We're ready to lock in our dates for a 2 1/2 week trip to Portugal in 2019. Wondering when in late August or September the crowds start to thin out in Lisbon and elsewhere? We'll be starting in Lisbon and ending in the Algarve. Looking for the "sweet spot" for both crowds and weather.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
October? I was there in May and Lisbon was pretty busy.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
October is risky weatherise for the Algarve. I would be tempted to see the Algarve first. Portuguese schools return in mid September, so you should ideally travel after this date.
Lisbon is very popular at present for weekend breaks, so it isn’t likely to be a quiet time whilst the weather remains reasonable.
Posted by
OP
U.S.A.
64 posts
We were thinking October may be a bit late as well. What is the last week one can generally be guaranteed good beach and swimming weather on the Algarve coast?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
This year has been an unpredictable year weather wise. You maybe ok in October. I have had days of glorious sunny weather, but I have also had torrential rain for a few days at the start of October.
I find the Algarve sea far too cold to swim in at any time of year, as it’s the Atlantic, not the warmer Med! The water is warmer the closer you are to the Spanish border. There is plenty surfing at the western end of the Algarve.