Portugal in July: Open For All
Whatever your mojo, you will find it during your trip to Portugal in July. The country practically begins to sizzle in the first wave of summer during this month. And as the mercury rises, so does the level of fun. The North Atlantic Ocean starts heating up in July, heralding the season of swimming and watersports, while Alentejo and the Algarve beckon holidaymakers to relax on their sandy beaches.
Art and culture enthusiasts can hop around gorgeous summer festivals that deal with everything from food to folk culture and from music to tall ship races. Hikers pining for peace have the option of heading for the quieter backcountry and wandering in thickly forested Peneda-Gerês, away from crowds and in the embrace of nature. Irrespective of your preferred holiday style, you will be impressed with the options available in Portugal in July.
Portugal Weather in July
July is not just the hottest month of the year but also the driest and the sunniest. Average temperatures in the country shoot up to as high as 28°C during the daytime, while rainfall is scant (no more than 4mm). Torrid heat and glaring sunshine could make sightseeing trips a bit daunting in the inland region, but there are always coastal cities and towns where the weather is much more clement, thanks to cool and bracing sea breezes. Lisbon scores a daily high of 28°C during the daytime and 18°C during the night. But sometimes, the mercury shows no mercy, soaring up to 35°C during the peak summer heatwave.
Porto’s temperatures are a couple of notches cooler than that of Lisbon during this month, with daily highs hovering at around 25°C and lows at 16°C, with a few instances of rainfall during the month. Algarve clocks a daily average of 27°C, with the hottest time of day easily touching 33°C. After 13 hours of sunshine, evenings usher in some relief with temperatures dipping to 19°C.
To know how Portugal fares the rest of the year, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Portugal.
Weather in Portugal in July - 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 | 60.8 | 66.2 | 68 | 71.6 | 78.8 | 82.4 | 82.4 | 80.6 | 73.4 | 64.4 | 59 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 46.4 | 48.2 | 51.8 | 53.6 | 57.2 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 64.4 | 59 | 53.6 | 48.2 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 100 | 85 | 53 | 68 | 54 | 16 | 4 | 6 | 33 | 101 | 128 | 127 |
Why Visit Portugal in July
With Europe breaking for its annual vacation in July, Portugal's beaches, streets, and sightseeing spots are inundated with tourists. Rates skyrocket as the summer high season kicks off and outdoor activities become more taxing as the heat intensifies. But then why visit Portugal in July? Well, take a look at the points below for more details.
- Visit anywhere: The whole of Portugal is practically open in July. And the high tourist season of summer means transport, accommodation, and activities are at their best. Book your accommodation and services a little ahead to confirm your reservation.
- Summer celebrations: July is when the annual festivals of Portugal reach their crescendo. Fill up your balmy evenings in Lisbon with a free orchestra or a ballet show at Festival ao Largo in Teatro Nacional São Carlos. If you are in Porto, you might want to attend Festival Internacional de Folclore. This colorful event showcases the country's diverse culture, folk music, dances, and traditional costumes.
- Beach time: When it comes to Portugal in July, you have a choice of 350+ Blue Flag beaches (according to 2019) to swim, dive, play, or just lounge around. Take a trip to the Algarve and enjoy its gorgeous and awe-inspiring beaches. But if you feel they are overcrowded, check out quieter but equally scenic options while visiting Alentejo, like Praia do Malhão or Praia da Costa de Santo André. Head for Praia da Baleia in Ericeira if you like surfing. For watersports, you might want to visit Praia do Ancão in Faro.
- Lively nightlife: Lisbon is famous for its wild party scenes. After a sweltering day under the sun, unwind at one of the city’s rooftop bars or legendary clubs on Pink Street. Dance the night away at a disco or mosh with some rock music, attend a reggae concert and watch pole dancing by Monica at Viking.
- Music festivals: Portugal in July is a mecca for music lovers as three of the country’s best and biggest music festivals take place this month. NOS Alive, which takes place in Lisbon’s Oeiras, has been headlined by artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Rock and metal fans should definitely check out Super Bock Super Rock in Meco Beach in Sesimbra. Similarly, MEO Marés Vivas, held near Porto, dabbles in multiple musical genres making it a fun space for music lovers of all kinds.
Where to go and what to do
A curious mix of history and natural landscapes, scenic beaches, and thrilling activities, Portugal is a paradise for a stylish summer vacation in July. Foodies will have a toothsome experience as July is the sardine season in the country. From the capital city to small towns, you can taste some delicious and juicy grilled sardines during this time of year. Call for a glass of chilled and crisp white wine and hog a seat on a sunny patio to enjoy a traditional sardine spread at this time of year.
Portugal might be a bit pricey in July. However, compared to other exotic summer destinations, it is on the cheaper end. Check out our travel guides on how many days to spend in Portugal if you are looking for ideas for your Portuguese tour. 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. Beat the swelling crowd and scorching temperatures in Portugal in July with the help of our local travel experts, who will help you design a custom trip to Portugal based on your requirements.
So, start planning your trip to Portugal in July right away!
