Road Trip Portugal in Summer: Where to Go and What to Avoid

Are you planning a road trip this summer in Portugal, but unsure how to make the most of it without being surrounded by the hoards of people that flock there every year?

We’ve road tripped around Portugal in all seasons, and while summer isn’t our favourite time of the year – in fact, I’d probably say it’s our least favourite – with the right planning, you can still find the quiet side of Portugal.

In this guide, we’re sharing what Portugal is really like in June, July, and August – including our honest thoughts on the best time to visit, how to beat the heat, and where to find the offbeat spots we keep coming back to to dodge the crowds.

Let’s dive in.

When Is Summer in Portugal?

Portugal has what feels like a pretty long summer (with temps still being mid to high 20’s Christmas day in some areas!) but the official season runs June to September.

Despite being a fairly small country, Portugal still has distinctly different climates in the North vs the South.

In the Algarve in summer you can expect highs of 30’c, whereas Porto averages at highs of 25’c – and a bit cooler still once you get up to Braga.

That said, it’s much more humid in the north which can make those lower temperatures a bit less bearable, especially if you’re not used to the humidity.

If you’re looking at coming for a summer holiday, but aren’t sure when is the best time to visit Portugal – we strongly recommend coming as early in the season as possible

Early summer is great because the weather is great without being too hot and the crowds are still manageable.

Peak summer will be hectic in all of the major destinations, but you can avoid that by going inland if you don’t mind scorching weather.

Is Summer the Best Time to Visit Portugal? (Or the Worst?)

After living here a few years now, we think summer – especially peak – is probably one of the worst times to visit Portugal (along with April because yes, no crowds but boy can it rain).

One of the biggest cons of coming to Portugal in summer, aside from the crowds, is that the prices are actually increased for things like accommodation, rental cars and tours.

If you’re looking for a budget holiday, you might be better off coming after September when the prices drop again and there are much fewer people, but still plenty of sun.

That said, with longer days and consistently good weather, Portugal really does come alive in summer. If you don’t mind the crowds or paying a bit more, it can still be a brilliant time to explore.

Coastal towns become a hive of activity, and you’ll find plenty of festivals, events, and pop-up bars and cafes dotted along the waterfront.

For example, Nazare builds a beach stadium each year which hosts volleyball, footballs and other sports tournaments – the atmosphere in town is incredible. 

What to Expect: Weather in Portugal in June, July & August

Once summer hits, the weather shifts fast. May tends to hover around 18°C, but by June you’re seeing 25°C – and it just climbs from there.

Portugal in June: Warm Days Without the Mayhem

June is a great choice if you want the benefits of summer without being elbow-to-elbow with tourists.

The weather is settled, the rain’s mostly gone (especially in the south), and you’ll still be able to find good accommodation without planning six months ahead.

It’s our preferred month for a summer road trip – warm enough to swim, cool enough to hike, and still room to breathe in places like the Algarve or central Portugal.

Portugal in July: Peak Season Is Here – Plan Smart

July is when it all kicks off. The beaches start to fill, prices go up, and spontaneous travel becomes trickier – especially if you’re relying on campervan spots or short-notice hotels.

But it’s also when the coast really shines. If you’re planning to beach-hop or stick close to the ocean breeze, this is a fun time – just prepare for crowds and make peace with the fact that a bit of patience will go a long way.

We’ve found early morning starts and shaded inland escapes help balance things out.

Portugal in August: Heat, Fires, and Finding a Bit of Space

This is the heavy hitter – temperatures soar, and fire risk becomes a real factor, particularly in the north.

Websites like Fogos.pt (and their app: Android | Apple) are worth using if you’re planning road trips through rural areas.

The beaches will be packed up and down the coast, but with the right approach (early or late in the day, or heading to lesser-known spots), you can still carve out some space for yourself.

Things to Do in Portugal in Summer (Beyond Just Beaches)

Ok, most people come to Portugal in summer to make the most of the tropical vibes at the beach – because even with the summer price hike, you can still have an affordable holiday here – but Portugal has so much more to offer than its beaches.

Road Trips with Scenic Stops

New here? We love road trips. In fact, it’s the main way we travel these days.

Summer is ideal for winding along the Alentejo coast (still so underrated) or braving the crowds on a West Algarve route if you’re after those turquoise water cliff views.

Our favourites are inland: the Douro Valley for wine lovers and Serra da Estrela if you want mountain air and sleepy villages.

Oh, and they’re all super dog-friendly – we always take Lilly to the mountains

Relax on Portugal’s Best Summer Beaches

If you do want the beach vibes, make it count.

Sure, Lagos and Praia da Marinha are showstoppers, but for a quieter scene try Comporta, Odeceixe, or the even lesser-known Praia da Amália. They don’t get the same tour bus crowds, and you’ve got a better chance of finding space to breathe.

Pack snacks – you won’t want to leave

Outdoor Adventures + Nature

The trick here is to go early.

A sunrise paddle boarding session around the caves in Benagil is a completely different experience to the mid day chaos.

Same goes for cliff walks near Sagres – start early, and you get the views and some peace.

If you’re more into hiking and waterfalls, Peneda-Gerês is calling. You’ll probably end up a sweaty mess, but far fewer people make it up here in Summer, which makes the effort worth it.

Local Summer Events & Festas

Even if summer isn’t our favourite season to travel, it’s definitely when Portugal is most alive.

If you’re in Porto in June, don’t miss São João – expect fireworks, street parties, and people hitting each other with plastic hammers.

You’ll also find loads of local food and music festivals tucked into tiny towns that you wouldn’t know existed if you weren’t driving past them. That’s half the charm.

Best Summer Destinations in Portugal (Our Road-Tested Picks)

Trying to figure out the best summer destination in Portugal?

These are the places we’ve actually gone back to – because they make summer travel feel worth it, even when it’s hot and crowded.

For Beach Time: The Coves Along the Atlantic Road

If you’re looking for quieter beaches without going too far off track, the Atlantic Road which stretches from Peniche up past Figueira da Foz has loads of tucked-away coves.

These beaches don’t get the same crowds as Nazaré or Peniche’s main spots, and they’re usually dog-friendly too.

For Cool Countryside + Wine: Douro Valley

Douro Valley is a good pick for long, slow summer evenings and a glass of something cold. It’s hot and can be busy still but it works great as a day trip from Porto.

For Hidden Gems: Inland Alentejo

Inland Alentejo is full of overlooked spots, but Marvão is one that stands out.

Hilltop castles, quiet streets, and sweeping views – plus it’s usually less crowded than anywhere on the coast.

For a Smart City Combo: Porto > Lisbon Road Trip

A Porto to Lisbon road trip gives you the best of both cities – with stops like Évora, Conímbriga Ruins, and a handful of under-the-radar towns along the way. You can break up the crowds with quieter, slower spots.

Both cities are busy in summer, there’s no avoiding that but building them into a road trip with several other stops will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Van Life Tips for Summer in Portugal

We spent 2 years road tripping around Australia – including time in the outback in the middle of summer in a van without aircon – so we’ve learned a few things about staying cool.

Thankfully, Portugal isn’t anywhere near as extreme, but summer still requires a bit of prep.

• Park in the shade. If you rely on solar, charge up early and move before the heat peaks. Apps like Park4Night help you scout shady spots.
• Cover your front windows, and put a curtain across the cab area. The cab area is a heat trap. Block it off and use proper window covers as soon as you stop.
• Have a fan running. Our current van has Maxx fans installed, but in our first build we used a battery-powered Ryobi fan and a frozen water bottle in front of it to drop the temps. Basic, but effective.

So, Is Summer in Portugal Worth It?

Summer might not be our favourite time to explore Portugal, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing – if you go in with a game plan.

Yes, it’s hotter. Yes, it’s busier. Yes, the prices spike and the forest fires are a real concern. But it’s also when the country comes alive – from small-town festas to long evenings where the sun just refuses to set. 

There’s still a lot to enjoy, if you’re happy to lean into the heat and the pace of it all.

The key is to plan ahead, go out early in the day, and choose spots that still feel a little off-track.

And if all else fails? Find a mountain, grab a bottle of wine, and a bit of shade. You’ll be just fine.