Portugal in Spring: Weather, Festivals and Where to Go

Spring might be the best time to visit Portugal: green hills, wildflowers, warm sunny days without the summer crowds, and lower prices. From Easter processions to Madeira’s flower festival, here’s what to expect in Portugal from March to May.

Quick answer: expect highs of about 18°C in March to 24°C in May in Lisbon, a little warmer in the Algarve, with occasional rain early in the season. It’s perfect for city breaks, hiking (wildflowers on the Rota Vicentina) and road trips. The sea is still cool (about 15–17°C). Highlights: Easter in Braga, Madeira’s Flower Festival and Fátima on 12–13 May.

The weather

• March: mild (around 18°C in Lisbon), with some showers. Almond blossom is over, but the countryside is green.
• April: warmer and brighter, with wildflowers everywhere. Some rain is still possible.
• May: sunny and warm (around 24°C), one of the best months of the year.
• The sea is still cool, around 15–17°C. Fine for brave swimmers.

Spring festivals and events

• Easter (Semana Santa): Braga holds Portugal’s most impressive Holy Week processions (Easter is 28 March in 2027). See Braga and Guimarães.
• Madeira Flower Festival: carpets of flowers and a flower parade in Funchal in late April and May. See Funchal.
• Fátima pilgrimage: 12–13 May, with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. See Fátima.
• Queima das Fitas (Coimbra): the students’ end-of-year festival, in mid to late May.
• Lisbon Book Fair: late May to mid-June in Parque Eduardo VII, free (26 May–13 June in 2027).

Best things to do in spring

• Hike the Rota Vicentina: wildflowers and mild temperatures. See Costa Vicentina.
• Madeira’s levadas are at their greenest. See Madeira levada walks.
• The Douro Valley turns green with new leaves. See the Douro.
• Road trips through the Alentejo before the summer heat. See our Portugal road trip.
• The Azores: hydrangeas start to bloom in late spring. See Azores island hopping.

Tips

• Pack layers and a light rain jacket.
• Easter week is busy with Portuguese and Spanish holidaymakers, so book early.
• Prices are lower than summer, especially in March and April.

More seasons: summer, autumn and winter, or see the best time to visit Portugal.

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 Spotted something out of date?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