Weather in Portugal in September

September climate overview

Daytime highs across Portugal in September run from 23.9°C (Porto) to 27.9°C (Albufeira). In Albufeira about 79% of September days reach 25°C. Nights average 18.3°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Porto fall to 13°C or below.

Rainfall in September

Expect around 5 rainy days (1 mm or more) in September, with Faro the driest (3 days) and Madeira the wettest (8 days). The wettest September at Albufeira between 1991 and 2020 was 2008 with 94 mm; the driest was 2017 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 20.8°C around Portugal in September - warmest at Madeira (23.7°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 12.2 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

September against the rest of the year in Portugal

September is the 3rd warmest month of the twelve in Portugal. It is 2.5°C cooler than August and 3.5°C cooler in October. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest January (15°C).

Which part of Portugal in September?

• Most sunshine: Faro, 8.9 h a day.
• Driest: Faro, about 3 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Madeira, 24°C.
• Hottest: Albufeira, 28°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Porto, 24°C.

What to pack for Portugal in September

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 21°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in September

Within 1.5°C of Portugal's September daytime average: Valencia (27°C, sea 25°C), Gran Canaria (27°C, sea 23°C), Sal (27°C, sea 27°C), Rhodes (27°C, sea 26°C), Bali (27°C, sea 26°C). See the full ranking for September.

Where to go for warmer weather

For the warmest option, choose Albufeira: its average daytime temperature of 28°C makes it a better fit for travellers prioritising beach weather than those who dislike midday heat. Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and Alvor sit close behind at 27°C, so you need not focus solely on the hottest destination. Vilamoura, Quarteira and Vale do Lobo average 26°C, still comfortably warm for light clothing during the day. Lisbon averages 25°C and Porto 24°C, making them alternatives if you prefer milder afternoons. Faro also averages 24°C, so choosing the Algarve does not automatically mean choosing the highest temperatures.

Expect useful sunshine, but leave room for rain

September's country average of 7.9 hours of sunshine gives you a good basis for planning time outdoors, though it does not promise clear skies throughout your stay. There are 5 rainy days on average nationally, compared with 4 in Lisbon and across the listed Algarve destinations apart from Faro, which has 3. The practical approach is to keep outdoor plans flexible rather than assume every day will be dry. Pack sun protection alongside a light waterproof layer. In warmer places such as Albufeira, put more demanding walks in the morning and leave yourself the option of shade around midday.

Swimming and evenings: the main catches

The air is warmer than the water, so choose with your swimming preferences in mind. Albufeira, Faro, Vilamoura, Quarteira and Vale do Lobo have average sea temperatures of 21°C; Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and Alvor average 20°C. That makes swimming a reasonable plan for people comfortable with cool water, but less appealing if you want to linger without feeling chilled. Lisbon's sea average is lower at 19°C, despite its warm afternoons. For evenings, most listed destinations average 18°C, while Faro averages 19°C. Bring a light jumper or an extra layer for sitting outside rather than packing only for daytime warmth.