Portugal Weather in February: Travel Tips for First-Timers

The weather in February is mild at most of the highlights except in some places in the north and in mountains, and there is moderate rainfall. The weather is generally comfortable for visiting the natural and historical highlights, dining, relaxing, and experiencing the urban culture.

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

Portugal Weather in February: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 9–17°C (49–63°F)
• Rainfall: 8 cm (3 inches)
• Rainy days: 12
• Sunshine hours/day: 5 hours

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

February's weather is mild in most of the country at the low elevations, and because it is sunny about half the daylight hours, it often feels comfortable during the day at the tourist highlights. You could comfortably tour Portugal's historical sites and urban attractions, sightsee, and enjoy the culture.

Northern Portugal: The region experiences an Atlantic oceanic climate. There are more storms and rain and cooler temperatures. Daily highs average 15°C (59°F) when the sun is shining. The higher the elevation, the greater the possibility for freezing temperatures and snowfall.

Central and southern Portugal: The central region around Lisbon and the south generally experiences Mediterranean Sea weather. It is milder, sunnier, and it rains less. There is good weather for sightseeing, hiking, and touring. Spring weather arrives at the end of February.

Madeira Island: See below.

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The Best Places to Visit in Portugal in February

You can enjoy some sunny weather in February since Portugal is one of the sunniest places in Europe and sunnier than even sunny Greece. You could have pleasant walks in the sunshine and visit historical places and ancient ruins. The Algarve region and Madeira are excellent places to hike.

1.Lisbon — Tour the Highlights

Lisbon is the sunniest capital city in Europe with 5 hours of sunshine a day in February. The daily highs average 16°C (61°F) and the lows 9°C (48°F). The weather feels a little damp since the humidity is 77%.

Moderate rains fall half the days of the month. On rainy days, you could shop in the Chiado area of Lisbon or along the Avenida da Liberdade. The Castelo de São Jorge is a big castle with a museum to learn about its history.

2. Vilamoura — Enjoy Posh Facilities, a Marina, Ritzy Shopping, Fine Dining, Golf Resorts, and Luxury Hotels on Fine Beaches

Along the 200 km (124 miles) stretch of Atlantic coast of the Algarve, Vilamoura, a town of 4,000 residents, stands out for luxury resorts, gourmet restaurants, and luxury boutiques. The marina is filled with yachts, and there are fine beaches. English is commonly spoken.

Like much of the rest of Algarve's coast, it is a warmer and sunnier than Lisbon. The daily highs are about 17°C (63°F), and there are 6 hours of warm sunshine a day on average. Mountains across Algarve's north shelter the coast from harsh weather. It might feel a little damp since the humidity is 74%.

You could hike on the nature trails, walk in the villages, and bask on the fine beaches near the town. It is too cold to swim. During low tourist season, the prices for accommodations and activities are lower.

Travel: Vilamoura is about a half-hour drive away from the international airport at Faro. A flight from Lisbon takes about 45 minutes.

3. Madeira — Relaxed Resort Stays, Beaches, Hikes at the "Hawaii of Europe"

Madeira is popular because it is warm, subtropical, and full of natural attractions, including a national park, other nature preserves, and a volcano that is 1,861 m (6,106 feet) tall. There are also luxury resorts and a city of about 110,000 for entertainment and shopping.

It is the warmest of the Portuguese islands with high temperatures of about 20°C (68°F) and sunshine about 6 hours a day on average. In February, prices are low. There are myriads of waterfalls and hiking paths to follow, high cliff lookouts, and excellent seafood to enjoy.

The beaches are excellent too, but the sea temperature is 18°C (64°F) and too cold to swim. Everything is easily and quickly accessible since the island is small and the road system is good. Flights to Funchal's airport take about two hours from Lisbon.

4. Sintra — Enjoy a Town Full of Tourist Highlights near Lisbon

You could spend some days visiting the historical attractions, and there is also an aviation museum showcasing Portuguese planes. You could have walks along the beaches near Ericeira and Cabo da Roca that is the westernmost part of the European mainland.

At night, there is not much to do in the city, so it would probably be best to either take day trips from Lisbon and return to enjoy Lisbon's entertainment at night, or go to Lisbon for entertainment and things to do. It takes about 30 minutes to drive between them.

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Low Tourism Season: Touring Advice for February

Portugal's hotels have low occupancy in February, and you might have rooms for 50% of the summer high season prices. Flights are also less expensive. However, some resorts close and museums and historical places have shorter open hours.

You can use the quiet time to visit the galleries and museums, the castles and ruins, and enjoy the cuisine and entertainment. Since there is rainfall almost half the days of February, consider staying at a nice tourist base such as Lisbon, Vilamoura, or Albufeira.

There are no national holidays in February. However, if Lent begins in February, then the first several days have parades, processions, entertainment and special food and treats in the cities and big towns.

What to Wear in February

You will need a jacket or a coat for comfort, and if you are planning to go to the mountains or to the north of Portugal, take winter clothing. Have an umbrella or poncho handy for rainy days.

Shoes: Since it is rainier, you will need sturdy shoes with good traction for the cobbled stone streets and historical sites to prevent slips and fall. The historic old towns and cities have lots of old cobbled stone streets.

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

Recommended Tours for Portugal in February

Global Highlights could create an enjoyable tailor-made tour of Portugal for you in February! You would have the best touring experiences on a private tour with an expert tour guide and a private driver who know the country and speak English. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Portugal

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