I just put two Frequent flyer tickets on hold for Portugal for late April. (April 21 to May 5) Anyone been then? How is the weather?
We aren't "beach" folks so as long as we aren't freezing I think we will be OK. I hate to wait and try for late May and strike out!
Portugal is beautiful at any time of the year. It is also windy at any time of the year. However, overall weather conditions will vary depending on how far north or south you are. I just got back from Viseu (inland from Oporto in northern Portugal) and it was colder than I would have expected. (I only had a wool spots jacket with me, and wished I'd packed a sweater.) The south is predictably more temperate. In any event, spring weather is always a bit of a hit or miss thing anyway. Worst case scenario you'll need to buy a thick wool Portuguese fisherman's sweater for €20. It'll make a great souvenir even if you never find the opportunity to wear it in Georgia.
We were in Lisbon and Porto 2 weeks ago - so late May and it was quite cool and rained a lot. But it was similar in Spain so it is a matter of luck in some respects. You certainly won´t freeze.
Any time of year is a good time to visit Portugal, and when you go will ultimately depend on what kind of trip you are planning. An average t in April is 68-70 °F during the day in Lisbon and Faro, and it drops to 55 °F at night. Perfect outdoor weather. It rains often though. Scenic landscapes, sandy beaches, subtropical climate, rich cultural traditions and fine cuisine make Portugal an ideal destination. Lisbon is a stunning city with impressive buildings, mosaic sidewalks, cafés and museums. The elegant Estoril sits in the heart of the Lisbon region increasingly coming to be known as the Portuguese Riviera. If you want to stay in a charming historic place in Portugal you can do it at pousadas. These are government owned and operated former mansions and castles, restored and converted into the beautiful hotels. They are ideally located in the historic cities or rural areas of outstanding natural beauty. They offer high standards of comfort and service, delicious food. Check this link for more information: http://www.pousadas.pt/historicalhotels/EN. You can book pousadas through the tour operator like Escapade Vacations for instance Have a nice trip!
My first trip to Portugal was at the end of April and I loved it. The weather was pleasant..just warm enough. Portugal is a gem that not nearly enough Americans visit. After a few days in Lisbon, we went north to Sintra, Alcobaca, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos (OK it's touristy but nice),Viseu, Coimbra. Near Lisbon, be sure to visit Queluz( a little gem of a royal palace), Estoril and Cascais.
Don't miss the Gulbenkian Museumin Lisbon which is really incredible. It is easily accessible by subway and a long walk, as I remember.
On another trip, we stayed at the Pousada in Evora, which was truly wonderful. Evora is very interesting.
You usually have to reserve far in advance for Pousadas which are also not the cheapest place but worth it.
Enjoy your trip and do a little research on Portuguese history in advance.
One can't predict the weather anywhere in the world for a week. Even if you were there last year same time. But late April normally will be great.
Two things in your favor: Portugal is on the ocean which means is is milder than inland and Portugal is in Southern Europe (not as cold as northern France); so you should be safe.
