Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Portugal
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Portugal? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Portugal
The most expensive time to visit Portugal is during the summer and major festivals, when international tourism and local celebrations drive demand to its highest.
Summer (June to August)
This is peak season across Portugal, especially along the Algarve coast, Lisbon, and Porto.
- Hotels and resorts are at their most expensive.
- Beaches, historic towns, and wine regions are crowded.
Christmas & New Year (Late December to Early January)
Portugal’s festive season brings tourists and returning locals.
- Hotels in Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira increase rates.
- Flights from Europe and beyond become more expensive.
Easter & Holy Week (March or April, varies by year)
Religious processions and events attract many visitors.
- Hotels in cities and small towns raise rates.
- Domestic travel demand increases significantly.
Lisbon & Porto Festivals (June)
Events like Lisbon’s Festa de Santo António and Porto’s São João Festival attract large crowds, and place a high demand on hotels.
- Hotels sell out quickly and charge premium prices.
- Crowds pack city streets, restaurants, and riverfronts.
Cheapest Time to Visit Portugal
The cheapest time to visit Portugal is during the cooler winter months and shoulder seasons, when tourism slows and costs drop.
Winter (November to February, excluding holidays)
Colder, rainier weather keeps many tourists away.
- Hotels and flights are at their lowest prices.
- Attractions like castles, museums, and wineries are quieter.
Late Autumn (October to Early November)
Tourism drops after the summer season ends.
- Hotels across Portugal lower rates.
- A pleasant time to explore historic towns without heavy crowds.
Spring (March to Early May, before Easter and peak season)
This transitional period offers affordable travel.
- Hotels and flights are cheaper than in summer.
- Blooming landscapes and mild weather make sightseeing enjoyable.
Portugal Seasonal Travel Demand Table
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| June – Aug (Summer) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Peak season, Algarve beaches, heavy tourism |
| Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 Very High | Christmas & New Year holidays, Madeira events |
| March/April (Easter) | 💲💲💲 High | Religious holidays, increased travel demand |
| June (Lisbon & Porto Festivals) | 💲💲💲 High | Santo António & São João festivals, crowded cities |
| Nov – Feb (excl. holidays) | 💲 Lowest | Winter lull, cheapest hotels & flights |
| Oct – Early Nov | 💲 Low | Post-summer lull, affordable accommodations |
| March – Early May (pre-Easter) | 💲 Low–Mid | Shoulder season, moderate costs |
How To Save Money When Visiting Portugal?
When you go will most certainly make the difference in costs like flights, hotels, attractions, and food. Aligning your travel dates with Portugal’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut expenses. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.
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