Portugal in September: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

September is a wonderful time to visit Portugal as the weather is still warm, yet comfortable. City streets and iconic sites are easy to explore without the rush of tourists and long lines. With the start of festivals and the beginning of the harvest season, you will have an array of activities to choose from.

September is an excellent time to explore Portugal’s national parks, such as the Arrabida Natural Park near Lisbon and the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north. The good weather makes discovering beautiful trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife an exciting adventure. Turning to the ocean, surfing season kicks off in September, with beaches in Ericeira and Peniche renowned for their waves. Water temperatures are around 70°F, making conditions ideal for watersports and swimming.

As summer turns to fall, clear skies and longer nights in September make it an ideal time to enjoy stargazing. Experience the way stars, planets, and constellations light up the night in the  Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Exceptional dark skies make it ideal for observing these.

The weather in September is generally warm, with low humidity and clear skies day and night. The average temperature ranges from around 77°F in the northern city of Porto to a high of 79°F in the capital, Lisbon, and 81°F is the average along the beaches of the Algarve.

Evenings are comfortable, with lows ranging from around 59°F to 70°F, so taking an evening stroll or enjoying an outdoor meal is still enjoyable. Rainfall is minimal, so sunny days are on the charts. With mostly dry conditions expected during September, exploring the key sites and cities of Portugal in comfortable conditions is a pleasure.

Lisbon • Best Place for Sightseeing

Discover the historical landmarks and charming neighborhoods of Lisbon when you visit Portugal in September. Start your exploration with a ride on the iconic vintage Tram 28 and travel through the historic neighborhoods of Graça and Baixa, with scenic views over Lisbon’s architecture.

Enjoy fewer crowds and shorter lines when visiting the Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, both essential visits when spending time in Lisbon. With the pleasant September weather, you can spend quite some time admiring the Manueline architecture of Belém Tower and the intricate designs in Jeronimos Monastery.

The mild weather is ideal for wandering the São Jorge Castle, taking in its ancient walls and beautiful gardens. Once back on lower ground, wander the charming alleys of the famous Alfama district. The quiet season is perfect for enjoying an evening of authentic fado music.

Algarve • Best Place for Great Weather

September boasts warm and comfortable weather, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 75°F to 84°F, significantly cooler than the peak summer month. This makes it the ideal month to enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time lazing on beaches such as Praia da Rocha and Albufeira. Swimming and water sports are a pleasure in water temperatures averaging around 70°F.

Exploring the Algarve’s stunning landscapes including scenic coastal trails and natural parks, as well as embarking on adventures such as dolphin and bird watching, can be thoroughly enjoyed during the mild September weather.

With fewer crowds in charming and quaint towns and villages in the Algarve, you can explore key attractions and enjoy authentic cuisine in a more relaxed manner. Wander the cobbled lanes in Alte, admire the medieval architecture in Silves, and take advantage of the warm weather to enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Gilão River in Tavira.

Porto • Best Place for Families with Children

Discover the intriguing ins and outs of Porto when you embark on your family visit in September. Take a stroll along the treetop walkway through the gardens of contemporary art when visiting the Serralves Foundation, the views of the park and flora enchanting.

You and your family can enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Douro River, a fun outing as you pass Porto’s iconic bridges and picturesque waterfront. Back on dry land, you can pay a visit to the Puppet Museum, an interactive experience that invites children to engage with puppetry through exhibitions and workshops.

For active families, the Clérigos Tower offers a fun challenge for older children with a climb to the top of 225 steps. Magnificent views over the city are the reward for your efforts, a chance to spot your next must-see location, perhaps a ride on the Teleferico de Gaia cable car, a quick five-minute adventure over the rooftops of Vila Nova da Gaia.

Sintra • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

A short distance from Lisbon, Sintra is known for its romantic palaces and lush gardens, quaint cafés and gourmet cuisine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a blend of Moorish and Gothic architectural influences.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Pena Palace, taking in captivating views from its colorful turrets. Walk the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, which is filled with secret tunnels, mystical wells, and lush greenery.

A visit to Sintra is not complete without indulging in its culinary delights, including local pastries like queijadas and travesseiros. After lunch, take a stroll through the quaint streets to enjoy the stunning landscape and absorb the romantic atmosphere. Visiting Sintra in the cooler September weather makes exploring this enchanting town even more enjoyable.

Serra da Estrela Region • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Step away from the bustling streets of Lisbon, riverbanks of Porto, and castles of Óbidos to discover the lesser-known wonders of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and surrounding regions. The cooling temperatures of fall make conditions ideal for hiking or mountain biking, perhaps a horse ride among the autumn foliage.

The region is rich in history and culture, with traditional villages and local crafts and products originating from this region. The Zêzere Valley is a scenic route that showcases beautiful landscapes formed by glacial activity and restored villages such as Piódão, known for its schist stone architecture.

Spend time away from crowds in a quiet and beautiful part of Portugal that offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural heritage, making it a significant destination in Portugal.

Attend the Feiras Novas in Ponte de Lima

Celebrate with locals in Ponte de Lima when you attend the Feiras Novas, a culturally significant event that has been celebrated since 1826. The festival takes place on the second weekend of September and runs for six days. Concerts featuring traditional Portuguese music, folk dancing, and singing contests are part of the key events and activities. Experience the arts and craft doll processions and fireworks displays, and sample the wide range of local food and drink on offer. The Feiras Novas transforms Ponte de Lima into a lively celebration of Portuguese culture, offering visitors a blend of religious tradition, cultural heritage, and a festive atmosphere.

Tantalize Your Taste Buds at the Chefs on Fire in Estoril

Chefs on Fire has become a significant event on Portugal's culinary calendar, offering a mix of high-quality gastronomy, music, and sustainable practices in a picturesque setting. The festival takes place on the third weekend of September and focuses on open-fire cooking, challenging top chefs to prepare dishes exclusively using fire, smoke, and firewood around a 968-square-foot fire pit. The event aims to create an intimate, community-focused experience inspired by the idea of cooking with friends around a campfire. Each day attendees can experience 15 culinary offerings and 10 beverage options, with live music performances by Portuguese artists. Renowned chefs, including several Michelin-starred chefs from Portugal and abroad, showcase their culinary skills right before your eyes.

Listen to Fado Music at the Santa Casa Alfama Festival in Lisbon

Taking place around late September and held over two days, the Santa Casa Alfama Festival stands out as a premier event for experiencing the rich tradition of fado music in its most authentic setting, providing a deep dive into an essential aspect of Portuguese cultural heritage. The Alfama neighborhood is a popular and charming part of Lisbon that transforms into a musical venue with multiple stages. The event features Portuguese guitars and the emotive voices of fado singers performing in diverse settings, including traditional fado houses, intimate squares, and charming cafés. Visitors can enjoy soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and passionate performances that define fado.

From the bustling, tiled sidewalks of Lisbon to the quaint villages of Sintra and Cascais, the brilliant beaches of the Algarve, and the Douro River banks in Porto, visiting Portugal in September invites you to explore less-crowded sites in warm weather. Find your ideal escape among mountain ranges or idyllic beaches and gain a rich understanding of Portugal’s history by attending cultural, music, and wine festivals.

For more ideas for your travel plans to Portugal in September, find inspiration with our Portugal tours or consider the options of where to go, when to visit, and more with our European travel guide.