September is one of the best months to visit Portugal. The weather is glorious and all tourist activities are open, but it is past the hectic peak season of July and August.

With school holidays over and fewer package tourists around, the whole of Portugal takes on a more relaxed atmosphere. This makes September the ideal time to visit if you're travelling as a couple or seeking a calmer holiday experience.

The less intense weather of September means it is a fantastic time to explore the country. There is also the added benefit of shorter queues in popular tourist destinations such as Sintra, Lisbon, and Porto.

As September follows directly after the peak summer season, everything is fully open (with resort towns tending to close down at the end of October). Along the Algarve and Atlantic coastlines, the weather is still pleasantly warm, perfect for enjoying lazy days on the beach.

 

 

Surprisingly, September is one of the Algarve's busiest months, particularly popular with older tourists seeking a more relaxed atmosphere once schools reopen. For those craving more excitement, Lisbon's vibrant nightlife continues to buzz throughout September.

It is a common misconception that September offers lower prices. However, you will discover that hotels and flights are less likely to be fully booked, offering you a wider range of choices and greater flexibility for your travel plans.

This article will provide a guide to September in Portugal and help you get the most from your holiday.

The beautiful Algarve region will be much less crowded in September than in the peak summer months

September is an ideal time to explore Portugal. Here are some of our recommended tour routes and holiday suggestions for your September visit:
1) A city break based in Porto, with day trips to Guimarães, Braga, and the Douro Valley
2) A beach holiday to the Algarve, based in vibrant Albufeira, charming Lagos, or traditional Tavira
3) A touring trip of the Algarve visiting Tavira, Faro, Lagos and Silves
4) A city break to Lisbon, with day trips to Sintra, Cascais, and Setubal
5) A tour between Lisbon and Porto with stops in Coimbra, Tomar, Aveiro, Óbidos and Nazare
6) A driving holiday along the N2 from north to south of Portugal (guide to the N2)

The interactive map below shows these suggested itineraries. (note zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend 1) Porto 2) Guimarães 3) Braga 4) Douro Valley 5) Albufeira 6) Lagos 7) Tavira 8) Vilamoura 9) Faro 10) Silves 11) Lisbon 12) Sintra 13) Cascais 14) Setubal 15) Coimbra 16) Tomar 17) Aveiro 18) Óbidos 19) Nazare

A car is recommended for suggestion 5 (tour from Lisbon to Porto), but it's also very feasible to travel by train between Lisbon, Tomar, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Porto.

Other suggestions for September
For a week-long holiday in September, consider combining two of Portugal's three tourist areas:
• Lisbon
• Porto
• The Algarve (Lagos, Tavira, or Albufeira, depending on the style of holiday you are after)
Each of these destinations takes about three days to explore, or three days for a relaxing beach holiday in the case of the Algarve. All three are well connected by train, and there is no need for a car.

Another option is to combine Lisbon (3 days) and Porto (3 days) with a 1-day/night stop in Coimbra. This itinerary is also possible by train.
Related articles: 3 days in Lisbon – 3 days in Porto

Which Algarve town is best suited for you depends on the style of holiday you are seeking:

Lagos: A picturesque town with stunning coastal scenery, perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and beautiful beaches. This is probably the best choice for most visitors. Our guide to Lagos.
Tavira: A charming and authentic Portuguese town in the much quieter eastern Algarve. This is ideal for travellers looking for a more relaxed, less touristy Algarve experience. Our guide to Tavira.

Albufeira: A lively resort town for holidaymakers looking for a vibrant nightlife, bustling beaches and a wide range of tourist facilities and activities. Our guide to Albufeira.

These are the largest towns of the Algarve, but other great smaller towns include Alvor, Carvoeiro, and Olhos de Água. If you want a golfing holiday, head to Vilamoura.

September in Portugal offers nearly perfect weather conditions. You can expect warm, sunny, and dry days, without the intense heat typical of summer months. While rain is rare during this time, there's always a slight chance, particularly in the northern regions.

The Algarve region boasts ideal beach weather, with temperatures warm enough for sunbathing and swimming. However, evenings throughout Portugal can be refreshingly cool, so it's advisable to pack a light jacket for nighttime outings.

As you travel northward, temperatures gradually decrease. By the time you reach the Porto coastline, beach days become less frequent. Here, you'll find only a handful of days suitable for sunbathing, making it a better destination for sightseeing than lounging on the sand.

September is a great time to visit the Algarve and is perfect for many different types of tourists.

The weather is warm enough to lounge on the beaches if all you want is a relaxing holiday. All of the resort towns are fully open, so you are spoilt for choice of where to stay. There are the larger and livelier resort towns such as Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, or Vilamoura, or the smaller and more personable beach towns such as Carvoeiro, Olhos de Água, or Alvor.

The main beach of Albufeira in September, with many visitors and sunny hot weather

The slightly cooler weather in September makes the Algarve great for an activity holiday, such as cycling, golf, hiking, surfing, kayaking, or deep-sea fishing. For a stunning coastal hiking route, there is the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos or the mountains near Monchique. The best surfing is to the far west near Sagres, while Vilamoura is the center for golfing holidays.

September is ideal for discovering the culture and history of the Algarve with a touring holiday. There is the charming fishing town of Tavira, the castles of Castro Marim, the Roman ruins at Estoi, the markets of Loulé, and the Moorish history of Silves. In the summer, any serious sightseeing is too hot and draining, but in September, it is enjoyable.

September is a great time to discover the Moorish history of Silves

You don’t have to go to the Algarve for beaches
When most tourists consider a beach holiday in Portugal, they instantly think of the Algarve, but Portugal has many more beautiful beaches and traditional resort towns.
Popular beach towns near Lisbon include Cascais, Estoril, Sesimbra or Ericeira. The Costa de Prata offers glorious beaches and charming towns (Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto or Costa Nova) or for somewhere completely undiscovered, consider the Alentejo coastline (Nova de Milfontes).

Porto is fantastic in September, but is often overshadowed by the more well-known Lisbon or Algarve.

It takes two days to explore the city, which makes it an ideal destination for a city break in September.
There is the quaint riverside Ribeira district to explore, the ancient cathedral district, and endless opportunities for Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto is not just about history and culture; it boasts great nightlife, unique cuisines, and a trendy forward-thinking vibe. No matter your age, you will love Porto.

Porto sits on the banks of the Douro River

Depending on your style of holiday, you may wish to take a relaxing boat cruise along the Douro River, as it passes through the scenic vine-covered hills around Peso da Régua and Pinhão. Equally, you could hire a car and explore the Douro region independently, following the N222 road.

If the weather is hot and sunny and you fancy a trip to the beach, then head to the characterful beach town of Vila do Conde, or the vast sandy beaches of Espinho.

If you have more than three days in the Porto region, you may want to visit the common day trips, which include the historic city of Guimarães, the religious city of Braga or the coastal town of Aveiro. If you want to explore somewhere slightly away from the common tourist routes, consider visiting pretty Lamego or the port city of Viana do Castelo.

There is so much to see and do in the Porto region for a holiday in September, and we can't recommend it enough.
Related articles: Porto guide - Top 10 sights of Porto

The terraced vineyards of the upper Douro near Peso da Régua

September in Lisbon offers a delightful balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

While the city sees fewer tourists than during the peak summer months, popular areas like the historic Baixa and the culturally rich Belém districts still buzz with activity.

There is so much to do and see in Lisbon. There are the ancient cobbled streets of Alfama, the grand plazas of Baixa, charming yellow trams to ride, and the picturesque district of Belém to discover. Along with the vast array of sights, there is buzzing nightlife, a flourishing artisan scene, and a social atmosphere about the city.

Lisbon extends over seven hills and the castle sits atop the highest

It takes three days of sightseeing to fully discover Lisbon, and then there are the day trips to further extend a holiday.

Sintra is a delightful town with lavish palaces and villas dotted around the hills of the Serra de Sintra. There is the pretty beach resort of Cascais, which is surrounded by gorgeous beaches or the authentic port city of Setubal. Slightly further is the walled town of Obidos or the historic city of Evora.

Lisbon is one of the greatest capital cities of western Europe, but in September (and throughout the summer) we suggest visiting Porto, as it is equally as good and is significantly less crowded. Lisbon is best visited in late spring, especially June.
Related articles: Lisbon guide - 1 week in Lisbon - Top 10 sights of Lisbon

The grand Praça do Comércio sits at the centre of Lisbon and was the historic commercial hub of the city

Portugal is much more than just Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve; some of the country's most magical areas lie off the beaten track.

The Alentejo coastline is a hidden gem in September, boasting stunning scenery and fewer visitors. Here, you'll discover vast, pristine beaches perfect for sunbathing, huge waves ideal for surfing, and unspoilt countryside for hiking or cycling.

Vila Nova de Milfontes is the main town of the region, while Porto Covo is a pretty village. Both destinations provide wonderful settings for a relaxing beach holiday away from the crowds.

The unspoilt Praia de Almograve beach, just south of Vila Nova de Milfontes

For a more adventurous touring holiday, explore the hilltop castles and rugged scenery of northeast Portugal. This dramatic region, often overlooked by international tourists, offers an insight into Portugal's rich history and natural beauty. Your holiday could include:

The fortified towns of the Beira region: Trancoso, with its well-preserved medieval walls; Almeida, boasting a unique star-shaped fortress; and Marialva, a picturesque village frozen in time.

The Serra da Estrela: Portugal's highest mountain range, offering breathtaking scenery, hiking trails and traditional shepherds' villages.

Monsanto: Often called "the most Portuguese village in Portugal," this unique town is built between giant boulders, creating an unforgettable sight.

September is an ideal time to visit this region, especially the Serra da Estrela. The weather is mild, perfect for outdoor activities, and the scenic mountain roads are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views at a leisurely pace.

Monsanto maybe remote from everything but is definitely worth visiting

For a more cultural touring holiday, delve into the heart of Portugal by exploring its central region. This area is rich in history, architecture, and spiritual significance. Your trip could include:

Coimbra: Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, this vibrant city combines medieval charm with youthful energy.
Tomar: Once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, this delightful town is famed for the magnificent Convent of Christ
Evora: A UNESCO World Heritage city, featuring a well-preserved old town with a Roman temple, medieval walls, and the haunting Chapel of Bones.
Fatima: One of the world's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites.

September offers pleasant weather for exploring these sites, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months, allowing for a more intimate experience of Portugal's cultural treasures.