CLIMATE BY REGION
Portugal’s varied geography creates a diverse climate, and the weather varies significantly from place to place. Here you will find guidance on the best times of year to ride in each our favourite cycling destinations in Portugal. Below you will find a month by month guide to help with your plannning.
The Algarve
Temperatures in Portugal’s most southerly region range from an average of 12°C in January to 25°C in July. Days in January and February are typically cool, with sun and occasional rain.
By March, the wildflowers are blooming and the tracks have typically dried enough to optimise the gravel riding. Temperatures rise steadily, with great riding conditions until the summer. July and August are typically too hot for comfortable cycling unless you are already acclimatised to the heat, climbing over 35°C on some days.
September and October are fantastic months here, as the autumn brings settled conditions and gorgeous colours. Temperatures in November and December drop to the low teens in the day.
The Alentejo
Visit the Alentejo from March until May and September to November for the best cycling conditions.
Winters are cool and wet, with average temperatures of 10°C inland in December and January. However, by March, the almond trees are in flower and days are sunny and increasingly warm. The months of July and August here are extremely hot – 40 °C is not uncommon.
The coast, however, remains cooler throughout the summer, with a warm Atlantic breeze. Autumn is fabulous, with stunning colours and lovely riding conditions.
Serra da Estrela
Portugal’s highest mountains are best explored in the summer, ideally from June to August, when the temperatures are pleasant for riding and conditions are relatively settled. Spring and autumn can be gorgeous here too, but we recommend that you are equipped for some wet and cold days.
We advise against riding here from November until April, as the mountains experience rain, strong winds and even snow! Other northern regions, including the Peneda-Geres National Park, experience similar conditions, but without the extremes of the Serra da Estrela.
Douro Valley
The best times to ride in the Douro are from May to September. In the late Spring, the vines are in blossom and the temperatures are pleasant. The summer months can get busy, but the northern climate makes riding here perfectly comfortable.
The autumn brings stunning colours, and the annual grape harvest, which is a wonderful cultural sight to witness.
MONTH BY MONTH
Wondering where to head to make the most of your time? Check out our handy calendar
January - February
Cool temperates dominate across the country. You will still find sunny days in the Algarve, up to 15°C, possibly punctuated by the odd shower. Whilst this might not be the best time of year for a multi-day tour, check out our library of GPX routes for download, or join us for a guided ride.
The north experiences heavy rainfall, and there may be snow in the Serra da Estrela.
March - April
Spring is here! Temperatures in the Algarve commonly reach 20°, yet the evenings remain cool. Some rain is still possible, but the fruit blossom and wildflowers are simply stunning. In the Douro, from April, the vines blossom and fill the air with their scent. Its a little cooler up here but perfectly pleasant, and you will avoid the crowds.
The mountains and the hills to the North may still be a little wet for great cycling.
Great tours for this time include –
Beaches and Backroads, or any of our Algarve Tours.
For something a little more holistic, take a look at the Cycling, Nutrition and Wellness Retreat..
May - June
A wonderful time to be in Portugal. The Algarve and Alentejo are warm and sunny, with awesome riding conditions, on and off road. Its warming up in the North and in the mountains too, so you have a wide range of options to choose from, including –
Serra da Estrela and Silver Coast
July - August
Summer in the Serra da Estrela and the northern hills is wonderful. The highlands stay cooler than the surrounding regions, and the chance of rain is minimal.
Temperatures in the Alentejo in August commonly reach 40°C, and the Algarve is generally too hot for cycling unless you are already acclimatised. Great options for this time of year include:
September - October
Autumn colours add magical shades of gold to the vines in the Douro Valley, and its the grape harvest!
The mountains remain pleasantly warm until October, but the chance of rain increases. Meanwhile, the Alentejo and Algarve are cooling after a hot summer, and the conditions here are settled and warm. Check out our –
November - December
As temperatures drop elsewhere, cyclists head south to make the most of the weather in the Algarve. Why not round off your season on the November Cycling, Nutrition and Wellness Holiday?
Interested in cycling in Portugal?
Check out some of our holidays below…
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