Weather in Portugal in February

February climate overview

Daytime highs across Portugal in February run from 13.9°C (Porto) to 16.7°C (Madeira). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Portugal in February. Nights average 9.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Porto fall to 3°C or below.

Rainfall in February

Expect around 7 rainy days (1 mm or more) in February, with Faro the driest (6 days) and Porto the wettest (9 days). The wettest February at Madeira between 1991 and 2020 was 2010 with 235 mm; the driest was 2000 with 6 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 15.3°C around Portugal in February - warmest at Madeira (18.1°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.4 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 10.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

February against the rest of the year in Portugal

February is the 11th warmest month of the twelve in Portugal. It is 0.6°C warmer than January and 1.9°C warmer in March. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest January (15°C).

Which part of Portugal in February?

• Most sunshine: Faro, 6.2 h a day.
• Driest: Faro, about 6 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Madeira, 18°C.
• Hottest: Madeira, 17°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Porto, 14°C.

What to pack for Portugal in February

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 16°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 10°C; a light waterproof for the odd shower.

Similar weather elsewhere in February

Within 1.5°C of Portugal's February daytime average: Seville (17°C), La Palma (17°C, sea 19°C), Costa de la Luz (17°C, sea 15°C), Las Vegas (16°C), Valencia (16°C, sea 13°C). See the full ranking for February.

Where to go: Madeira for warmth, the Algarve for less rain

Madeira has the strongest case if warmth is your priority, with Funchal sharing its averages of 17°C by day and 13°C at night. The catch is rain: Madeira averages 8 rainy days, compared with 6 across the Algarve destinations listed. Albufeira, Ferragudo, Alvor and Carvoeiro all reach 16°C, so there is little temperature reason to favour any of them. Vilamoura, Quarteira and Vale do Lobo have slightly milder nights at 10°C rather than 9°C, though you will still want a jacket. Porto is the coolest option at 14°C by day. For a weather-led choice, favour Madeira for milder evenings or the Algarve if fewer rainy days matter more.

What to expect from your days and evenings

Plan for mild afternoons, cool evenings and some weather interruptions. Portugal averages 5.4 hours of sunshine and 7 rainy days in February, which supports outdoor plans but not a promise of clear skies throughout your stay. Keep your schedule flexible enough to move longer walks into brighter spells, and pack a waterproof jacket alongside light layers. Average daytime temperatures make walking a better fit than lying out in swimwear; even Madeira records 0% of days above 25°C in the figures given. Once temperatures fall towards the night-time averages, a jumper and long trousers make more sense than summer clothing. This month suits travellers who are happy to adapt their plans rather than rely on beach weather.