May is one of the best months to visit Portugal. This is the month that the country transitions from the unpredictable wet spring weather into the glorious warmth of summer.

May marks the first beach-worthy month of the year, and is when residents of Lisbon and Porto begin heading to the coast at the weekends. The Algarve's southern coast boasts even warmer conditions, offering at least 20 beach-perfect days in May.

Beyond the beaches, all popular attractions and activities are fully open and are blessedly free from the crowds of summertime tourists. May is the month for sightseeing and discovering Portugal, whether you're planning a week in Lisbon or Porto, or considering a touring holiday through one of the magnificent regions of the country.

 

 

One of May's greatest advantages is the absence of peak-season crowds at major attractions. You can visit the stunning Pena Palace free from the common long queues, wander the ancient streets of Alfama without dodging cruise ship tourists, or spontaneously dine at Lagos' popular restaurants without advance bookings.

The other benefit of visiting Portugal in May is that it is significantly cheaper than the summer. Flights will be sensibly priced and there can be deals found on accommodation, especially for high-end hotel complexes.
If you have come to this article wanting to know if visiting Portugal is a good idea in May, then the simple answer is a resounding yes.

The Algarve will be calm and authentically Portuguese in May

The glorious late spring weather means that the whole of Portugal is open and geared up to tourism - traditionally most places open from Easter. Deciding on where to go, greatly depends on the style and length of your holiday.

For a short break such as a weekend getaway, consider either Lisbon or Porto – both are fantastic in their own unique ways. Lisbon is larger, more vibrant boasting wild nightlife and excellent beaches. Porto, on the other hand, is more traditional, calmer and has a much more Portuguese feel than multi-cultural Lisbon.

For a week-long beach holiday, consider one of the larger towns of the Algarve such as Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura or Praia da Rocha. While smaller coastal towns are fully open, they haven a quieter ambiance that might not suit everyone. If you do want this calmer atmosphere then you should consider charming Alvor or picturesque Tavira, in the eastern Algarve. In May all of the main tourist attractions will be fully open, including the excellent marine park of Zoomarine and the thrilling water park of Slide and Splash.

Note: If you are wanting a nightlife/party holiday, then Lisbon's Bairro Alto district offers a better choice than the Algarve during May.

May is a wonderful month for a touring holiday or a multi destination trip (such as combining both Lisbon and the Algarve). There are many fantastic touring options for May, and a selection of our favourites are detailed later in this guide.

May's bright and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is a fantastic month to learn/improve your surfing skills at Ericeira, for a golfing holiday at Vilamoura or Óbidos, or a cycling holiday along the Estrada Nacional 2 (the road that extends the length of Portugal). For hikers, May offers excellent conditions for tackling renowned trails like the Rota Vicentina (A 450km coastal trail along Portugal's southwestern coast) or the Camino Português (a 250km route Porto to Santiago de Compostela in Spain).

The sun warming Porto in May

Lisbon in May, lively but not crowded

The sheltered beaches in the Algarve will be suitable for sunbathing

May weather in Portugal marks a clear transition toward summer conditions, with more stable weather patterns and increasing temperatures across the country.

The Algarve leads the way into early summer warmth. Visitors can expect comfortable daytime temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F), with nights ranging from 14-17°C (57-63°F). Rainfall decreases significantly to around 20-30mm, typically occurring over just 4-5 days of the month. Sea temperatures rise to 18-19°C (64-66°F), though many visitors still find this relatively cool for swimming.

In Lisbon and central Portugal, May brings reliable sunny weather with fewer showers as the month progresses. There are typically only 5-6 days with any rainfall, complemented by an average of 10 hours of daily sunshine. Temperatures climb to daytime highs of 22-24°C (72-75°F) and overnight lows of 14-16°C (57-61°F).

Northern Portugal, including Porto, offers pleasant spring conditions perfect for exploring the region's historic sites and wine country. Expect comfortable daytime temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) and mild nights of 12-14°C (54-57°F). With 8-9 hours of daily sunshine and occasional showers.

May offers ideal conditions for exploring Portugal, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. These suggested itineraries cover the country's highlights from south to north, ranging from 6 to 12 days. Each route can be customised to your preferences, and you can choose to spend more time in locations that interest you most. The itineraries below are designed to allow enough time to explore each destination while maintaining a comfortable pace.

Tour of the Algarve (7 to 9 days)
Day 1: Faro
Day 2: Tavira
Day 3: Day trip to Vila Real de Santo António from Tavira
Day 4: Albufeira and beach day
Day 5: Day trip to Loulé from Albufeira
Day 6: Day trip to Vilamoura from Albufeira
Day 7: Lagos
Day 8: Day trip to Silves from Lagos
Day 9: Day trip to Sagres from Lagos

Lisbon Region (7 days)
Day 1-2: Lisbon's historic districts (Alfama, Baixa, Belém)
Day 3: Day trip to Sintra (Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Moorish Castle)
Day 4: Day trip to Cascais or beach day
Day 5: Day trip to Setúbal
Day 6: Day trip to Évora
Day 7: Day trip to Óbidos and Nazaré

Lisbon to Porto Tour (9 to 12 days)
Day 1-2: Lisbon
Day 3: Sintra (Day trip from Lisbon)
Day 4: Óbidos and Nazaré
Day 5: Tomar
Day 6-7: Coimbra
Day 8: Aveiro and Costa Nova
Day 9-10: Porto
Day 11: Guimarães
Day 12: Braga or Douro Valley

Northern Portugal: Based in Porto (6 days)
Day 1-2: Porto
Day 3: Guimarães
Day 4: Braga
Day 5: Douro Valley and Pinhão
Day 6: Aveiro

Another good option is to split a holiday between two destinations such as Lisbon or Porto and the Algarve (Albufeira Lagos or Tavira). This always you to experience vibrant city life for 3-4 days, followed by laid-back beach days along the Algarve's beautiful coastline.

The interactive map below shows the four suggested tour routes. The red line and markers display the Algarve route, the blue shows the Lisbon trip, the orange line indicates the Lisbon to Porto tour, and the green markers show the Porto tour. Note: zoom in or out to see all the points.

Algarve tour (red): 1) Faro 2) Tavira 3) Albufeira 4) Loulé 5) Lagos 6) Silves
Lisbon holiday (blue): 7) Lisbon 8) Sintra 9) Cascais 10) Setúbal 11) Óbidos
Lisbon to Porto (orange): 7) Lisbon 8) Sintra 11) Óbidos 12) Nazaré 13) Tomar 14) Coimbra 15) Aveiro
Porto holiday (green): 16) Porto 17) Guimarães 18) Braga 19) Pinhão/Douro Valley 15) Aveiro

Insight: Portugal is a relatively small country and has an excellent express train network. It is just 2.5 hours from Lisbon to the Algarve, or 3 hours from Lisbon to Porto. This allows you to easily combine different areas of the country without the need of a car.

The Ribeira river front in Porto

Even though May has generally good weather there still can be a chance of rain and nights can be chilly. This variability needs to be reflected in your packing. Light clothing is essential as daytime temperatures climb, but you'll still want a light jacket or sweater for evenings, especially in coastal areas or the northern regions where it can get cooler. Pack a mix of shorts, t-shirts, and light trousers, along with one warmer layer.

Sun protection becomes increasingly important in May - don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the Portuguese sun can be quite strong. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Portugal's historic cobblestone streets and hilly cities.

If you're heading to the Algarve, you might want to pack swimwear as May can be warm enough for beach days, though the ocean is still quite cool. For Porto and the north, it's worth bringing a light rain jacket as occasional showers are still possible.

May is an excellent time to visit either Lisbon or Porto. The weather is pleasant without the intense summer heat, and tourist crowds haven't yet reached their peak. Lisbon and Porto are both equally good in May, but each offers a distinctly different experience.

Lisbon pulses with energy, offering bustling markets, vibrant nightlife, and a creative spirit. As Portugal's most diverse city, you'll find a melting pot of cultures, international restaurants, and modern urban life blending seamlessly with traditional Portuguese charm. The city has an extensive list of attractions and activities, from historic monuments to contemporary art scenes. Its nearby beaches, especially around Cascais and the Costa da Caparica, provide excellent opportunities for coastal excursions.

Porto offers a more traditional Portuguese experience in a more intimate setting. The city moves at a gentler pace, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed cultural immersion. While smaller than Lisbon, Porto compensates with its authenticity and serves as the gateway to the stunning Douro Valley. May is perfect for leisurely river cruises, wine tasting at historic port lodges, or strolling along the riverside Foz district.

In summary, choose Lisbon if you're after a more dynamic urban experience with plenty of activities and better beach access. Or head tor Porto if you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere and lots of port wine tasting!

The number 28 tram as it passes through the Portas do Sol

May is an ideal time to explore the Algarve before the summer crowds arrive, with warm days perfect for both sightseeing and beach time. Here's a guide to the region's key destinations:

Lagos - Strikes a perfect balance between historical charm and beach life. Lagos is a favourite for its mix of culture and natural beauty. Explore the stunning cliffs and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade, relax on Praia Dona Ana, or enjoy the buzzing yet laid-back atmosphere of the town’s cafés and restaurants.

Albufeira – One of the Algarve’s most popular destinations, Albufeira is known for its lively nightlife, stunning beaches, and family-friendly resorts. The old town has a traditional Portuguese charm, while "The Strip" is packed with bars and clubs for those seeking entertainment after dark.

Vilamoura – A luxurious resort town centred around a glamorous marina, Vilamoura is the Algarve’s go-to destination for golf, upscale hotels, and fine dining. With five championship golf courses and a sleek, modern vibe, it’s perfect for those seeking a more refined holiday experience.

Praia da Rocha – This lively resort town sits above one of the largest beaches of the Algarve and is close to the city of Portimão. Though calm in May it will offer some of the best value accommodation and it’s central location makes it great for exploring the Algarve.

Tavira – A picturesque and historic town, Tavira sits along the Gilão River and exudes an authentic, traditional charm. With its Roman bridge, whitewashed houses, and beautiful nearby beaches on Tavira Island, it’s ideal for a more relaxed and cultural Algarve experience.

Alvor – A charming fishing village with a relaxed atmosphere, Alvor is known for its beautiful lagoon, long sandy beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants. It’s a great alternative to the busier resort towns, offering a blend of tradition and beachside relaxation.

Faro - Often overlooked by tourists heading straight to resorts, deserves attention for its well-preserved medieval old town and the fascinating Chapel of Bones. It's also the gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where boat tours allow you discover the calm water waterways and deserted beaches.

Sagres – The rugged westernmost tip of the Algarve, Sagres is a paradise for surfers and nature lovers. With dramatic cliffs, powerful Atlantic waves, and a laid-back vibe, it’s a great choice for those who love outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenery.