The climate of Viseu
With consideration to the Köppen climate classification system,
Viseu,
Portugal possesses a warm summer Mediterranean climate, denoted as Csb. This climatic type mainly characterizes regions that reside in the western portions of continents, typically between latitudes 30°and 45°, although in Viseu's case, it is found near 40.6°latitude and -7.9°longitude.
Viseu's temperature patterns reveal a well-defined oscillation as the seasons change throughout the year. Highest average monthly temperatures, peaking at 29.6°C (85.3°F), tend to occur in the summertime, particularly from
July to
August, while cooler months are dominated by the late autumn and winter months, with an average low of 3.1°C (37.6°F) in
January. Humidity sees a similar cyclic trend, with higher percentages mainly in the colder months, particularly from
November to
February, reaching up to 85% in January, then gradually tapering down during spring and reaching a minimum of 57% during August.
A noteworthy characteristic in Viseu's climatic regime is the rainfall pattern. Maximum rainfall, peaking at 92mm (3.62"), occurs during
December and minimum rainfall, which slides to a low of 6mm (0.24"), is observed during July. Despite these notable fluctuations in the rainfall amounts throughout the year, mere variations in snowfall are profoundly limited. The city experiences striking low snowfall, rarely exceeding 3mm (0.12"), from January to
March, whereas no snowfall has been registered from
April to December. Furthermore, sunshine hours in Viseu are aplenty, especially from
June reaching a high of 15 hours per day, then gradually decreasing as the year concludes.
The best time to visit Viseu
Considering the overall weather conditions, the period from
May to
September serves as an optimum choice to visit
Viseu. These months mark the arrival of summer and extend into early autumn, characterized by pleasant temperatures oscillating from highs of 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F), and lows between 9°C (48.2°F) and 13.3°C (55.9°F). Besides, these months are known to boast ample sunlight with daily sunshine hours varying from 14.5 to 14.7 hours.
Accompanied by lower humidity levels hovering between 57% and 71%, the conditions during these months are amenable to outdoor activities and sightseeing endeavors. Additionally, rainfall during this period is quite modest, notably the driest months being
July and
August with rainfall averages of 6mm (0.24") and 7mm (0.28") respectively. The cooling sea breezes also lend a refreshing atmosphere with average wind speeds varying between 7.4km/h (4.6mph) to 8.1km/h (5mph).
The worst time to visit Viseu
Visitors are likely to find the months from
November to
February less favorable due to colder temperatures and increased rainfall. The average monthly temperature in this period rarely climbs above 13.4°C (56.1°F), with monthly lows steeply dropping to 3.1°C (37.6°F) in
January. Moreover, these months are associated with higher levels of relative humidity, scaling up to 85% in January imparting dampness to the cold weather.
Rainfall typically intensifies during these months, with average monthly measurements tallying up to 81mm (3.19") in November and peaking at 92mm (3.62") in
December. Alongside, the number of sunshine hours dwindles, averaging between 9.3 and 9.9 hours daily during this winter season whose grip is also marked with occasional snowfall incidents, albeit modest in nature with maximum snowfall reaching only 3mm (0.12") in January.
Spring weather in Viseu
Spring, extending from
March through
May, in
Viseu unfolds with anticipated warmth, as temperatures gradually ascend from a monthly average low of 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 9°C (48.2°F), and highs fluctuating between 14.6°C (58.3°F) and 21.2°C (70.2°F). This transition of weather from the lingering cold of the winter months creates a refreshing ambience and revives the natural beauty of the city.
Rainfall averages for spring fall within a rather snug range of 31mm (1.22") to 61mm (2.4"), thereby not disrupting the warming trend of temperatures. This balance of moderately warm temperatures and modest rainfall fosters the blooming of flora, making it a delightful sight to spectate.
Summer weather in Viseu
Viseu's summer initiates in
June and extends to
August, marked by a significant escalation in temperatures. The daily average high reaches its pinnacle at 29.6°C (85.3°F) during August while the average lows remain comfortingly warm, ranging from 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F). The relative humidity decreases gradually during this period, with the lowest measurement being 57% in August.
Rainfall minimizes considerably during the summer months, bottoming out at a low of 6mm (0.24") in
July, thus creating a predominantly dry and warm atmosphere. This balmy climate coupled with ample sunshine and vibrant summer tones makes for great sightseeing and outdoor explorations.
Autumn weather in Viseu
Autumn in
Viseu, lasting from
September through
November, witnesses a gradual drop in temperatures. Average highs steeply decline from a summertime 26.5°C (79.7°F) in September to 13.4°C (56.1°F) in November, and the lows also present a downtrend dipping from 12.5°C (54.5°F) to 6.2°C (43.2°F). A significant uptick in rainfall occurs during this season, especially in November, where average rainfall swells to 81mm (3.19").
While the autumn months exhibit a noticeable increase in cloud cover, periods of sunshine still persist with daily average sunshine hours decreasing from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours in November. The shifting weather in combination with the picturesque fall foliage makes this period appealing in a unique way.
Winter weather in Viseu
Winter takes hold of
Viseu from
December to
February. It invites a considerably cold atmosphere with average low temperatures ranging from 3.1°C (37.6°F) in
January to 4.2°C (39.6°F) in February and average high remaining within the vicinity of 10.7°C (51.3°F) in December to 11.6°C (52.9°F) in February.
Despite bearing an increased cloud cover during these months, sunshine is far from scarce with daily average sunshine hours staying close to 9.3 hours. Rainfall is relatively high, peaking at 92mm (3.62") in December. Moreover, while Viseu does technically observe snowfall during winter, the events are sparse and the quantity of snow rarely exceeds 3mm (0.12") per event.
Weather in January
January ushers in the new year with cooler temperatures in
Viseu,
Portugal, along with a fresh and moist atmosphere due to rainfall. Morning fog might be witnessed, owing to the high relative humidity of 85%. The city experiences its highest rainfall during January with a whopping 92mm (3.62") rain showers.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning from
January, the month of
February brings slight temperature enhancements as
Viseu ventures into the end of winters. Snowfall continues to cloak the city with a magic of its own, enticing any lover of cold weather.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the arrival of Spring in
Viseu, contributing a renewed energy to the city. Considerably warmer days start making their presence known. Notably, the thickness of cloud cover reduces from 52% in
February to 45% in March, allowing broader sunlit hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a significant increase in the temperature, indicating a definite arrival of spring. The month also brings a decrease in cloud cover, painting more clear skies throughout
Viseu. The average wind speed decreases to 8.1km/h (5mph) contributing to calmer days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks a drastic change in the weather scenario of
Viseu, as the city starts to warm up considerably. This month is a transition between the mildness of spring and the approaching heat of summer. Due to the increased temperatures, there is no snowfall recorded during this month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a precursor to the summer season in
Viseu, demonstrating warmer days with increased sunshine hours. Pleasant weather dominates, making it an ideal time for sightseeing in the city. The daylight hours increase substantially from 14.5 hours in
May to 15 hours in June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents the peak of summer in
Viseu, with noticeably high temperatures. The heat remains persistently high during the days and even during the nights. With a high UV index of 6, sun protection becomes a necessity in July. Remarkably, the rainfall frequency drops to a minimum this month, recording a low of 4.3 rainy days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer trend from
July, with high temperatures prevalent throughout the day and night. Clear skies dominate this month, attributing to reduced cloud cover. Coupled with the generally warm weather, the city records the highest average temperature of 29.6°C (85.3°F), making August the hottest month in
Viseu.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September comes with a gentle dip in temperatures, signalling the coming of the fall season. The weather remains relatively dry, with a minor increase in the number of rainy days in contrast to
August. The daylight hours begin to shorten from 14.7 hours in August to 12.5 hours in September, indicating the approach of shorter days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a further decrease in temperatures as the fall season fully arrives in
Viseu. Compared to
September, the daylight hours shorten to 11.1 hours in October. The cloud cover rises, painting beautiful autumnal skies across the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November shows a further transition into the colder months with a drop in temperatures. As winter looms, this month also witnesses an increase in rainfall. November sees an increase in the average wind speed from 7.7km/h (4.8mph) in
October to 8.4km/h (5.2mph).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings in the winters, along with the holiday cheer in
Viseu. Snowfall makes a subtle appearance, adding to the festive ambiance. The average wind speed holds steady at 8.6km/h (5.3mph), consistent with the wind speed of
November.
Weather in December »