You might ask – is early fall a good time to visit Portugal? No doubt, Portugal is an all-year-round destination with plenty of attractions from one season to the next.
However, autumn (fall) holds a special place with its unique number of activities, and fascinating experiences waiting to unfold. Fall is considered the shoulder season in Portugal. Early fall, roughly around September to mid-October gives you a delightful blend of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant experiences.
This article will provide everything you need to know including the benefits and drawbacks of visiting Portugal in the fall.
Portugal’s seasons high and lows
First, before we talk about whether you should visit Portugal in the fall or not, let’s talk about the country’s climate. Generally speaking, Portugal has mild highs and lows. So this means that it’s rarely ever frigid or sweltering in the regions outside the mountains.
So for most of the year, you should expect sunny and comfortable weather, with occasional rain in summer and spring. Also, the southern region of Portugal is drier than the northern regions throughout the year. But then what about autumn?
Is early fall a good time to visit Portugal?
Regarding weather, Fall is one of the most delightful times to visit Portugal. You’ll bask in the lingering summer suns but without the higher temperatures in Summer. Average temperatures hover around the mid-20s°C (70s°F). This is a superb temperature for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the summer’s scorching heat. Beyond that, the rains in Portugal don’t start until the latter half of October, offering the sweet spot.
Also, the Portuguese landscape is significantly different in Autumn compared to Summe. While the countryside often looks relatively brown in Summer, Fall brings a lush green environment that you would want to explore.
Now in terms of crowds, you won’t have to deal with elbow-to-elbow encounters. However, Portugal destinations like Lisbon, Sintra, and Obidos will still have a bit of a crowd (with higher numbers in September than in October). Depending on how much time you want to spend in Portugal, consider beginning from the Northern regions and then making your way to the Southern regions.
Beyond that many of the country’s attractions are still open but the prices are more favorable than in summer.
Other reasons to visit Portugal in the Fall include:
Festival Fete
In autumn the grape harvest is in full swing. Immerse yourself in Portugal’s rich culture by visiting the Portugal wineries. You can also join the grape harvest festivities. Witness traditional rituals, savor local delicacies, and join in the lively celebrations. One such festival you wouldn’t want to miss is one of the pilgrimages to Fatima on October 13.
Gorgeous blooms in nature
Everywhere, you’ll witness blooming landscapes with unique flora and fauna. Besides the wineries, Autumn is also a time to enjoy a host of other ripe goodies including olives, chestnuts, almonds, sunflowers, and walnuts.
Bargain Bonanza
Shoulder season often translates to lower travel costs, including flights, accommodation, and activities. Stretch your budget further and enjoy more experiences!
Foliage Fantasy
In the north, witness a spectacular display of autumn colors as leaves transform into fiery hues, creating a picturesque backdrop for your adventure.
Bird watching
Fall often starts with several birds migrating into the country. Hence it’s a great time to watch the birds. You can consider scheduling a visit to Sagres Bird Festival which takes place in the Algarve between October 1st and 4th.
Surfing fiesta
The waves are much stronger in autumn, making it an excellent time for experienced surfers. But then the temperatures by the ocean would be chilly. So factor this into your preparations. If you stay for a bit longer than mid-October, you could also enjoy the world surfing championship in Peniche. This competition brings the best surfers worldwide to Peniche’s famous Supertubos Beach.
A fantastic time to swim in the ocean
Besides watching the surfers, you can also have fun swimming in the ocean. And beyond that, there are other water-themed activities like kayaking, diving, sailing, and taking boat rides. Still, note that the temperatures around the Atlantic will be a bit colder. So you might have to swim in a wetsuit.
Plenty of outdoor fun waiting to happen
Autumn is also a fantastic time for plenty of outdoor activities. So your itinerary shouldn’t stop at visiting the wineries or landmarks, also plan to enjoy other activities including golfing, horseback riding, dolphin watching, caynoning, and many more.
Portuguese cuisine to look out for in the Fall
It wouldn’t be enough to simply talk about the places to visit when planning to come to Portugal in the Fall. There are also mouthwatering culinary delights waiting for you. You’ll love the wide variety of food recipes waiting to be discovered which as fantastically different from one place to the next. Here are some you should add to your bucket list:
- Caldo Verde: One of the simplest dishes to prepare and the ultimate comfort food in Portugal
- Acorda Alentejana: A fantastic meal with several varieties depending on where you eat across Portugal. It’s made of olive oil, coriander, garlic, water, and poached egg.
- Caldeirada de Pieze: This is a Portuguese cuisine that truly showcases their love for seafood. This dish comprises different types of fish and shellfish cooked together with a blend of tomatoes and herbs. It’s the perfect comfort food for Autumn.
- Feijaoada Trasmontana: This complex dish often comprises the meaty parts of a pig in a bean stew. This interesting dish gives you the chance to explore some of Portugal’s distinctiveness through your palate.
Drawbacks to prepare for if you are visiting Portugal in autumn
As with everything else, there are always sacrifices to be made. First as expected summer and its crowds are gone. So the price of everything would be fair during this time. Yet, it’s not as low as you would enjoy in actual winter. Plus, particular festivals like Festa de Santo António (Lisbon) can bring temporary crowds and higher prices. Plan accordingly!
Beyond that smaller businesses and attractions may have also reduced their operating hours, which means you need to double-check on actual hours you can be able to visit the attractions you want to enjoy. You should also note that light rain is still possible in early October. So always pack layers and be prepared for occasional showers.
5 great places to visit in Portugal during fall
1. Lisbon
Lisbon and the Central Portugal region are pleasant to visit in the fall. That’s because the temperatures are much more pleasant with fewer crowds, compared to summer. Many of Lisbon’s hotspots are also still open.
Hence, you’ll enjoy the full work going from the city streets to neighborhoods, gorgeous coastlines, and wine-producing countryside. So there are plenty of wine-tasting adventures alongside regional delicacies waiting to be savored.
2. Sintra
Sintra is also remarkable during the fall. You’ll love how the town’s gardens, tree-lined streets, and parks all turn a glorious array of yellows, oranges, and reds. Plus the awe-inspiring palaces and rolling hills, you’ll want to see for yourself just how Sintra maintains its fairytale ambiance from one season to the next.
The region also has some of the most unusual wine varieties born of vineyards grown in sandy soil and trained to stay safe despite the incessant wind from the ocean.
3. Serra da Arrabida
You’ll love the mountain ridge that stretches along the southeastern coast of the Setubal Peninsula. It is just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon and one of the most spectacular places to enjoy lofty green mountains by a coastline of golden beaches. You should also plan to stop by major wine producers Jose Maria da Fonseca and Quinta da Bacalhoa in the region.
4. Vincente Coast
The Vincente Coast is also a great place to enjoy early fall. This region is just 62 miles from Porto Covo in the Alentejo. The Costa Vincenta National Park is one of the best preserved in Europe. You’ll love how uncrowded, timeless, and gorgeous this place is.
5. The Algarve
You should also plan on visiting the Algarve in early Autumn when the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds. As said earlier, it’s also a time to enjoy the annual world surfing championship in Peniche.
6. Bairrada Region
Bairrada is a region known for its wine and food. You’ll also love the architectural masterpieces in the area that have been converted into luxury hotels. Consider visiting the Bussaco Palace Hotel located in Serra do Bussaco and Curia Palace Hotel. These gorgeous wonders will offer the best luxurious experiences that Porto has to offer.
7. Porto
Porto is also a great place to visit in the fall. This great season may have begun to have some rain showers by this time, but the temperature and abundance of activities make visiting worthwhile.
You should especially plan to visit to enjoy the Port wine that Porto is famous for. You can do this either by fine dining every evening, or taking a trip to the Port wine cellars on Vila Nova de Gaia riverside. This trip should also give you a spectacular view of downtown Porto.
8. Douro river valley
Douro River Valley is also one of the best places to visit in Portugal in the fall. As a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, the region can be spectacular in autumn. At this time, you’ll soak into the autumn beauty depicted as red and yellow hues covering the rows of terraced vineyards up the hills in the region. There are also a ton of wineries in the area offering wine-themed adventures that you can explore.
9. Serra da Estrela
This is where you’ll find the highest mountains in Portugal and a fascinating national park with gorgeous scenery and stunning rock formations. However, the roads here can be narrow and windy. But you can always stop and enjoy the vires as you travel in the region.
10. Madeira
Madeira is also a fantastic place to visit in early fall. However, from mid-October, the region begins witnessing its highest rain-fall which might diminish your experience there. Nevertheless, there’s so much that Madeira offers which is why it’s a must-add in your fall vacation itinerary.
11. Ericeira
Ericeira is also a great place to visit in fall and even winter. You’ll fall in love with the calm atmosphere and less crowded beaches. The tiny fishing village is also a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Portugal’s welcoming culture. You’ll find kids playing on cobblestones, smell fresh coffee, and help yourself to a ton of pastries all within view of the Atlantic Ocean.
12. Alentejo
Alentejo is also a gorgeous place to visit in the Fall. Described as the heartland of Portugal, the Alentejo region is also known for its olive groves and cork oaks. So, here’s the perfect place to enjoy Portugal’s wildest nature and traditional heritage. There are also many notable Portuguese vineyards in the region as well.
Concluding thoughts
So the answer to your question – Is early fall a good time to visit Portugal? Yes, Early fall shines as a fantastic time to visit Portugal. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather and manageable crowds. You can also have a balance of festivals, and most of Portugal’s side attractions are also still open. Plus, you pay significantly less compared to summer prices. However, if beach lounging and predictable sunshine are your top priorities, consider later summer or early spring.
Ultimately, the “perfect” time depends on your preferences. You should consider the pros and cons of your travel goals to make an informed decision. For the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds, aim for mid-September in the south and early September in the north. Remember, flexibility is key in shoulder seasons, so pack for changeable weather and embrace the unique charm of Portugal in early fall!
