Cascais, located on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The town is known for its abundant sunshine, refreshing coastal breezes, and moderate year-round temperatures, making it a popular destination for beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travellers seeking pleasant weather throughout most of the year.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Cascais features a classic Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Average daytime temperatures range from 14–15°C in the coldest winter months (January and February) to 26–29°C during the peak of summer (July and August). Night temperatures rarely fall below 8°C in winter, while summer nights remain comfortably mild around 17–19°C. The Atlantic Ocean tempers extremes, ensuring the area avoids both severe heat and frost.
Rainfall is concentrated in the cooler months, with November to February being the wettest period – monthly rainfall can exceed 100 mm, and rainy days average 13–15 per month. In contrast, summer is notably dry, with July and August typically seeing only 1–2 rainy days and as little as 7–8 mm of precipitation. Snowfall is virtually unknown. Sunshine is abundant, with daily averages of 10–11 hours in summer and 5–6 hours in winter. The prevailing northwesterly 'Nortada' wind brings a refreshing breeze, especially in summer, with wind speeds often reaching 20–30 km/h. Sea temperatures peak at 19–20°C in late summer, making coastal activities inviting. Overall, Cascais offers a climate well-suited for outdoor pursuits, from beach days to hiking, nearly year-round.
| Average climate data for Cascais, Portugal | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 15 | 27 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 122 | 121 | 79 | 69 | 46 | 26 | 7 | 8 | 31 | 89 | 122 | 122 | 843 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 116 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 18 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
The best time to visit Cascais is from late May to September, when the weather is reliably warm, dry, and sunny – ideal for beach activities, swimming, and outdoor adventures. During this period, sea temperatures are at their highest, rainfall is minimal, and long daylight hours allow for extended exploration and relaxation along the coast.
The least favourable time to visit Cascais is from November to February, when the weather is cooler, wetter, and windier. While temperatures remain mild compared to much of Europe, frequent rain and reduced sunshine can limit outdoor activities and beach enjoyment. However, this period offers quieter streets and lower accommodation prices.
Cascais has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Temperatures rarely drop below 8°C in winter or exceed 29°C in summer, and the town enjoys abundant sunshine most of the year.
The best months for beach holidays in Cascais are June to September, when daytime temperatures are warm (24–29°C), rainfall is minimal, and the sea is at its warmest, making swimming and sunbathing ideal.
Rainfall in Cascais is moderate overall, but most of it occurs from November to February. The summer months are very dry, with July and August seeing only a few millimetres of rain and very few rainy days.
Cascais experiences moderate to strong coastal breezes, especially in summer, due to the prevailing northwesterly 'Nortada' wind. Wind speeds often reach 20–30 km/h, making the area popular for wind and water sports.
Winters in Cascais are mild compared to much of Europe. Daytime temperatures typically range from 14–16°C, with nights rarely dropping below 8°C. Snow is extremely rare, and sunny spells are common even in winter.
Pack light, breathable clothing for summer, along with a hat and sun cream. In spring and autumn, bring layers for cooler evenings and a light rain jacket. In winter, a windproof jacket and warmer layers are recommended for the cooler, wetter weather.
Yes, Cascais is great for outdoor activities most of the year. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and sightseeing, while summer is perfect for beach and water sports. Winter is less suitable for swimming but still good for exploring with fewer tourists.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (27 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (13.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 20.1 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is September (17.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (8 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 12.6 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is September (19.8 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (15 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 17.6 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (122.4 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is July (7 mm). Over the whole year there are 842.8 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (15.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (1.9 days). Over the whole year there are 116.1 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 11.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is February (Average sunshine: 4.9 h). Over the whole year there are 7.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 9). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.4.
