Best Time to Visit Portugal: March and September

Portugal has perfected the art of being effortlessly appealing. Lisbon's trams clatter up hills lined with azulejo tiles, the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards produce some of Europe's most underrated wines, and the Algarve's beaches remain somehow less crowded than Spain's despite being equally stunning. If you're wondering when to visit Portugal, March and September offer the country in its most balanced form: pleasant weather without the summer crush, lower prices, and a sense that you're experiencing Portugal as locals do rather than as a tourist attraction.

March: Spring Awakening

March in Portugal means almond blossoms across the Algarve, mimosa blooming yellow along the coast, and temperatures that make city exploration genuinely pleasant. Lisbon sits comfortably in the mid-teens Celsius — cool enough that you'll want a light jacket in the evening, but warm enough for long walks through Alfama's narrow streets or along the Tagus riverfront.

Porto in March is particularly lovely. The city's historic center, with its ribeira district and port wine lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, is much quieter than summer months. The Douro Valley beyond Porto is just waking up — the vines are starting to leaf out, and the quintas (wine estates) are preparing for the season ahead. March is ideal for exploring without the crowds, though harvest experiences won't happen until September.

The Algarve's beaches aren't quite warm enough for swimming in March, but the coastal walks — particularly the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and the cliffs around Lagos — are spectacular. The light is softer, the wildflowers are blooming, and you'll have the trails largely to yourself.

September: Harvest and Golden Light

September is when Portugal's wine regions come into their own. The Douro Valley harvest typically begins in late August or early September, and the quintas offer vindima (harvest) experiences where you can participate in grape picking and stomping. The valley's steep terraced hillsides turn golden in autumn light, and the river cruises that run between Porto and the upper Douro are at their most scenic.

Lisbon in September is ideal. The summer heat has broken, the city's residents return from August holidays, and there's a back-to-life energy without the peak tourist chaos. The outdoor restaurants in Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real are at their best, and the evening light turns the city's tiles and pastel buildings into something almost cinematic.

September is also when the Algarve becomes manageable again. The beaches are still warm enough for swimming, but the August crowds have dispersed. Towns like Tavira, Lagos, and the quieter stretches near Sagres return to something resembling normal life rather than tourist circus.

Where We'd Stay: Six Senses Douro Valley

For the Douro Valley, Six Senses Douro Valley occupies a restored 19th-century manor house on the banks of the Douro River. The property sits within a working quinta (wine estate), surrounded by terraced vineyards that have been producing wine for centuries. The suites blend historic architecture with Six Senses' signature understated luxury, and the spa emphasizes local ingredients and Portuguese wellness traditions.

What makes Six Senses Douro Valley exceptional is the immersion in wine culture. The property produces its own wines, offers blending workshops, and arranges vineyard experiences that go well beyond standard tastings. September is when the property truly comes alive — the harvest is underway, the estate buzzes with activity, and you're witnessing the entire wine-making process from grape to bottle. March offers a quieter, more contemplative experience as the valley prepares for the growing season. Through our Virtuoso partnership, you'll receive daily breakfast, a resort credit, and room upgrades when available.

Why These Months Work

March and September are Portugal's shoulder seasons, which means significantly lower prices than summer, better availability at top properties, and a more authentic experience. You're seeing Portugal when locals are actually present rather than fled to beach houses or overwhelmed by tourist volume.

March offers spring's freshness and bloom, ideal if you prefer cooler weather and don't need swimming. September offers harvest experiences, warmer temperatures, and the satisfaction of visiting Europe's sunniest capital when it's at its most livable.

Both months deliver Portugal without the summer tourism industrial complex - just tiles, wine, seafood, and a country that somehow remains underrated despite checking every box.

Ready to experience Portugal's charms? Enquire with The Camel Collection and let us design your Portuguese journey - from Lisbon's hills to Douro's vineyards to Algarve's coast - complete with exclusive Virtuoso benefits.

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