Portugal in April: Spring's Delight
April is when colors compete everywhere as the blooming season begins in Portugal; the countryside bursts with greenery and wildflowers dot the landscape. Cities like Porto dazzle with their multicolored buildings under the spring sun during this time of year. If you overlook the scattered remnants of winter rains, a trip to Portugal in April is bound to be a worthwhile experience, not just because of its warmer climate but also because of the chance to partake in Holy Week festivities.
- gary Holzman
- From Australia
Portugal Weather in April
Spring brings plenty of sunshine interspersed with a few days of rain after a grey and droopy winter. The capital city of Lisbon sees an average temperature of 15°C during this time of year, with highs that can spike up to 20°C and lows that go down to 12°C at night.
As Easter approaches, the weather gets warmer. Porto, situated in the north, is still a tad bit cooler, with days averaging at 18°C and nights dipping down to 9°C. With around nine days of rainfall, Porto is also wetter than Lisbon or the Algarve in April. The Algarve is pretty pleasant with days averaging 16 to 20°C, while temperatures on islands like the Azores could reach an average high of 17°C.
For an in-depth seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Portugal.
Weather in Portugal in April - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 15 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 15 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 9 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 59 | 61 | 67 | 68 | 72 | 79 | 83 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 65 | 59 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 49 | 52 | 54 | 58 | 63 | 65 | 67 | 65 | 59 | 54 | 49 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 100 | 85 | 53 | 68 | 54 | 16 | 4 | 6 | 33 | 101 | 128 | 127 |
| Mar | Apr | May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 20 | 22 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 67 | 68 | 72 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 52 | 54 | 58 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 53 | 68 | 54 |
Why Visit Portugal in April
Besides its captivating scenery and scores of local festivals adding zest and zing to the country, there are many reasons to discover Portugal in April. You will find a few of them below.
- Better rates: April in Portugal is super affordable and a great time for budget travelers. They can easily save anywhere from 30 to 40 percent on peak summer rates on accommodation, airfare, and car rental rates.
- Lesser crowds: Barring the Easter break when Portuguese families holiday with their kids in tow, April is a reasonably tourist-free month. You can easily avoid long queues at attractions and eat in peace at trendy restaurants and bars.
- Longer days: Up to 12 hours of daylight and the sun setting at around 8:00 pm means that you have ample time to pack more activities in your itinerary. Though the seawater is cold and unfit for swimming, you can easily lounge on the beach without worrying as the sun practically shines for eight hours a day.
- Festivals: Join in the rituals, parades, and processions that take place all over the country to celebrate Holy Week which culminates in the sacred festival of Easter. To experience the best, travel to Braga, Portugal's spiritual epicenter.
- Outdoor activities: With modest temperature and less rainfall, April is perfect for outdoor explorations. Forests and national parks erupt with greenery during this time of year and exploring them now is particularly rewarding. Visit Unesco heritage sites like Sintra and hike without having to worry about rainfall or the harsh sun.
Where to go and what to do
Set the color wheel into motion in the country's south by visiting the Algarve or exploring Alentejo, both of which are covered with colorful displays of wildflowers like rock roses, green lavenders, wild orchids, and tree heaths during this month. For foodies, there is a lot to gorge on in Portugal in April. After tucking in some cabrito or roasted lamb on an Easter-day lunch, sample some delicious chocolate at the Chocolate Festival while on a tour of Obidos. Seafood lovers can head to Peixe em Lisboa, an eleven-day-long festival in Lisbon that celebrates traditional dishes made with fish.
Although the Algarve is yet to wake up after its winter hiatus, its sunny shores beckon travelers for coastal hiking, biking, beachcombing, and long, leisurely walks. With fewer people around, now is a great time to visit the monasteries of Central Portugal like Tomar and Alcobaca. Explore Porto or discover Lisbon on foot, especially when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer people around.
What to Bring
Although days are warmer across much of the country, do pack light, warm clothes for the evening and keep rainwear ready for an unpredictable wet spell.
Given the unpredictability of the weather in Portugal in April, the key to planning the ultimate spring getaway is to keep your plans flexible and an umbrella handy. Otherwise, Portugal in April is a mesmerizing month with warm, sunny days, pleasantly cool nights, and tons of fun activities to partake in. It is the best month to experience local festivities and visit natural sites to create a memorable holiday.
Take a peek at our travel guides if you want tips on how many days to spend in Portugal. A 10-day trip would of the ideal length to explore all the highlights that you should not miss out on. If you are strapped for time, a 7-day trip would give you a good glimpse of the country, though not as extensive. Looking for something exclusive? Get in touch with our local travel experts for a customized trip to Portugal.
Wait for no further and start planning your tour of Portugal in April!
