Algarve
Intermediate
Best conditions around August 3
Atlantic Portugal — beaches, cliffs, dependable nortada winds.
Best time to sail
Best time to sail in Portugal
The best time to sail in Portugal is June to July, with peak conditions in June and July.
That verdict comes from 1991–2020 climate normals — wind, rain, sunshine, and air temperature — scored week by week for charter conditions across 3 sailing areas.
Sailing conditions in Portugal, month by month
Mean weekly values across our sailing areas in Portugal. The sail score weighs wind, rain, sun, and temperature — and discounts tropical-storm season where one applies.
Temperature (°C)
- Air
- Water
Wind (kn)
Rain (mm/day)
Sun (h/day)
| Month | Sail score | Wind (kn) | Rain (mm/day) | Sun (h/day) | Temp (°C) | Water (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | 12 | 2.9 | 12 | 11 | 18 |
| February | Fair | 11 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 17 |
| March | Fair | 11 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 17 |
| April | Fair | 11 | 1.5 | 12 | 13 | 18 |
| May | Fair | 9 | 1 | 12 | 14 | 19 |
| June * | Excellent | 9 | 0.5 | 12 | 17 | 20 |
| July * | Good | 9 | 0.4 | 12 | 19 | 21 |
| August * | Fair | 8 | 0.6 | 12 | 20 | 23 |
| September * | Fair | 8 | 1.1 | 12 | 19 | 22 |
| October * | Fair | 10 | 2 | 12 | 16 | 21 |
| November * | Fair | 11 | 3.1 | 12 | 13 | 20 |
| December | Fair | 11 | 2.6 | 12 | 12 | 19 |
Months marked * fall inside the tropical-storm season.
Tropical storm season: June to November
Parts of Portugal sit inside a tropical-cyclone basin. Monthly climate averages smooth over rare but severe storms, so the sail score discounts the weeks from June to November. Check cancellation terms, insurance, and your operator's storm policy before booking inside this window.
Sailing areas in Portugal
Every area below is scored individually in the interactive calendar; where we have an in-depth guide, it's linked.
Azores
Advanced
Best conditions around August 17
Mid-Atlantic volcanic islands; long passages, big weather windows.
Madeira
Advanced
Best conditions around August 24
Sub-tropical island base; trade-wind passages south.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to sail in Portugal?
June to July offers the most reliable conditions, with June and July scoring best for wind, rain, sunshine, and temperature in the 1991–2020 climate normals.
When is tropical storm season in Portugal?
From June to November. Climate averages hide rare but severe storms, so treat this window with care: check cancellation terms and weather routing before booking.
How warm is it in Portugal in June?
Around 17 °C air temperature on average in June, with about 12 hours of sun a day.
How warm is the water in Portugal in June?
Around 20 °C sea-surface temperature on average in June, based on 2023–2025 marine averages.