| Climate |
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Mainland Portugal
The climate in Portugal varies considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the relief, latitude and proximity to the sea, which offers mild winters, especially in the Algarve.
In the Porto e Norte area and Beiras region, particularly inland, nearer Spain, the winters are colder, although the temperatures are still mild when compared to the rest of Europe. There is some snowfall. It occurs most in the Serra da Estrela mountains, where we find the highest point in mainland Portugal (1,991 m) and where it is sometimes possible to ski.
The summers are hot and dry, especially in the inland areas (Trás-os-Montes in north-eastern Portugal and Alentejo). Temperatures are slightly lower in the coastal areas, because of the influence of the sea.
There are often warm, sunny days in autumn. Nice weather at the beginning of November is often called "St. Martin’s Summer" as this saint’s day is on 11 November.
Azores
The climate in the Azores is influenced by the islands’ latitude and by the Gulf Stream, and temperatures are mild there all year round. The same factors also influence the sea temperature, which is very pleasant both in winter and summer and ideal for nautical sports all year round.
Madeira
The subtropical characteristics of the weather in the Madeira Archipelago can be explained by its geographical position and mountainous relief. The climate in Madeira is exceptionally mild, with average temperatures varying between 24 ºC in summer and 19 ºC in winter.
The sea temperature is also very pleasant all year round, thanks to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. It varies between 18 ºC in winter and 22 ºC in summer.
Table of Temperatures
(average temperatures - 1961/90 - in ºC and ºF)
|
Place |
Jan./March |
April/June |
July/Sept. |
Oct./Dec. |
|
|
|
Air |
Sea |
Air |
Sea |
Air |
Sea |
Air |
Sea |
|
Porto |
ºC |
10,3 |
12,9 * |
15,4 |
14,4 * |
19,6 |
15,9 * |
12,8 |
15,0 * |
|
(Porto e Norte) |
ºF |
50,5 |
55,2 * |
59,7 |
57,9 * |
67,3 |
60.6 * |
55,0 |
59,0 * |
|
Coimbra |
ºC |
11,2 |
13,3 ** |
16,7 |
15,0 ** |
21,5 |
16,8 ** |
13,6 |
15,3 ** |
|
(Beiras) |
ºF |
52,1 |
55,9 ** |
62,0 |
59,0 ** |
70,7 |
62,2 ** |
56,5 |
59,5 ** |
|
Guarda |
ºC |
5,0 |
- |
11,7 |
- |
18,2 |
- |
7,7 |
- |
|
(Beiras) |
ºF |
41,0 |
- |
53,1 |
- |
64,8 |
- |
45,9 |
- |
|
Monte Estoril |
ºC |
17,1 |
14,9 |
21,8 |
17,5 |
26,3 |
19,5 |
17,2 |
16,1 |
|
(Lisboa) |
ºF |
62,8 |
58,8 |
71,2 |
63,5 |
79,3 |
67,1 |
53,0 |
60,0 |
|
Évora |
ºC |
10,5 |
14,3 *** |
16,6 |
15,1 *** |
28,4 |
16,9 *** |
13,3 |
16,0 *** |
|
(Alentejo) |
ºF |
50,9 |
57,7 *** |
61,9 |
59,2 *** |
83,1 |
62,4 *** |
55,9 |
60,8 *** |
|
Vilamoura |
ºC |
17,0 |
15,9 |
22,4 |
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