Portugal in May: Weather, Festivals and Where to Go

May might be the perfect month to visit Portugal: warm, sunny days, long evenings, purple jacarandas in Lisbon, green countryside and the beaches still quiet. Here’s what to expect in May.

Quick answer: expect highs of about 23–24°C in Lisbon and the Algarve, mostly dry and sunny. Highlights: the Fátima pilgrimage (12–13 May), Madeira’s Flower Festival, Queima das Fitas in Coimbra, and the Lisbon Book Fair from late May. The sea is about 17°C, refreshing for brave swimmers.

Weather

• Lisbon: highs around 23–24°C.
• Porto: around 20°C.
• The Algarve: around 24°C and sunny.
• Madeira: around 22°C.

What’s on

• Fátima pilgrimage (12–13 May). See Fátima.
• Madeira Flower Festival with flower carpets and parades. See Funchal.
• Queima das Fitas, Coimbra’s student festival (mid to late May). See Coimbra.
• Lisbon Book Fair in Parque Eduardo VII (from 26 May in 2027).
• Jacarandas start flowering in Lisbon at the end of the month.

Where to go

• Everywhere: May is ideal for a full road trip. See the Portugal road trip.
• The Algarve: warm beaches without the crowds. See the 7-day Algarve itinerary.
• The Azores: hydrangeas start to bloom. See Azores island hopping.

Tips

• Book Fátima accommodation early for 12–13 May.
• Sun protection: the sun gets strong.
• Prices start rising towards June, so book ahead.

More: April, June and Portugal in spring.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.