Portugal Weather Guide: When to Visit the Silver Coast
The Silver Coast (between Lisbon and Nazaré) has a Mediterranean-Atlantic climate: warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan your trip.
Spring (March–May)
Air: 15–22°C. Water: 14–18°C. Rain: decreasing, mostly in March–April.
Spring is beautiful: wildflowers along the cliffs, green countryside, and increasing sunshine. April can still be showery, but May is often spectacular — warm days, uncrowded beaches, and the wind starts picking up for kitesurfing. A 4/3 wetsuit is needed for water sports.
Summer (June–August)
Air: 22–30°C. Water: 18–23°C. Rain: almost none.
Classic Mediterranean summer. Long sunny days, warm evenings, and the Nortada wind system blowing consistently from the northwest. This is peak season for surfing, kitesurfing, and beach life. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. June offers nearly identical conditions with fewer people.
Autumn (September–November)
Air: 16–25°C. Water: 17–22°C. Rain: increasing from October.
September is arguably the best month to visit: still warm, wind still blowing, summer crowds gone, prices dropping. October is hit-or-miss — some beautiful weeks, some rainy ones. November marks the start of the wet season, but also the beginning of big-wave season at Nazaré.
Winter (December–February)
Air: 10–16°C. Water: 13–15°C. Rain: frequent, but rarely all day.
Winters are mild by European standards — snow is virtually unheard of on the coast. Rainy days are common, but so are crisp, sunny ones. This is the season for giant waves at Nazaré, wave-riding kite sessions at Baleal with south wind, and exploring medieval towns without crowds. A 5/4 or 4/3 wetsuit is essential for water sports.
The Sweet Spot
For the best overall experience, visit in June or September. Both offer warm weather, active wind for kite and surf, warm-enough water, and significantly fewer tourists than July–August. If you’re specifically coming to learn kitesurfing at Óbidos Lagoon with We Are Salty People, these months offer the best balance of conditions and availability.
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