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

Portugal's weather is very sunny, dry, and warm or hot at the main highlights in August. There are about 2 days of scant rain each August at almost all the highlights except around Porto and higher elevations. The dry, sunny weather is excellent for being outdoors, hiking, biking, sightseeing and touring.

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

Portugal Weather in August: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 19–27°C (65–81°F)
• Rainfall: 1 cm (0 inches)
• Rainy days: 2
• Sunshine hours/day: 10 hours

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

Portugal has hot weather in August except in the Azores, Madeira, northern Portugal and higher elevations. There are 10 hours of sunshine in most of the tourist highlights, so you will feel hot or warm outside during the day. It's good for extended hikes, beach basking, and other outdoor activities.

Northern Portugal: The region has an Atlantic oceanic climate with warm temperatures and more rain. Daily highs reach a warm 26°C (79°F) with 10 hours of sunshine. The area south of Porto has good surfing conditions.

Central and southern Portugal: The Algarve and the Alentejo region experience Mediterranean summer weather, and the Algarve is a bit hotter than Lisbon. These regions are sunnier, hotter, and drier with good weather for hiking, sightseeing, watersports, and touring.

Madeira:See below.

7-Day Family Fun in Portugal Porto, Lisbon & Sintra Adventure

The Best Places to Visit in Portugal in August

Portugal is one of the sunniest places in Europe, and in August, it is almost as sunny as Greece except that the islands are cloudier. You will have sunshine and hot, dry weather at most of the highlights. We particularly recommend Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and Coimbra.

1. Lisbon — Enjoy the Outdoors, Hiking, Beaches, and Watersports

Lisbon receives 11 hours of bright sunshine daily and has 2 days of scant rain in August. The 63% humidity makes the average 28°C (82°F) daily highs feel like about 30°C (86°F), so you will be hot under the sun. This is great weather for outdoors activities.

The arid weather is excellent for going to surfing beaches, such as Praia de Carcavelos that is 25 minutes away by driving. There are fewer people at the very beautiful beaches of Arrabida Natural Park that is about 40 minutes away, and it is also an excellent area to hike in.

The sea temperature in Lisbon is about 20°C (69°F) and feels chilly. There may be heat waves from Africa, so you might swelter both indoors and out. Refreshing things to do include the Tagus River sunset cruise. The Santa Justa Lift offers cool easy sightseeing.

2. Madeira and Porto Santo — Enjoy the Beaches and See the Dolphins

Madeira and Porto Santo experience some of their best weather in August. It has the least rainfall of close to none and highest average daily high temperatures of 26°C (79°F). Since the humidity is high at 72%, it might feel like 32°C (92°F) to you.

There are 8 hours of sunshine. At Funchal, Madeira's capital with an international airport and an area of beach resorts, the sea averages about 23°C (73°F), and it might feel comfortable to you. It is peak tourism season.

For more about Funchal, see visiting Portugal in May.

3. Porto — Experience a Historical City and Take a Break from Hotter Weather

Porto is Portugal's second biggest city, and August is the busiest month for tourism and the warmest month with about 10 hours of sunshine. People mainly come for the history, food, museums, and architecture. The beaches and Duoro Valley countryside are highlights nearby and suitable for respite for a cooler holiday.

When it is hot and sweltering in the south, you can go to Porto to enjoy its lower average daily August highs of about 26°C (79°F). The 73% humidity makes it feel like 28°C (82°F). There are nice local basking beaches such as Praia de Fuzelhas with golden sand and tidal pools to walk among.

The water temperature is almost at its warmest at 19°C (66°F) in August, but this feels chilly. When the best surfing beaches in the south are crowded, beaches and resort areas such as Espinho that is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Porto are better places to surf with a wetsuit.

4. Coimbra — See an Ancient University Town, see the Ruins and Architecture, and Enjoy the Cool Mountains

Coimbra, about midway between Lisbon and Porto (2 hours to either by road), is a pedestrian city with narrow streets and alleys. It is built on a steep hill, so getting around on foot and stairclimbing can be strenuous. The main highlights of the town are in walking distance such as Coimbra University that is one of the world's oldest.

There is also the Machado De Castro National Museum for history. Roman Ruins are 16 km (10 miles) south. The Portuguese go out of the sweltering urban areas for fun in August, and like them, you might want to go on excursions in cooler countryside mountainous areas with few crowds.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park is about 1¾ hours east and has numerous hiking trails and shady forests on the tallest mountain on the Portuguese mainland. Aire and Candeeiros Mountains Natural Park has small villages and good hiking trails. It is 1¼ hours south of Coimbra.

For more about the nature parks in the north, see visiting Portugal in September.

7-Day Portugal Family Beach Vacation Beaches, History & Fun for the Whole Family

Peak Tourism Season: Touring Advice for August

August is in the peak summer tourism season, and since the weather is about the hottest, the crowds flood to the beaches and favorite areas for excursions. Some tourists prefer a cooler place such as Porto or mountains. Many Portuguese go out of the sweltering urban areas to the beaches and mountains.

During heatwaves from Africa, people in the south might swelter both indoors and out, so if the afternoons are too hot, you could go out in the mornings and evenings. There are 13 to 14 hours of daylight and 10 or 11 hours of sunshine daily on average in the south in August.

Flight prices and room rates increase to be even two or three times higher than in low season. So book well in advance if you are wanting to go to a major highlight. We're here to take the stress out of booking the trip you want. Let us know your interests and requirements and we'll take care of everything.

Sea temperatures: Expect crowds at the favorite beaches since the sea temperature at most of the popular beaches on the mainland is between about 19°C and 22°C (67-72°F) in August, and the sea at Madeira and the Azores reaches a pleasant 23°C (74°F).

Heatstroke: When exerting yourself under the hot sun, drink a lot of water to prevent heatstroke. Perhaps try to stay out of the sun at the hottest times of day.

Public holidays in August:

• August 15 is Assumption Day, a national holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses close.

What to Wear in August

Generally, when out in the sun, cover up with thin breathable clothing to be comfortable and protected from sunburn. Keep a jacket for cold nights. If you are going to the north or the mountains, take raingear or an umbrella. Bring summer and beach clothes too.

Shoes: Sturdy shoes with good traction help you hike trails and walk safely on the smooth cobbled streets.

UV protection: A sunhat, long sleeves, and long trousers or dresses will help protect you from sunburn. Polarized glasses would help to protect your eyes from glare.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Portugal

Previous month:Portugal in July

Next month:Portugal in September