Portugal in August

Portuguese and European holidays: Algarve beaches packed, prices at their highest; Lisbon still hot and busy.

• Lisbon and the centre · Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Óbidos, Coimbrahot

  Mild winters with rainy spells; hot, dry summers cooled by Atlantic wind. Sintra is often foggy and 5 °C cooler.

• Porto and the north · Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Douro Valley, Peneda-Gerêsbest weather

  The wettest region; green and mild. The Douro Valley bakes in summer and harvest is late September.

• Alentejo · Évora, Monsaraz, Alentejo coasthot

  The interior plain reaches 40 °C+ in summer; spring wildflowers are the high point.

• Algarve · Faro, Lagos, Tavira, Sagreshot

  Most sunshine in the country; the sea stays cool (18–22 °C). August is packed and pricey.

• Madeira · Funchal and the islandbest weather

  Spring-like all year on the south coast; the north and mountains are wetter. Levadas can close after storms.

• Azores · São Miguel, Pico, Faial, Terceirabest weather

  Mild and changeable — four seasons in a day. Whale watching best April–October; winter storms cancel inter-island flights.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Assumption

  15 Aug

  Peak holiday week; Algarve full.

Crowds · Portugal

High

Prices · Portugal

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Rated best or good this month

• Porto and the north

  Best weather of the year (Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Douro Valley, Peneda-Gerês)

• Madeira

  Best weather of the year (Funchal and the island)

• Azores

  Best weather of the year (São Miguel, Pico, Faial, Terceira)