When should I visit Portugal?

The best time to visit Portugal is during the shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) or fall (September to October). These periods offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months. 

Spring (March-May):

The weather is mild and sunny, with blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures for exploring cities and hiking. You'll find fewer crowds than in the summer and can enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat. 

Here are some festivals in Portugal that happen in the Spring:

• Óbidos Chocolate Festival:

  This festival transforms the medieval town of Óbidos into a chocolate paradise, featuring an array of chocolate creations, workshops, and exhibitions. This festival usually takes place in March.

• Easter Celebrations:

  Holy Week, especially in cities like Braga, features processions and religious observances, marking the end of Lent and the celebration of Easter.

• Festa das Cruzes:

  Held in Barcelos from May 3rd to 5th, Festa das Cruzes, also known as the Festival of the Crosses, is an annual festival held in Barcelos, Portugal. It's a major event in the Minho region, known for its mix of religious traditions, popular culture, and lively celebrations.

Fall (September-October):

Similar to spring, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the beaches. The grape harvest in wine regions like the Douro Valley adds a unique cultural element to your trip. While the ocean might be a bit cooler, beaches are still inviting with warm weather. 

Here are some festivals to check out in Portugal in the Fall:

• Festa das Vindimas de Palmela:

  The Festa das Vindimas de Palmela, or Palmela Harvest Festival, is a yearly celebration of the wine harvest in Palmela, Portugal. It typically involves grape picking, wine tasting, traditional dancing, concerts, and the crowning of a festival queen. The festival is a vibrant event that showcases Palmela's winemaking traditions and offers a cultural immersion for visitors. This festival is usually held the end of August and first of September.

• Festas de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Feasts of Our Lady of Remedies):

  The Festas de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, also known as the Feasts of Our Lady of Remedies, is a significant annual religious festival and city celebration in Lamego, Portugal. It's also referred to as "The Pilgrimage of Portugal" and is a major event in the city. This religious festival in Lamego takes place from the last Thursday of August until September 9th.

• National Gastronomy Festival:

  The National Gastronomy Festival in Portugal, known as Festival Nacional de Gastronomia, is a 10-day celebration of Portuguese cuisine and regional products. It typically takes place in October in Santarém, Portugal. The festival showcases the diversity of Portuguese food culture, featuring regional cuisines, local producers, and artisans. It usually takes place in October.

• Feira de Santa Iria:

  The Feira de Santa Iria is a traditional Portuguese fair held annually in Faro, Algarve, in celebration of Saint Irene. It is one of the oldest and largest fairs in the Algarve region. In 2025, the fair will take place from October 20th to 29th in Faro's Largo de São Francisco. The fair features a variety of attractions including amusement rides, food stalls, craft vendors, live music, and cultural exhibitions. 

Summer (June-August):

Summer is the peak tourist season with the warmest weather and ideal for beach lovers. However, expect larger crowds, higher prices, and potentially very hot temperatures, especially in the interior regions. 

Here are some festivals that take place in the Summer:

• Cherry Festival (Douro Valley):

  Held in the town of Resende, this festival celebrates the cherry harvest and the beauty of the Douro Valley with cherry-based treats, music, and traditional dances. This festival usually takes place in June.

• Lisbon Book Fair:

  This annual event brings together publishers, authors, and book lovers in Lisbon, offering a wide selection of books and literary events. This festival usually takes place in June.

Winter (November-February):

While the weather is cooler and rainier, especially in the north, it's a great time to visit for a tranquil experience with fewer tourists. You can still explore cities, enjoy local festivities, and experience the authentic Portuguese culture.

Here are some festivals to visit in Portugal in the winter months:

• In December, many towns and cities throughout Portugal decorate with Christmas lights and host festive markets. Christmas celebrations include traditions like the Madeiros bonfires, Bananeiro in Braga, and the Consoada Christmas Eve feast.

• Caretos de Podence:

  Caretos de Podence are the masked figures of the Carnival of Podence in Portugal, a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage. These "devilish" characters, clad in colorful, fringed costumes, masks, and bells, roam the streets during the carnival, symbolizing the end of winter and the renewal of spring. Their activities include dancing, ringing bells, and interacting with the community, particularly with women. This festival usually takes place in January.

• Festa de São Gonçalinho:

  Festa de São Gonçalinho is a traditional Portuguese festival celebrated in Aveiro, Portugal, in honor of Saint Gonçalo. It's known for the unique tradition of throwing "cavacas" (a type of sweet pastry) from the chapel's dome to the crowds below. This quirky festival blends religious devotion with lively celebrations, including processions, music, and traditional food. This festival usually takes place in January.