Some things to consider

• Yes, you need a winter coat for the winter. Portugal is a seaside country. Its high levels of humidity mean you will feel really cold. Trust us on this. Portugal has a maritime climate and the cold by the sea can actually feel colder than in the Alps. It’s true. Places removed from the sea have what we call ‘dry cold’, which is a lot more bearable.
• Houses are badly isolated. You may even be compelled to wear your coat indoors if you’re staying with friends or family! Lots of people do that here… Go ahead and say it, it is very odd and we know it. But the reason for that is lack of money for proper heating or proper construction. Truth be said, our winters are far from being snowy and/or deadly. In any case, our advice is to bring warm clothes or stay at a hotel with proper heating.
• Light-colored clothes for summer. Darker clothes will absorb the heat from the big hot sun we get to enjoy so much of here. However, if you come in whites and beiges from head to toe, you will look like a tourist for sure. Portuguese people, regardless of gender, do not go for an all-caqui and all-white wardrobe.
• Dresses, t-shirts and tank tops are your friends. It can get really hot here, up to or just over 40ºC. The interior regions are a lot warmer too, and people don’t even leave the house around noon. Nights can nice and warm too, but there might be enough humidity in the breeze to make it cool and uncomfortable, in which case you might want to wear a cardigan.
• In spring and fall, it’s hot in the sun but chilly in the shade. Everybody feels like they don’t know what to wear this time of year, so go for layers.
• Dresses, but… it can get windy by the sea. The north of Portugal can be very windy too. And if you’re visiting the islands forget about dresses and skirts as they are probably the windiest places in the country. Why not wear some cycling shorts underneath for extra comfort?
• The sea is cold. You wouldn’t forget your swimsuit, would you? Portugal is known for its dreamy beaches, each more beautiful than the next… If you’re in Algarve, the water is deliciously warm! But from the south up, be prepared to face some icy waves even in the peak of summer. But here’s a tip: wait for the sunset. The water will be a lot warmer by 5pm and the sand a lot less scorching.

Shoes

Shoes are easy in Portugal.

• Walking around in sneakers is easy, and boots are also a good choice if it rains.
• Comfortable, high-quality shoes because you’ll probably be walking on cobbled streets in actual medieval castles.
• Also, Portuguese sidewalks are famously made of limestone, and they are hand-made… Visitors find that lovely and quirky, but they get quite slippery or even wobbly (they are often a real struggle for disabled persons and baby strollers) so you might want to leave your high heels at home until you get enough practice. Sorry.

Accessories

Portugal is known for its delightfully golden sun, shinning for most of the year. It’s the California of Europe. Well, yes… but we also get rainy days on a good year.

• Sunglasses. The sunlight is bright, and can even be painful to your eyes throughout the year. It’s important to bring sunglasses, even in winter.
• Umbrella, maybe. Yes, it rains in Portugal unless there is a drought. In winter and spring it may rain continuously. The weather does not change quickly and we don’t get the four seasons in one day, so if it looks like it’s going to rain, it probably will. Come summer, however, and you may not see a drop for months.
• Scarf, if fall/winter. Chances are you will visit the seaside, where it’s windy and cold. Your neck will feel exposed and you’ll catch a cold. Sorry to be a mom, but we warned you. If you’re coming in the winter months, bring a warm coat, gloves and scarf.
• Hat. If you’re coming in the summer, and even spring or fall, you will realize that the sun feels hot. People often avoid walking outside around lunchtime in the summer because it can be kind of dangerous. If you’re sensitive to the heat, bring a hat to protect your head and yourself from sunstroke.
• Suncream. What did you expect?
• Any kind of backpack, really. If you come in looking like a tourist, chances are nobody will mess with you. Portugal is a really safe place and people appreciate tourists. Do be careful in bigger cities like Lisbon, though, and watch out for you wallet.

What to wear in Portugal every month:

January

January can be two things in Portugal. It can be very sunny with blue skies, or sometimes it can be very rainy throughout the whole month, especially up north. Either way, it will probably be cold. Do bring a warm coat and a hat. You won’t freeze to death or need special equipment for the cold.

Quick travel tip: If you have a car, this is the time it will get covered in frost overnight… if it’s parked outside. If you plan to use it in the morning, cover the windows the night before with cardboard or even that shiny silver sunshade cover thing (if you come from a sunny place, you know what that it).

Boots are always an option in January, but don’t expect snow or ice on the roads unless you’re in Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in Continental Portugal, or in the interior regions like Guarda, Bragança…

February

Portugal has been facing droughts and so February has been clear of rain. However, it is usually a rainy month and it is still cold. Winter clothes are the best choice: woolen jumpers, warm socks, a scarf, a hat…

Portuguese people don’t usually walk in the rain or care to wear impermeable clothes, so if you don’t want to look like a tourist stay clear of rain capes and opt for an umbrella instead.

March

March is a very interesting month and probably the best to visit. There aren’t a lot of tourists yet but the weather is usually beautiful. Springtime is a wonderful time in Portugal.

There is a Portuguese saying about March which goes something like “March is winter mornings and summer afternoons”. It will be cold enough for a coat in the morning and at night, but hot enough in the afternoon for a t-shirt. Some people will even go to the beach in March. It can be frustrating at times, but a t-shirt and a good cardigan will probably be enough. There is no need for boots, just good hiking sneakers.

April

Another saying for April goes like this “April, waters thousand”… a bit like “plenty of water”. When Portugal isn’t going through a drought, it can be very rainy. Back to boots and umbrellas for you. If it’s a dry year, you can count on some sunshine and medium temperatures, but colder mornings. A jacket and a blouse are the best options… probably not the time for sandals yet.

May

Spring is almost at an end and the sun is shining in May. This is typical spring weather, with rising temperatures. You might not need a jacket, but the weather can shift quickly. Be ready for wearing a t-shirt everyday, but do pack couple of sweaters just in case.

June

June is a beautiful month and everything feels light and easy. It’s hot enough to wear a t-shirt but June can be tricky in certain years, if clouds decide to blow from the seaside. Perhaps you won’t find a lot of beach goers yet, unless it’s a hot year.

July

Summer is in full swing. It is hot. It is the time for shorts, sandals, dresses and hats. Bring your bathing suit and bikini.

August

August is still hot and sunny. Summer clothes and lots of sun cream are your biggest friends at this point.

September

While some countries in Europe begin to welcome autumn, it is still summer in Portugal. It takes a while to cool down but the days are growing shorter. It’s an amazing month because of it’s delicious late summer light. Going to the beach is definitely an option.

October

Everything changes in October. It might take a while for the temperatures to drop, but a cardigan is a safe bet. You probably don’t need a winter coat yet. A denim jacket or a hoodie will do.

November

Autumn is in full swing. It’s raining more. Umbrellas and winter coats are back. You might get a few hot, sunny days which the Portuguese call “St. Martin’s summer” because of the legend of a guy (St. Martin) who did a good deed, and the sun shone brightly in response. So now it always shines at this time. After these final warm rays of sunshine, stick to warmer clothes and boots.

December

December can be very cold in Portugal and everyone is wearing winter coats. A wool hat and gloves can be a great option at night or in the morning. It’s not always a particularly rainy month, but it can rain anyway. It really depends on the year. Don’t expect snow unless you are in the mountains or the interior/continental part of Portugal. And even then, you’ll be fine without the same heavy winter gear they wear in the Alps.

Bonus tips for not looking like a tourist

The million dollar question everybody asks is, what to wear in Portugal so as not to look like a tourist and blend in more easily?

Even though Portuguese people are really welcoming to tourists and appreciate those who marvel at our country, we do totally understand that question. In order not to draw unwanted attention and mingle more easily, here are some bonus tips from an actual Portuguese person:

• Don’t do all-white or all-caqui. Even in summer, Portuguese people don’t do the jungle-explorer look. We actually wear really dark colors, especially in winter. Black, navy, grey and other darker colors will help you blend in. We’re not very optimistic people.
• Don’t do rain capes, but don’t walk in the rain unprotected. Rain capes give any tourist away anywhere, but Portuguese people don’t usually wear impermeable clothes. A lot of people don’t think of buying an impermeable street coat like you would in England, for instance. But then, walking in the rain often feels a bit silly for us. Bring an umbrella.
• Be bland. It’s gotta be said that the Portuguese don’t like to stand out. People with alternative styles seem to be an exception, even though it’s changing a little in recent years. Our choice of clothes is, to be blunt, boring. You won’t look like a tourist if you go for blue jeans and white sneakers.

Excited about Portugal? Come with Start Adventure on our off-road expeditions around this beautiful, inviting country: Rota das Serras, the wonders of Portuguese mountain ranges.