Today we are going to talk about Portugal climateBeing a place influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, it has a pleasant temperate climate. It's somewhat cooler and rainier in the north, but gradually becomes warmer and sunnier as you move south. In the far south, we have the Algarve, which has a dry and sunny microclimate.
In this article we are going to tell about all the characteristics and variables of the climate of Portugal.
Key features
One of the most striking things about a place is the difference in climate depending on whether you're in the north or the south. In the inland areas, near the border with Spain, it becomes the somewhat more continental climate. In the central and northern parts, there are several mountain ranges that modify the climate. The Serra da Estrela is ideal for skiing in winter, as temperatures drop to such an extent that it becomes covered in snow. Considering other climates, the mediterranean climate has certain similarities.
When we talk about the sun in Portugal's climate, we see that there is sun everywhere during the summer. During this season, Portugal is protected by the Azores high pressure. However, occasionally we encounter the tail end of an Atlantic disturbance that passes through the north and generates bad weather. During the rest of the year, there is no shortage of rain, as it is more frequent and abundant as we move north. For this reason, we see the northern part as very green, and it gradually becomes more arid as we move south.
The Algarve is the driest and warmest region in all of Portugal. Annual rainfall, which amounts to 1.450 mm in Braga and 1.100 mm in Porto, reaches about 900 mm in Coimbra, 700 mm in Lisbon, and drops to about 500 mm in the Algarve. The wettest season is winter. This is also related to the rains in the north.
Winter and summer in the climate of Portugal
Let's take a look at the characteristics of winter and summer in Portugal's climate. Winters are mild along the coast, even in the northern regions, with average temperatures in January ranging from 9.5°C in Porto to 11,5°C in Lisbon and 12°C in Faro. There are periods of good weather in winter, as the Azores high can reach the country during this season. However, we also encounter waves of bad weather, rain, and wind. The wind usually blows with great force from a squall, especially from the north area.
Portugal's position with respect to the ocean guarantees a good refuge from cold currents and night frosts. In fact, it is very rare that such cold currents exist. The record temperature on the coast is a few degrees below zero in the north and around zero in the south. In contrast, inland, the cold is somewhat more intense, as the climate is continental. There are hilly and mountainous areas where snow can occasionally fall.
In summer, we have sunny days everywhere, with mild or even cool weather on the northern coasts and warmer weather in the central and southern regions. In some places, average temperatures are 21 degrees, as is the case in Porto. in which we find the daily maximums of 25 degrees. In areas most exposed to ocean winds, it's usually cool, even in summer. The Algarve coast is more sheltered and has temperatures similar to those of Lisbon. The heat becomes more intense in inland areas, particularly in the central and southern regions, in the plains and valleys.
It is quite common for all of Portugal to be affected by heat waves from Africa. In some situations, we can find temperatures of up to 37 degrees on the coasts, while in inland areas it can exceed 40 degrees.
As for the intermediate zones, they are cooler in the north and temperate in the south. Here, precipitation is quite frequent, especially in the north, where it tends to be somewhat colder.
Differences in the climate of Portugal the north and south
We are going to see what are the differences in the climate of Portugal if we go to the northern part or the southern part.
The northern part has more frequent rainfall during the winter, while in summer it is rare and scarce. In the northernmost part of the coast, we have cool sea and even in summer. In some areas, temperatures can reach as high as 18 degrees Celsius (XNUMX degrees Fahrenheit) in July. In the northern inland areas, winters become colder, especially as we increase in altitude. The altitude increases as we move away from the ocean, to the point where snow can occur.
The northwestern part of the country is Bragança. It lies at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level and experiences somewhat more intense cold periods. Here, temperatures can reach as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Summers are warmer and sunnier, although the nights are cool. Occasionally, it can be quite hot here. Further south, northeast of Coimbra, we find mountain ranges culminating in peaks of 1.993 meters. Here temperatures can be around -15 / -20 degrees.
The central and southern climates have milder winters with disturbances from the Atlantic Ocean. These disturbances occur less frequently, and windy days are also less frequent. Summers are warmer, but not along the coast, where the ocean air is quite pleasant in summer.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the climate of Portugal and its characteristics.