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

July's weather in Portugal is very sunny and warm or hot most days except at higher elevations. It is arid with almost no rain, except in the mountains and the region around Porto. The dry weather is good for hiking in nature, touring, sightseeing, outdoor activities, beach going, and watersports.

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

Portugal Weather in July: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 18–27°C (64–80°F)
• Rainfall: 1 cm (0 inches)
• Rainy days: 1
• Humidity: 68%
• Sunshine hours/day: 11 hours

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

Portugal turns hot in July. There are 11 hours of sunshine in most of the tourist highlights, so you will usually feel warm or hot during the day. It's a good time to be outdoors for extended hikes, beach basking, other outdoor activities, and touring Portugal's urban and historical attractions.

Northern Portugal: The region has an Atlantic oceanic climate. There is more rain and warm temperatures. Daily highs reach a warm 25°C (77°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 Lisbon is almost as hot as the Algarve. These regions are sunnier, hotter, and drier with good weather for hiking, sightseeing, and touring.

Madeira: See below.

Azores: See below.

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The Best Places to Visit in Portugal in July

Portugal is one of the sunniest places in Europe, and in July, it is almost as sunny as Greece, except that Madeira is cloudier. You will have sunshine and hot, dry weather at most of the highlights.

If you would like to visit the recommended places in Portugal below (or anywhere else) your way, it is worth knowing that Global Highlights customized trips are highly-rated on Trust Pilot. Let us know your travel goals and we'll make the best of the weather and local tourism resources. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.

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

Lisbon receives 12 hours of bright sunshine a day and only 2 days of scant rain in July. There is 63% humidity that makes the average 28°C (82°F) daily highs feel like about 30°C (86°F), and it feels hotter under the sun if there is no breeze. This is great weather for being outdoors.

The dry weather is excellent for beach going, watersports and outdoors activities in the area. The closest good beaches such as Praia de Carcavelos are about 25 minutes away by road, and they are crowded in July. Carcavelos is a surfing beach.

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 and just chill and rest at a hotel. The water temperature is about 19°C (66°F) and feels chilly.

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

In July, Madeira and Porto Santo start their warm dry season and experience the least rainfall and highest temperatures of the year. For beach going, watersports, and being outdoors, it is one of the best months, and this is why it is also peak tourism season there.

In July, the highs are 25°C (77°F), and there are 8 hours of sunshine. The 73% humidity makes it feel like 26°C (79°F). The sea temperature is about 22°C (72°F). The sea might feel chilly, but many people find it comfortable. It is peak tourism season.

Whale and dolphin watching is one of the most popular tourist activities, and July is one of the better months for whale watching. It is a month when the most species of dolphins play in the shallow waters close to shore. It takes 2 hours to fly from Lisbon to Funchal.

For more about Funchal, see visiting Portugal in May.

3. Sao Miguel — Enjoy Adventure amid Natural Wonders

Sao Miguel is the largest of the Azores, and the international airport on it is used by most tourists to visit the islands. Many people consider the weather in the Azores to be perfect in July with almost 8 hours of sunshine, clear skies, and about 14 hours of daylight.

The islands are about the warmest in July with high temperatures of about 24°C (76°F) and gentle nighttime lows of 18°C (65°F). The water temperature is almost at its warmest at 22°C (72°F). It is a great time for hitting the black sand beaches and watersports.

Great things to do including kayaking in the beautiful and volcanic geological wonder of the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes or bathing in reddish hot springs at Furnas. You could take a ferry to Pico Island and hike in beautiful Pico National Park to the 5 km (3 mile) long lava tube.

4.Algarve — Have Fun in the Hot Summer

Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, and it gets hot in July. The average daily highs reach 29°C (84°F), and with the 61% humidity, the average feels like 31°C (88°F). You could bask on the beaches with 12 hours of bright sunshine since skies are usually clear.

There are outdoor activities to enjoy every day, since it only rains a little about once a month. The water is warm enough at 20°C (68°F) for swimming, but for many people, it is too chilly. You can surf with a wetsuit, and the conditions are right for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Another fun thing to do is hike in Ria Formosa Natural Park or somewhere along the hiking trail Via Algarviana that follows the coastline. The luxury tourist town of Vilamoura has dozens of bike paths to sightsee along. Albufeira, Tavira, and Lagos are other good places to stay for cycling excursions.

• For more about Lagos, see visiting Portugal in May.
• For more about Vilamoura, see visiting Portugal in February.
• For more about Albufeira, see visiting Portugal in March.

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Peak Tourism Season: Touring Advice for July

In July, the start of peak summer tourism season features good weather for lazy hot beach days. You can find uncrowded beaches if sufficiently far from the big cities and popular tourist towns. There are big crowds in the cities since it is peak season and schools are on vacation.

Flight prices and room rates soar 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.

Expect crowds at the favorite beaches since the sea temperature at most of the popular beaches is 22°C (72°F) in July including the Azores and Madeira.

Exposed to 14 and a half hours of daylight and 11 hours of sunshine daily, the Portuguese go out of the sweltering urban areas for fun too. You might want to go to cooler countryside mountainous areas such as the Coimbra region. For more about Coimbra, see visiting Portugal in August.

Heatstroke: When exerting yourself under the hot sun and hot temperatures, drink a lot of water to prevent heatstroke.

There are no public holidays in Portugal in July.

What to Wear in July

Bring summer and beach clothes. 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.

Shoes: Sturdy shoes with good traction help you hike trails and walk on the smooth cobblestone streets in historical areas.

UV protection: With so much sunshine in Portugal, you could protect yourself with a sunhat, long sleeves, and long trousers or dresses, or use suncream. Polarized glasses would help to protect your eyes from glare.

Touring Portugal in July with Global Highlights

Our experts create customized private trips around the globe. We would tailor a great experience for you in Portugal, realizing your travel goals and making the best of the weather and local tourism resources. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.

For sample Global Highlights itineraries in the region that could be customized to include Portugal, see our Morocco tours.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Portugal

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