Portugal is one of the hottest and most popular travel destinations in Europe. This is the prime reason why new and seasoned tourists return year after year in droves. With the onset of the month of May, the country experiences plenty of sunshine and temperatures increase as well. This makes it a fantastic period to explore the country’s various treats like – beaches, vineyards, mountains, and so on. If you are reading this article then chances are that you are already packing your bags for your dream trip to Portugal in May. In such a case, we suggest you read on for information pertinent to your upcoming travels. We have discussed below – weather, places and points of interest, packing tips, places to stay, and FAQs. Let’s dive in!

Weather in Portugal in May

Let’s start off with Portugal’s climate in May. The country has a lovely climate as the peak summer months are fast approaching. In layman’s terms, it means that the country receives plenty of sunshine. The capital Lisbon is a good indicator of what the weather is like in the rest of the country. The average high is recorded at 22 degrees Celsius in the month of May. This ideally means that you can get away with lightweight clothing. However, we suggest that you bring some warmer clothes as temperatures can fall as low as 13 degrees Celsius during the night.

Temperatures over the sea are recorded roughly at 17 degrees Celsius with low humidity to complement this temperature. Let’s discuss rainfall now – there are recorded rainfall of about 39 mm in total over a total of 8 rainy days. In contrast, tourists can expect 14-hour-long daylight with approximately 9 hours of sunshine every day. As you may have already guessed, this translates to high UV levels so don’t forget your sunblock! The sun sets just before 08:30 PM at the start of the month, with slow progression as the days pass.

Portugal Tour Package @ ₹75,379*

Explore Hidden Cave Beaches of Algarve. Visit Belém Tower. Spend some time at Braga Cathedral. Discover Jerónimos Monastery. Savour Delicious Egg Tarts. Go Canoeing in Furnas Lake.

View Portugal Packages

Things to Do in Portugal in May

Following make for some of the best things that tourists can enjoy in Portugal in May:

The weather is warm but not overly hot, this makes it a good time to head for hikes in some of the national parks in the country like – Serra da Estrela. This is where some of the country’s highest peaks tower over meadows, lakes, and farmsteads.
Alternatively, tourists can also opt for serene pine forests and granite boulder peppered mountains at Peneda Gerês National Park up north.
If you fancy yourself a beach baby, then the west coast is the place for you. Head to landmarks like Peniche and Ericeira.
Head to Algarve for some perfect beach days or coastal hikes.

What to Pack for Portugal in May

Following are some good recommendations to pack for your travels to Portugal in May:

Hats
Umbrella
Water Bottle with built-in filtration system
Power bank for charging
Crossbody bag
Anti-theft purse

What to Wear in Portugal in May

Refer to the suggestions below if you are looking for sensible fashion advice for your trip to Portugal in May:

Cardigan / Light jacket
Day Dresses
Casual Jeans
Tank tops
Pashmina

Best Tips for Visiting Portugal in May

Following are some noteworthy facts to keep in mind for your trip to Portugal in May:

May is the perfect time to enjoy some massive savings while travelling and exploring Portugal. May marks a time when all properties open shop after a relatively quiet winter and winter break period. In order to drum up business, these establishments offer mouth-watering deals to attract customers. The same is true for airfares as well. So, make the most of your travel and enjoy some spectacular deals.
While crowds generally start to increase as the month progresses, if you time your trip well then you can still enjoy a laid-back experience while you go about exploring all that this lovely country has to offer.
Owing to the favourable weather conditions, physical strain isn’t as taxing. So, don’t shy away from exploring quaint towns via walking tours and hiking through some gorgeous coastal trails.

Where to Stay in Portugal in May

The following hotels make for some good options to stay at during your trip to Portugal in May:

Oporto City View São Lazaro:

This accommodation option is located in the central region of Porto. It features a bar and a restaurant. Other upsides to residing at this establishment include close proximity to transport with the train station being only 200 metres away. Some of the attractions nearby include Clérgio Tower (5-minute walk ) and Aliados Avenue (3-minute walk ).

MYRIAD by SANA Hotels:

This fantastic hotel features an indoor pool and spa. It is also located close to the Lisbon airport. Some noteworthy amenities that can be enjoyed are buffet breakfast service that is included with your stay along with access to a coffee maker and a minibar.

Luna Alvor Village:

This establishment is a apartment-cum-hotel; hence an aparthotel! Each flat includes worldly comforts like a kitchenette, wifi, AC, and so forth. In addition to that, residents can also enjoy 2 swimming pools. It is worth noting that both Alvor Beach and Alvor Natural Reserve are located close by.

Festivals in Portugal in May

Following are some noteworthy festivals that are celebrated in Portugal in May:

Queima das Fitas: The medieval town of Coimbra comes to life in the first week of May. The reason? Celebration of the end of the academic year by the students. This town is home to the country’s oldest university and henceforth, students make up a large chunk of the population here. The town buzzes to life with concerts, parades, and just merrymaking in general.
Festa do Mar: Held at the first weekend of May, this festival is an ode to the seas. The west coast town of Nazaré is filled with decorated boats, floats, and so on owing to the celebrations. We suggest tourists attend the parties here as these are a feast of local foods and drinks.
Serralves em Festa: The last weekend of May sees Porto hosting its biggest contemporary art festivals. There are plenty of exhibitions, theatres, and concerts throughout the cities.

FAQs about Portugal in May

Q1 – What is the UV index reading in Lisbon in the month of May?

A1 – Lisbon has an average daily maximum UV index of 8. This value signifies a significantly high health threat from unsafe exposure to the UV rays from the sun.

Q2 – Is it recommended to carry a passport on your person at all times during your trip to Portugal in May?

A2 – No, it is not recommended for anyone to carry a passport at all times during a trip to Portugal in May. If a situation arises where the authorities require ID proof, then a copy of your passport along with your driver’s license should suffice.

So, have you packed your bags already? Then book Portugal trip packages ASAP from Pickyourtrail at great prices. Not only choosing from pre-packaged travel options you can even customise your Portugal itinerary on your own. Get ready to explore this extraordinary destination with the people you love and make some of the best memories ever!