April is described by the Portuguese as "Abril, águas mil" (April, a thousand waters), and these thousand rain showers are what to expect from any trip to Portugal during April.

This rain does not fall evenly across the country, with the north being significantly wetter than the southern Algarve region, where there can be spells of glorious warm spring weather.

This unpredictable weather lends itself to either city breaks (in Lisbon or Porto), where there tend to be many indoor activities for when showers strike, or a holiday to the Algarve, which typically experiences the least rainfall.

 

 

While the Algarve enjoys pleasantly warm days in April, it's worth noting that the true beach season doesn't begin until mid-May. The weather in the Algarve favours sightseeing and activity holidays, whether that's adventure sports, golf, or discovering the history of this beautiful region.

Northern Portugal can be visited in April, though weather conditions tend to be more unpredictable, with a higher chance of rain. The key to a successful holiday in April is to have flexible plans that can be easily adjusted based on the weather.
This guide will provide ideas and suggestions to help you get the most from your holiday to Portugal in April.

April may still be classed as the low season, but there are many good reasons to visit Portugal during this time of year. The main tourist attractions are almost deserted, there are deals to be found on accommodation, and the resort towns have a relaxed atmosphere.

Lisbon and Porto are both fantastic for short breaks and offer plenty of indoor activities should it rain. When the weather is dry, you could take day trips from Lisbon to Sintra, Évora or Setúbal, or from Porto to Guimarães, Braga and the Douro Valley.

If there is going to be persistent rain forecast for central and northern Portugal, consider heading to the Algarve. The southern coastline of Portugal typically enjoys warmer and drier weather than the rest of the country.

For a holiday in April, head to the larger resort towns in the Algarve, such as Lagos, Albufeira, Faro or Vilamoura. The smaller towns (like Alvor, Armação de Pêra and Olhos de Água) will feel very quiet and be nearly deserted.
Related articles: Our Lisbon guide - Guide to the Algarve

Lisbon in April, lively but not crowded

Albufeira in April, sunny and dry but not quite warm enough to spend all day to the beach

Porto in April, possibly grey but almost no tourists

April is an ideal time to explore Portugal through a touring or sightseeing trip. Some recommended itineraries for April include:

1) Lisbon City Break: 3 days based in Lisbon with a day trip to Sintra
2) Porto City Break: 3 days based in Porto with a day trip to Guimarães
3) Algarve Tour: An eight-day coastal exploration starting in Faro (1 night), continuing to traditional Tavira (2 nights), then Albufeira (2 nights), and finishing in historic Lagos (3 nights) where you could take a day trip to Silves.

4) Lisbon and Algarve: A week-long holiday split between Lisbon (3 days) and your choice of Albufeira, Lagos or Tavira (4 days) - perfect for combining city exploration with beach relaxation
5) Lisbon and Surroundings: A week based in Lisbon, with three days exploring the capital and day trips to Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal, and Évora
6) Lisbon to Porto: A nine-day exploration of Portugal's heartland, starting with two days in Lisbon and a day trip to Sintra, followed by three days discovering the central region (Óbidos, Tomar, Nazaré and Coimbra, Aveiro), and concluding with three days in Porto including a day trip to Guimarães.

Below is an interactive map showing our recommended tours and holidays in April. The green line is the tour of the Algarve, the blue pins are the sights of the Lisbon region, and the yellow line is the tour from Lisbon to Porto. (Note: zoom in to see all of the points).

Algarve tour (green) 1) Faro 2) Tavira 3) Albufeira 4) Lagos 5) Silves
Lisbon and Surroundings (blue) 6) Lisbon 7) Sintra 8) Cascais 9) Setubal 10) Evora
Lisbon to Porto (yellow) 6) Lisbon 11) Obidos 12) Nazare 13) Tomar 14) Coimbra 15) Aveiro 16) Porto 17) Guimarães

Insight: Portugal is a relatively small country and has an excellent express train network. From Lisbon, you can reach the Algarve in just 2.5 hours by train, or Porto in 3 hours. This allows you to rapidly change location on the weather changing.

April weather in Portugal is shaped by the interplay of cool northern air masses, warmer southern winds, and the moisture-laden winds blowing in from the Atlantic. This creates highly changeable weather patterns throughout the month.

The Algarve enjoys the most pleasant conditions during April. Visitors can expect daytime temperatures of 19-22°C (66-72°F), with nights cooling to 11-14°C (52-57°F). Rainfall is moderate at 35-45mm, typically occurring over seven days of the month. While sea temperatures warm to 16-17°C (61-63°F), most visitors find this still too cool for swimming.

In Lisbon and central Portugal, April brings classic spring weather with a mix of sunshine and showers. There will be at least nine days with some rainfall, but this is balanced by an average of eight hours of daily sunshine. Temperatures range from daytime highs of 20°C (68°F) and overnight lows of 12°C (54°F).

Northern Portugal, including Porto, sees the most unsettled weather during April. Daytime temperatures reach about 18°C (64°F), falling to 10°C (50°F) at night. With 110mm of monthly rainfall spread across 14 days and six hours of daily sunshine, the north has notably wetter conditions than the rest of the country.

Packing for Portugal in April requires careful consideration due to the varied weather. You'll definitely want to bring a jacket and possibly an umbrella, especially if you're heading to Porto or the north where showers are common.

Though spring is warming up nicely, evenings can still be quite cool throughout the country, so do pack something warm to throw on after sunset.

The key to staying comfortable is bringing clothes you can layer. A few light long-sleeve tops, a couple of jumpers, and some t-shirts will give you plenty of options to adjust to the changing temperatures. Even in the Algarve, where afternoons can be pleasantly warm, you'll appreciate having trousers and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.

Don't forget sun protection - the spring sun can be surprisingly strong even on overcast days, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. A good pair of comfortable walking shoes with decent grip is essential too, as Portugal's charming cobbled streets can become quite slippery in the rain.

While April brings warmer temperatures, it's still a bit early for traditional beach holidays.
The Algarve offers the best beach conditions, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 22°C on sunny days. There will typically be 7-11 days when the weather is good enough to lounge on the beach, but as with April's variability, nothing is guaranteed.

Beaches along the Lisbon coast can be lovely when the sun's out, but there will only be 2-6 days when you would want to go to the beach for a typical beach trip. The beaches around Lisbon are often swept by strong sea breezes, and on these exposed beaches you'll often find yourself reaching for a jacket instead of suncream.

The northern beaches around Porto are generally too cold and wet for beach activities in April.

Porto and Lisbon are both fantastic tourist destinations in April. Lisbon edges ahead for spring travel with its broader range of indoor attractions and noticeably drier weather.

Lisbon truly comes into its own in April, with a vibrant and lively atmosphere but none of the overwhelming summer crowds. The mild, bright spring weather is perfect for exploring the city's diverse neighbourhoods or taking a day trip to Sintra. On the occasional prolonged spell of rain there are many activities and sights.

Porto offers a more traditional, laid-back atmosphere than Lisbon, and despite the higher chance of rain, its charms are equally compelling. The city's famous port wine cellars provide perfect shelter during wet weather, and the Ribeira district, with its narrow streets and traditional shops, is a joy to explore without the summertime tourists.

The 25th of April is one of Portugal's most important national holidays, marking the peaceful 'Carnation Revolution' of 1974 that ended nearly 50 years of dictatorship. The revolution got its name because citizens and soldiers placed red carnations in their gun barrels, and these flowers became a lasting symbol of the peaceful transition to democracy.

Today, you'll find commemorative events across Portugal, especially in Lisbon, where locals celebrate their democracy with street festivals, concerts, and parades.

Portugal's famous April showers are the result of a fascinating mix of seasonal weather patterns. Spring in Portugal marks a transitional period where winter and summer weather patterns vie for dominance, creating an intriguing mix of conditions.

The primary cause is the movement of the jet stream, which takes a more active role over Portugal in spring. This high-altitude air current helps guide rain-bearing Atlantic weather systems toward the country more frequently than in other months.

The temperature contrast between the warming land and the still-cold Atlantic Ocean creates perfect conditions for rain cloud formation. This effect is most pronounced in northern regions, where the Atlantic influence is strongest, but gradually decreases as you move southward toward the Algarve.

Another interesting factor is the weakening of the Azores High pressure system during early spring. While this system typically shields Portugal from Atlantic weather patterns during summer months, its reduced strength in April allows more rainfall to reach the country.

Lisbon shines as a city break destination in April, when moderate tourist numbers create ideal conditions for exploring Portugal's capital. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, making it a perfect time to discover both the city's historic heart and modern districts.

April's improving weather means more reliable conditions for sightseeing. Take the 40-minute train journey to Sintra, where you can explore the whimsical Palácio da Pena and the ancient Castelo dos Mouros without the peak summer queues. The coastal town of Cascais makes another excellent day trip, with its charming old town coming to life as cafes spill onto sun-warmed squares.

If rain appears, Lisbon offers plenty of indoor attractions. The Oceanário - one of Europe's largest aquariums - provides hours of entertainment, while the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos shows off the finest examples of Portuguese architecture. The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian houses a remarkable collection that spans millennia.

For a taste of local life, spend a morning at the covered Time Out Market, where you can sample dishes from some of Lisbon's best restaurants under one roof. As evening approaches, the Bairro Alto district comes alive with its vibrant mix of bars and music venues - much more enjoyable without the summer crowds.

April visitors benefit from accommodation prices up to 30% lower than peak season, and you won't need to book restaurants weeks in advance. Major attractions like the Elevador de Santa Justa and Torre de Belém are pleasantly busy but manageable. The classic yellow Elétrico 28 - which winds through the city's most scenic districts - is more enjoyable in April when queues are reasonable.

On cooler days, duck into a traditional pastelaria for a coffee and pastel de nata, or explore the creative LX Factory, where Lisbon's artistic community has transformed an old industrial complex into a hub of cafes, shops and workspaces.
Lisbon is fantastic in April, and is our recommended destination for spring travel.

Sintra just outside of Lisbon is the setting of the whimsical Palácio Nacional da Pena

The Algarve takes on a different character in April as the region wakes up for the tourist season. While resort towns become livelier, they maintain a peaceful atmosphere before the summer rush. The weather turns more reliable, making it perfect for outdoor exploration and occasional beach days when temperatures rise.

Most resort towns are fully operational by April, preparing for the Easter holidays and spring visitors. We recommend basing yourself in vibrant coastal hubs like Albufeira, Lagos, or Vilamoura, which offer a good balance of activities and atmosphere. These towns provide plenty of dining options and entertainment, with many beachfront restaurants opening their terraces for the season.

There will be very few tourists in the Algarve

To experience authentic Portuguese culture, explore the eastern Algarve. The charming riverside town of Tavira, with its Roman bridge and traditional tiled churches, and Faro's atmospheric old town offer fascinating insights into local life. April brings perfect conditions for wandering these historic streets and discovering hidden squares and cafes.

April is ideal for outdoor activities:
• Trek the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos) between Carvoeiro and Marinha Beach, with wildflowers blooming along the clifftops
• Join dolphin-watching boat tours from Albufeira or Vilamoura as marine life becomes more active
• Visit the historic city of Silves, with its impressive red-stone castle and medieval streets looking particularly photogenic in spring light
• Enjoy golf in perfect temperatures - Vilamoura's courses are in prime condition after winter rains

While accommodation prices begin to rise for Easter, you'll still find good value compared to peak season. Many luxury hotels offer attractive spring rates, making it possible to enjoy five-star facilities for mid-range prices. We strongly recommend hiring a car - it gives you the freedom to explore the region's awakening countryside and find those perfect spring photo opportunities.

Porto's weather in April can be unpredictable, swinging between bright spring days and periods of rain. Unlike Lisbon, Porto has fewer indoor attractions to fall back on during wet weather, but the city still holds plenty of charm in early spring.

The famous Port wine cellars along the Douro riverbank remain a top attraction. With more than 14 different houses offering tours and tastings, you can explore Portugal's fortified wine heritage at a relaxed pace. Each cellar provides a unique experience, from the grand historic Taylor's with its stunning viewpoints to intimate family-run establishments. April's more reliable weather means you can enjoy the terraced gardens of the wine lodges, many offering spectacular views across the river to Porto's old town.

When the sun appears, Porto's steep streets and riverside areas burst with life. The UNESCO World Heritage old town reveals its beauty in spring light, especially around the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the bustling Ribeira district.

Clear days are perfect for visiting the historic city of Guimarães, just an hour away by train. This medieval town, known as the birthplace of Portugal, offers well-preserved architecture and fewer tourists than in summer.

The Douro Valley makes an excellent day trip as the weather improves. The terraced vineyards show their first green shoots, and river cruises begin their seasonal schedules, offering peaceful journeys before the summer crowds arrive. The Valley's quintas (wine estates) open their doors for tastings and tours, with many offering outdoor terraces to enjoy the spring sunshine.

Porto sits on the Douro River and historically boats transported barrels of Port wine to be stored in the huge cellars that line the river