C (60°F) or lower, so you will need a wetsuit for comfort.

2. Eastern Alentejo — Get Away to the Beauty of Spring

The middle belt region of the country east of Lisbon is called the Alentejo, and the central and eastern regions of the Alentejo are drier with pleasant weather and much sunshine in April. A good base for a tour of the area is Évora from which you could visit the countryside.

There are daily highs of about 21°C (70°F), 8 hours or more of sunshine, and 10 days of rain each April. Évora in Alentejo is 90 minutes from Lisbon by vehicle and has luxury and middle-budget hotels, Roman ruins, huge cathedrals and palaces and an estimated 7,000-year-old megalithic site.

The Alentejo countryside is one of the most beautiful in Portugal in April with pastures, farms and countryside. Great day trips include Arraiolos, where there is a castle and carpet making, and Estremoz, where there is a castle and lots of marble construction.

3. The Azores — Enjoy Adventure and Lush Beauty

The Azores have subtropical oceanic weather. It is pleasant and mild and when it is not raining, the weather is suitable for hiking, whale watching, and soaking in the hot springs. There are colorful wildflowers and lush greenery and many hiking paths.

There is a variety of terrain. Mount Pico is the tallest mountain in Portugal's territory with an elevation of 2,351 m (7,713 feet). The beaches are beautiful, but it is too cold to swim since the water temperature is 16°C (61°F). Accommodation prices are lower than in the busy summer months.

There is a mix of sunny days with highs about 18°C (64°F) and occasional rainy days. There are about 10 days of moderate rainfall, but the weather varies from island to island, and there are microclimates. Flights to Ponte Delgada (PDL) on Sao Miguel take two hours from Lisbon.

4.Algarve — Hike, Kayak, and Do Outdoor Activities in Pleasant Spring Weather

Algarve is the southern region of continental Portugal. In Algarve, the average daily highs reach 20°C (68°F), and you will feel comfortable even basking on the beaches most of the month with 8 hours of bright sunshine and 69% humidity. There are about 10 days of low rainfall in April.

In April, you can enjoy the hotels and resorts with low to moderate occupancy and prices, and there is a quiet ambience suitable for enjoying the outdoors. and Flight ticket prices are moderate. Almost everything is open, but not busy.

April and May are best for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in the most beautiful scenery with fresh green vegetation and wildflowers dotting the hillsides and fields. You could hike the many trails, such as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, bike, and kayak.

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Low Tourism Season: Touring Advice for April

Though there are no crowds like those of summer, the visitor numbers start to steadily rise in April, particularly in hotspots like the Algarve, where often the days seem like summer with bright sunshine and warm temperatures. The latter half of April is drier and more summerlike than the first half.

There are deals for flights and hotels unless it is Easter vacation period, when prices and traveler numbers are high. For many people, the summer is too bright and hot for outdoors activities, but April weather feels optimal. It is too cold for swimming though.

Public holidays in April:

• April 25 is Freedom Day, a national holiday. Businesses and government offices close. They celebrate the revolution in 1974 that ended the dictatorship and started the democracy.
• Easter: If Easter is in April, then Easter Sunday is a national holiday. The Friday before it, Good Friday, is also a national holiday. Easter 2024 is in March, but Easter 2025 is April 18–20.

What to Wear in April

You will need to bring a jacket, and dress in layers to be comfortable. Have an umbrella or poncho for rainy days especially if you are going to the north or mountains. Bring summer and beach clothes too.

Shoes: Sturdy shoes with good traction help you walk on the smooth cobblestone streets and historical sites and to prevent slips and fall. The historic cities and old towns have lots of old cobbled streets.

Wetsuits: The average sea temperature is about 16°C (61°F) or lower at most of Portugal's beach highlights in April, so it is too cold for swimming comfortably without a wetsuit.

UV protection: With so much sunshine in Portugal, if you have sensitive skin, wear a sunhat, and cover up with long sleeves and long trousers or dresses. You might want to wear polarized glasses too.

Recommended Tours for Portugal in April

We at Global Highlights specialize in hosting bespoke tailor-made tours, and we consider your travel goals and work with the weather and local culture to make your dream trip a reality. Enjoy a private tour with an expert guide and private driver who speaks Greek. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Portugal

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