Portugal in August

May and September are Portugal's sweet spots. The weather is warm but not scorching, beaches aren't packed, and restaurant terraces stay open late without the summer crowds fighting for tables. Summer (June-August) means perfect beach weather but also means sharing the Algarve with half of Northern Europe. Hotel prices double, and good restaurants get booked solid. But if you're here for the beaches and don't mind the crowds, the Atlantic stays refreshingly cool even when temperatures hit 35°C. April and October offer great value and pleasant weather, though you might catch some rain. This is prime time for hiking the Rota Vicentina coastal trail or exploring the Douro Valley when the vineyards turn golden. Winter isn't beach season, but Lisbon and Porto stay mild (10-15°C), and you'll have museums and restaurants largely to yourself. Plus, hotel rates drop by 40-50%. Just pack layers – Portuguese buildings aren't built for heating, and that Atlantic breeze cuts right through you. Avoid Easter week unless you enjoy religious processions and closed restaurants. The whole country basically shuts down for a long weekend.