Portugal in September: Weather, Reasons to Visit & Things to Do

September is an ideal time to plan a Portugal guided tour. Week-long excursions make the most of the region’s final weeks of warmth while weekend visitors and day-trippers maximize their holiday taking advantage of the minimal queues at major attractions. 

1. Is September a good month to visit Portugal?

Ask any traveler who’s fallen in love with Portugal and they’ll insist that there’s no bad time to visit. September is a good month to visit Portugal to avoid the summer tourist crowds (and if you visit late in the month, local children are also back in school). As the harvest season begins, places like the Douro Valley host wine and food festivals like the Alma do Vinho Festival.

2. What is the weather like in Portugal in September?

The weather in Portugal in September is lovely. While temperatures are noticeably warmer in the summer season, the country is still drenched in sunshine and sees less than a week of rainy days. This is the time of year to visit Portugal if you want an enjoyable outdoor experience without putting too much thought into what to pack.  

What is the temperature in Portugal in September?

Favorable temperatures make September one of the best months to visit Portugal. Though there are variations between Faro in the Algarve and Porto in the north, expect lows around 60℉ (15℃) and highs reaching from the mid-70s to the low 80s (21-26℃). 

Is Portugal still warm in September?

Yes, Portugal is still warm in September. Nine hours of sunshine is common and warm temperatures still afforded opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Plan to spend time outside when you visit Portugal in September, whether that’s sipping wine at an outdoor vineyard or wandering Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. 

3. What to wear in Portugal in September?

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a necessity in Portugal, particularly in cities like Lisbon where cobblestones and hills create the city’s charm. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for travelers who will hop from place to place. Consider a pullover or cardigan if you’re spending most of the day in museums and galleries. Slip a pair of sunglasses in your pocket if you’re taking riverboat tours.  

Can you swim in Portugal in September?

Yes, you can absolutely swim in Portugal in September so don’t forget your swimsuit. Praia da rocha is a popular spot for swimming in the Algarve. Praia da Nazaré and São Martinho do Porto are good swimming beaches near Nazaré; Nazaré itself is risky for swimming, as it’s one of the major global destinations for big wave surfing. 

What should I pack for a trip to Portugal in September?

Rainfall is limited in September in Portugal, so no umbrella is necessary. On a rainy afternoon or a chillier evening, you’ll be happy you brought a lightweight sweater or jacket to stay cozy. Don’t forget sunscreen; while the sunlight won’t feel harsh with heat like in the summer season, you’ll still want UV protection when spending time outdoors. 

4. The best things to do in Portugal in September

September invites you to experience the best of Portugal during the shoulder season. First-time visitors, foodies, and families will each find unique ways to see, taste, and fall in love with the country as summer fades into fall. 

Best things to do in Portugal in September for first-timers:

Most first-time visitors chart a course through Portugal between Lisbon and Porto, two dynamic cities full of Portuguese culture and history. After visiting Belém Tower or Palácio da Bolsa, add these to your city break schedule.  

1. Marvel at the hilltop Pena Palace

The National Palace of Pena is one of the most popular attractions in Portugal. September sees far fewer queues than prior months and the comfortable weather allows for hours spent touring the site’s other attractions like the Moorish Castle, Chalet of the Countess of Edla, and the Initiation Well. The Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which includes Pena Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site warrants a full day of your itinerary.  

2. Go underground into Lisbon’s the Roman Galleries

Few visitors know that the best time to explore Portugal’s capital is in September — one of the rare months of the year when the underground Roman Galleries are open to the public. These ancient tunnels are beneath Rua da Prata and house the remnants of a Roman city.

3. Soak in the beauty of the Douro Valley

You’ll long for weeks spent in the Douro Valley, but for a first-time visit, Peso da Régua is a great option for a short stay. It’s a starting point for exploring the region by boat, train, and car. Vineyards are easily accessible and the Douro Museum near the city center offers a great glimpse into the history of winemaking in the region.

Best things to do in Portugal in September for foodies:

From breakfast through dinner, mealtime is always a satiating time to visit Portugal’s restaurants, cafes, vineyards, and even canneries. 

1. Try Iberian tinned fish at a historic cannery

In Matosinhos, a century-old fish cannery packages some of the best Portuguese sardines. An on-site immersive museum lets you wrap your own tinned food and sample Pinhais flavors. 

2. Sip wine along the Douro River

The grape harvest is in full swing along the Douro River during the month of September, making it a good time to visit Portugal’s Douro Valley. While in Porto, visit the manor house of Ramos Pintos, tour a historic cellar, or purchase a bottle at the Villa Nova de Gaia wine stores and drink in the views by the riverside.  

3. Dine on proco preto in Alentejo

The Alentejo region of Portugal is a gastronomic gateway to traditional cuisine. You’ll find local Evora cheese and Alentejo bread in most restaurants. And on their menus, proco preto: Black Iberian pig. Bred from wild boar, it’s regarded as one of the best black porks on the planet. 

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Best things to do in Portugal in September for families:

From family-friendly hotel groups like Martinhal to sprawling parks where kids can roam safely, Portugal welcomes travelers of all ages and abilities. 

1. Peer into the deep at Oceanário de Lisboa

Lisbon’s aquarium is a wondrous journey into the deep. Oceanário de Lisboa is ranked as one of the world’s top aquariums, offering an immersive dive into our global ocean. Over 500 species are represented, though its multi-floored design makes it easy for families with mobility needs to navigate in an afternoon.

2. Play miniature golf in Porto’s Passeio Alegre

Portugal is an exceptional golf getaway, thanks in part to the family-friendly nature of places like the Passeio Alegre garden. Two 18-hole mini golf courses offer you and your family a way to experience a different side of Porto without venturing far from the main attractions.

5. Events in Portugal in September

Many of the best September events in the country take place in Lisbon, a convenient place to begin or end a guided tour of Portugal.

• Santa Casa Alfama is a must for everyone visiting Lisbon in September; fado music is performed inside and outside throughout the Alfama neighborhood.
• MotelX: The Lisbon International Horror Film Festival scares up a series of the best new horror flicks from across the world. 
• Lisb-On Festival fills Monsanto Forest Park in the capital with electronic music.

European Heritage Days are celebrated in Portugal in September, shining a light on the shared cultural heritage of European nations. As you make your way around the country, stop in Porto for the International Puppet Festival or dig into one of the largest and most delicious gastronomic events in Portugal: the Ria Formosa Festival.

6. Best places to visit in Portugal in September on day trips

One of the best ways to explore Portugal in September is to unpack your bags in major cities then take day trips to the coastal areas. Explore these smaller seaside cities and villages near Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. 

From Lisbon:

Leave the concrete jungle of Lisbon behind for a relaxed visit to Setúbal. Its neighbor, Arrábida Natural Park, is an escape into the serene side of Portugal. If you’re looking for low-impact fun without the hike, slowly stroll Setúbal’s Mercado do Livramento. 

From Porto:

Find your way to the “Venice of Portugal” on a day trip to Aveiro. Waterways weave through this seaside city, and if you’re not exploring it via local moliceiros boats, you can bicycle around Art Nouveau buildings in search of the sweet ovos moles.

From Faro:

See the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe with a drive to Cape St. Vincent. Once bubbed “the end of the world” prior to the Age of Exploration, the town of Sagres offers a jaw-dropping view of the Atlantic Ocean. Surfing is popular here, though you’ll find plenty of space to lounge on the beach or hike along the coast. 

7. Why visit Portugal in September with Insight Vacations

September is one of the best months to visit Portugal with Insight Vacations. Offering large tours, small group adventures, and women-only excursions, our tours explore Portugal via cruises on Lake Alqueva, Alentejo wine tasting with a local family, and sampling the delectable pastéis de Belém. 

Join like-minded travelers for an immersive tour through the towns and villages that make Portugal an unforgettable vacation destination. 

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