The climate of Portalegre
Occupying a scenic position in the north of
Portugal,
Portalegre experiences a Mediterranean climate (Csa), according to the Köppen climate classification. This translates into hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The city's climate is a blend of temperature extremes, varying humidity, and differing levels of precipitation throughout the year.
Temperatures fluctuate significantly from a low of 4.2°C (39.6°F) in
January to an intense high of 33.3°C (91.9°F) in
August. Humidity follows an inverse course, with the highest percentages noticed in the colder months, from 80% in
December to 83% in January, which drop to 43% by August as the aridity of the Mediterranean summer sets in.
Precipitation in Portalegre also presents an interesting pattern - the city sees the least rainfall from
June to
September where the monthly averages fall between 3mm (0.12") and 5mm (0.2"). On the opposite side of the spectrum,
November witnesses the highest rainfall of 39mm (1.54"). Daylight hours peak at 14.9 hours in June, whilst the shortest day of the year is in December with 9.4 hours. The consistent factor in Portalegre’s weather is the visibility, averaging between 8km (5mi) and 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year.
The best time to visit Portalegre
For those wishing to experience the charm and warmth of
Portalegre in its prime,
June to
September is the recommended period. These hot summer months offer an average high temperature ranging from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 33.3°C (91.9°F), ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and soaking in the sun. During these months, the city enjoys prolonged daylight, from 14.3 to 14.9 hours per day, affording tourists ample opportunities to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. Additionally, the relative dryness of these months, as low as 3mm (0.12") of rainfall in
July, ensures uninterrupted outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Portalegre
Despite its beauty,
Portalegre's charm fades with the arrival of harsh winter months from
December to
February, where temperatures dip to their minimums. Average low temperatures creep down between 4.2°C (39.6°F) in
January and 5.3°C (41.5°F) in December. Adding to this, high humidity percentages of at least 80%, combined with rainfall averaging between 21mm (0.83") to 26mm (1.02"), can make these months uncomfortable for tourists. Consequently, outdoor activities become less enjoyable, which may limit travelers' exploration options.
Spring weather in Portalegre
Spring ushers in a time of pleasant weather in
Portalegre, from
March to
May. With average high temperatures increasing gradually from 16.1°C (61°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) and humidity dropping from 77% to 63%, the conditions give tourists the opportunity to explore the city leisurely. The increasing daylight hours, from 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours in May, further contribute to the pleasant conditions. Rainfall hovers around an average of 24mm (0.94") during this season which is moderate compared to the rest of the year.
Summer weather in Portalegre
The Mediterranean influence on
Portalegre's climate is most evident during the summer months from
June to
August, with temperatures peaking up to 33.3°C (91.9°F), and humidity dropping to a comfortable 43%. A bonus is the decrease in rainfall, falling to a minimal monthly average of 3mm (0.12") in
July and 4mm (0.16") in August. With longest daylight hours of the year, from 14.3 hours in June to 14.6 hours in July, it provides plenty of sunlight for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Portalegre
As Autumn sets in during
September to
November,
Portalegre witnesses a gradual cooling of temperatures from highs of 29.4°C (84.9°F) in September to 15.5°C (59.9°F) in November. Rainfall starts to pick up from 8mm (0.31") in September to a high of 39mm (1.54") in November, coupled with an increase in humidity from 48% to 78%. Despite these changes, the duration of daylight remains sufficient for exploring the city, with hours ranging from 12.4 in September to 10 in November.
Winter weather in Portalegre
Portalegre’s winter from
December to
February is marked by cooler temperatures, with averages dipping to a chilly low of 4.2°C (39.6°F) in
January. Coupled with increased humidity levels ranging from 78% in January to 80% in December, and moderate rainfall between 21mm (0.83") and 26mm (1.02"), winters provide a stark contrast to the summer months. Daylight hours shrink to the shortest of the year, from 9.4 hours in December to 9.8 hours in February, marking a typical Mediterranean winter.
Weather in January
January in
Portalegre,
Portugal, is characterized by chilly temperatures and relatively high humidity. There are more daylight hours compared to the previous month, making the days a bit longer. The weather is often cloudy, attributing to the lower amount of sunshine this month receives.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February shows signs of impending spring in
Portalegre with a slight increase in temperatures. With an average of 13.5°C (56.3°F), the temperatures are higher in February compared to
January. More days in the month experience sunshine, and there is a noticeable decrease in cloud cover.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in
March shifts towards more spring-like conditions. Days become longer, and there is an increase in sunshine hours. Mornings and evenings remain cool, but afternoons start to warm up. March in
Portalegre is the third wettest month, with a rainfall of 26mm (1.02") spread across 11.2 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April heralds the onset of warmer, sunnier weather. Days continue to get longer, with longer hours of sunshine. This transition from Spring to Summer is marked with light breezes and clearer skies. Despite the generally pleasant weather, April is the year's wettest month, witnessing an average rainfall of 32mm (1.26").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the arrival of Summer in
Portalegre. Days extend further, with maximum sunlight hours and an increase in ultraviolet index readings. The weather becomes genuinely delightful, with warm temperatures, lower humidity, and light breezes creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is one of the best months to visit
Portalegre, thanks to its warm temperatures and welcoming skies. The long summer days and minimal cloud cover allow for plenty of sunshine. The month stands out with the highest daylight duration of 14.9 hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the peak of summer in
Portalegre,
Portugal. Temperatures soar, reaching up to an average high of 32.8°C (91°F). Long days continue, filling the city with abundant sunshine. Despite the high temperatures, the month sees the least humidity, which prevents weather from becoming unbearable.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues with
July's high temperatures, but the heat starts showing signs of cooling down later in the month. August ties with July for the least amount of rainfall and cloud cover, offering extensive hours of uninterrupted sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings noticeable changes to
Portalegre's weather. As the transition month from summer to autumn, temperatures begin to decrease after reaching their yearly highs. The climate starts cooling down, offering rejuvenating weather to visitors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October introduces autumn's cooler temperatures and rejuvenating breeze in
Portalegre. A considerable decrease in temperature becomes noticeable, offering a refreshing contrast to the heat of the summer months. The city witnesses a significant rise in rainfall, averaging at 26mm (1.02").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Portalegre experiences further reduction in temperature. Days gradually become short, and the climate continues to cool, making it a quieter time in the city. With 39mm (1.54") of rainfall spread across 9.6 days, November is the wettest month of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes winter in
Portalegre, with temperatures dropping to an average low of 5.3°C (41.5°F). Shorter days and longer nights mark the month, bringing crisp and chilly weather. Despite the decrease in daylight hours, the city still enjoys some sunshine during the day.
Weather in December » [Resources]