Portugal in Septemberis a bit of a sweet spot. The weather’s still solid, the crowds are thinning out, and prices start to shift in your favour. You won’t get the buzz of high summer, but you won’t get the queues either.
Think of it as Portugal on a slower setting. Beaches are still very much “open for business,” cities are easier to navigate, and countryside spots like the Douro or the Alentejo start showing signs of harvest. It’s a good month to visit if you like sunshine without the sweat, and sightseeing without the photobombs.
So if you’re weighing up when to go, and you’ve got some flexibility, September might just be your month. Below, we’ve broken down the Portugal climate in September, travel tips, and the best places to go in Portugal in September — so you can decide if it’s worth swapping that pumpkin spice latte for a pastel de nata.
Average Temperatures in Portugal During August
Wondering how hot is it in Portugal in September ? Here’s the gist: comfortably warm, often a pleasant surprise after the scorcher of September .
- Lisbon & the Algarve (Coastal South): Daytime highs range from 24–28 °C, with evenings easing into a balmy 18–20 °C. It’s beach-friendly by day, and light-jacket appropriate by night.
- Porto & Braga (Northern cities): Expect daytime temps of 22–25 °C, dipping to around 16–18 °C after sunset. Refreshing, but definitely still t-shirt weather.
- Douro & Alentejo (Inland hotspots): These regions can hit 28–32 °C during the day, thanks to their continental climate. Evenings drop to 19–21 °C, which makes al fresco dinners a pleasure.
- Madeira & the Azores (Islands): Stay steady at 22–26 °C by day and 17–20 °C at night. It’s a gentle, mild warmth which is ideal for hiking, garden strolls or lounging with a book.
Across the board, September keeps things reliably warm without tipping into “too hot to move” territory. It’s the kind of climate that makes you want to get out and explore.
Weather Conditions Across Different Regions
Now that you’ve got the numbers, here’s how the weather actually feels.
Sunshine:
There’s still plenty of it. Portugal averages 8–10 hours of sun per day in September, especially in the south. It’s strong enough for a tan, but not so intense that you’ll feel scorched by noon.
Rain:
September is when the first hints of autumn creep in, but gently.
- Lisbon and the Algarve often stay dry until the final week of the month.
- Porto and the north may catch an occasional shower or two, especially toward mid-September .
- The Azores, being in the Atlantic, always have a touch more humidity and a higher chance of passing rain. That said, showers tend to be brief and localised.
Humidity & Wind:
The air begins to feel lighter than in September. Humidity drops, especially inland and in the Algarve. Coastal breezes return, making beaches more comfortable and city exploring more pleasant.
Sea temperatures:
The Atlantic is at its warmest (between 20–22 °C in most coastal areas) thanks to summer’s accumulated heat. Perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just a good old-fashioned toe-dip.
Popular Holiday Activities in September
This is when things start to shift from summer “coast and cocktails” to a slightly slower, more cultural pace. You can still lie on the beach, sure. But it’s also the perfect time to see a bit more of the country.
Consider taking the train between Porto and Lisbon: it’s not the fastest way to travel, but the scenery is worth slowing down for, and it saves the hassle of airports.
Inland destinations like Évora, Monsaraz, or Castelo Branco offer fewer crowds and a deeper sense of Portugal’s history and atmosphere.
It’s also a good month for festivals. Towns like Viana do Castelo and Braga often host late-summer celebrations, and Lisbon’s Queer Festival typically lights up the capital with film and culture.
And of course, there’s the food. September is prime time to seek out smaller, local seafood restaurants (the kind that don’t have laminated multilingual menus) and order something completely unfamiliar. Chances are, it’ll be the best thing you eat all trip.
Best Places to Visit in Portugal in September
If you’re here for the best places to go in Portugal in September , the honest answer is: most of them. This is a month where you can pick almost any region and not be disappointed. But if you want to narrow it down, here it is:
Lisbon
Still lively, but less manic than midsummer. Great for rooftop bars, late sunsets, and evenings that start with vinho verde and end with live fado in Alfama. Check out our Lisbon guide here.
The Algarve
Beach season isn’t over, just a bit more laid-back. Good time for coastal walks at any time of the day. Surfers head towards Sagres or Ericeira, families stretch out along the quieter coves, and the water’s warm enough for a proper splash about. Explore the Algarve with this guide.
Douro Valley
Harvest season begins. Vineyards come alive. Book a wine tasting or a river cruise and pretend you’re the sort of person who regularly says “notes of blackberry” with a straight face. It’s calm, it’s green, and it smells like grapes.
Porto
Slightly cooler than Lisbon but still very walkable. Quieter corners of Ribeira and the port cellars across the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia are lovely this time of year. Feels more local, less tourist-heavy.
Madeira & the Azores
Still warm, still green, still excellent if you like mountains, gardens, or getting away from the city. Both of these islands are lush paradises that feel like wandering through a scene in Jurassic Park.
Tips for Travelling in September
- Accommodation: Prices drop slightly after September , especially if you’re booking last minute. Still busy in top spots, but you’ll get better value.
- Packing: You’ll need layers. Daytime is shorts and t-shirt weather, but evenings in the north might want a light jumper or jacket.
- Driving: Roads are quieter. Good month for road trips, especially through the Alentejo or Serra da Estrela.
- Swimming: Sea temperatures are warmest now, thanks to the summer heat lag. No need for a wetsuit (unless you’re surfing, and even then, probably just a shortie).
Visit Portugal this September!
If you’re chasing peace without boredom, sun without the scorch, and cultural life without the crowds, Portugal in September is quietly brilliant. It’s not as showy as summer, or as cosy as December, but it balances all the good bits: weather, value, space, and atmosphere.
Allure Villas offers handpicked properties across Portugal, perfect for late-summer getaways. Whether you’re after a city apartment in Lisbon, a beach house in the Algarve, or a countryside retreat in Alentejo, you’ll find something with style, comfort, and a proper sense of place.