One of the best things about the Silver Coast of Portugal is the very friendly climate, especially if you originate from the UK where it is considerably colder. We are lucky here to have very little in the way of frost in the winter and snow, in fact unless you are situated high up you may never see a frost and the local businesses proudly display on their walls, pictures taken during the only snowy period in living memory.
To be fair, when it rains here it can be pretty heavy and long lasting. It can feel pretty cold too if you, like us have been here for a long time. But apart from the unpredictable nature of the winters, it is fair to say that the following facts are just about true of most years on the Silver Coast. We have more daylight hours in winter than in northern Europe; on the shortest day there is 10 hours daylight.
The weather in Portugal in January might be ideal for a short walking or hiking break. It can be a nasty cold month with high winds and lots of rainfall, but in the five winters we have experienced here they can also be really great. Currently there has been three solid weeks of fantastic sunshine and calm conditions.
The feeling here at the moment is more like a pleasant spring day and even after dark, when normally it gets chilly and cold, the temperature has been holding up to a few degrees above average. There have been evenings when it has not been necessary to light the fire until well after dark and the night time temperature rarely drops below 4C but can fall to around zero at times.
Sunrise is around 8.00am to 7.45am and sunset is 5.30pm to 6.00pm.
The weather in Portugal in February might be perfect for a cycling break but is also likely to be cold and wet, although not in the northern Euopean way. Interspersed with bright warm sunny days, February in Portugal can be a pleasant experience too. There is an air of anticipation here as spring is only just around the corner, and whenever the sun does shine, it is very warm indeed. If you want to visit Portugal in February, be prepared for the rain, but be surprised by the beautiful days that often crop up.
Sunrise is around 7.45am to 7.10am and sunset is 6.00pm to 6.30pm.
The weather in Portugal in March might be perfect for property hunting but, similar to February, it is likely to be unpredictable. It will be warmer and the days will be longer.
It is a good time to search for property on the Silver Coast because spring has arrived and in many years, the weather is terrific. When we arrived in early March 2007, we were camping in Foz Do Arelho and the weather did not cause any problems whatsoever. If the winds are strong it will feel quite cold, especially if they are from the Atlantic. All the fruit growers and grape growers begin to see the growth in the vines and trees and blossoms are everywhere.
Sunrise is around 7.10am to 6.30/7.20 (clocks go forward) am and sunset is 6.30pm to 6.55/8.00pm (clocks go forward).
The weather in Portugal in April might be perfect for a romantic break in bed and breakfast as starts to feel a little more like shorts and tee-shirt weather!
Start thinking about taking a trip to your villa or apartment, or book our bed and breakfast to take advantage of the best parts of the Silver Coast. The clocks go forward and the daylight seems to go on for ever. On the other hand, it can also bring some heavy rain which the farmers love because the vines and the orchards will benefit greatly from a lot of rain now. It can happen and sometimes does!
Sunrise is around 7.20am to 6.40am and sunset is 8.00pm to 8.30pm.
The weather in Portugal in May might be perfect for sightseeing and is mainly good with varying temperatures but if the wind is blowing strongly from the east, north or west it always feels colder than it should but in sheltered places the warmth is tremendous. Further inland the daytime can be extremely pleasant and remniscent of English summer days at their best. The coast can be fine too but many days will feel much cooler and damper. This a great time of the years to visit Portugal because there are no crowds and all the attractions and tourist spots are gearing up for the holiday season.
Sunrise is around 6.40am to 6.15am and sunset is 8.30pm to 8.55pm.
The weather in Portugal in June might be perfect for a tour of the whole country and is the start of a long hot summer, normally. The longest days of the year are not unbearably hot and are wonderful weeks for a break on the Silver Coast. The hustle bustle of the summer holidays has hardly begun and all the best facilities are open and running so taking a holiday in June is a really good idea. Temperatures can be as high as 35C on really good days but cooled by a breeze from the sea. The fruit trees and vines are starting to show what sort of crop the farmers can expect in August and September.
Sunrise is around 6.15am to 6.15am and sunset is 8.55pm to 9.05pm.
The weather in Portugal in July might be perfect for your family holiday and is very steady and dependable most years, 2011 though, was the exception to the rule. The strong sunshine and the long days are perfect beach weather or poolside relaxation. The Portuguese people also start their holiday season and the popular resorts get very busy from now until the end of August.
Sunrise is around 6.15am to 6.40am and sunset is 9.05pm to 8.50pm
The weather in Portugal in August might also be perfect for your annual vacation and can guarantee better conditions that you will likely see in the UK. It is obviously the favourite month for everybody and many nationalities have made the Silver Coast of Portugal their preferred destination.
Sunrise is around 6.40am to 7.05am and sunset is 8.50pm to 8.10pm
The weather in Portugal in September might be perfect for a fantastic golf holiday because for the last five years September has been the most incredible month for good weather. Having your holiday now offers the perfect break because there are less crowds and on occasions even better conditions than in the summer months.
Sunrise is around 7.05am to 7.30am and sunset is 8.10pm to 7.20pm
The weather in Portugal in October might be perfect for a fishing holiday, but to be honest, all of the ideas listed above would be perfect for October. There is no doubt in my mind that October is the best month of the year in many ways. Have a week in our B&B and see for yourselves. Sunrise is around 7.30am to 8.00/7.05am (clocks go back) and sunset is 7.20pm to 6.45/5.50pm (clocks go back)
The weather in Portugal in November might be perfect for those looking for a quiet break in warmer conditions than at home. It can still be really warm and sunny and feel like the UK in August on many days. Have a relaxing bed and breakfast break and explore the wonderful sights of the Silver Coast in your own time. The Christmas festivities and promotions have still not manifested themselves yet and so you can just enjoy Portugal in peace.
Sunrise is around 7.05am to 7.35am and sunset is 5.50pm to 5.15pm
The weather in Portugal in December might be perfect for getting away from the seasonal madness, and although the shops start doing their bit, it really does seem quiet compared to the madness elsewhere. It might be cool and rain a fair amount in December, but it can just as likely be dry and sunny.
Sunrise is around 7.35am to 7.55am and sunset is 5.15pm to 5.25pm