Nazaré, on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. The town is famous for its abundant sunshine, fresh sea breezes, and dramatic seasonal changes. With long summer days, lively beaches, and big winter waves, Nazaré is a year-round destination for surfers, beachgoers, and explorers.
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.
Nazaré’s climate is shaped by its Atlantic location, resulting in four distinct seasons and moderate temperature swings. Summers (June–September) are warm, dry, and sunny, with average highs of 23–26°C and lows of 15–17°C. July and August are the hottest and driest months, with daytime temperatures occasionally exceeding 30°C and rainfall dropping to just 5–12 mm over 2–4 days per month. The sea warms to 18–19°C, making swimming and water sports popular. Sunshine is abundant, with up to 13–14 hours of daylight and 9–12 hours of sunshine per day. Humidity is moderate (60–75%), and gentle breezes from the Atlantic keep the air fresh, especially in the afternoons.
Winters (December–February) are cool, wetter, and windier, with highs of 13–15°C and lows of 8–10°C. January is the coldest month, and nighttime temperatures can drop to 7–8°C. Rain is frequent, with December and January being the wettest months (up to 110–130 mm over 10–13 days). Winter brings the famous giant waves to Praia do Norte, attracting surfers from around the world. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with mild to warm temperatures (16–22°C), moderate rainfall, and lush landscapes. Winds are generally light to moderate (10–20 km/h), but can be brisk during storms, especially in winter and early spring. Nazaré receives 700–1000 mm of precipitation annually and enjoys 2,500–2,800 hours of sunshine per year, supporting vibrant local life and lush gardens.
| Average climate data for Nazaré, Portugal | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 14 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 16 | 14 | 26 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 45 | 34 | 38 | 43 | 24 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 44 | 67 | 47 | 374 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 12 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 104 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 80 | 77 | 75 | 77 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 70 | 69 | 71 | 78 | 77 | 74 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 15 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 17 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 46 | 42 | 41 | 42 | 32 | 30 | 28 | 25 | 24 | 36 | 44 | 41 | 36 |
| Average UV index | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
The best time to visit Nazaré is from May to October, when temperatures are warm (20–26°C), rainfall is low, and the sea is ideal for swimming. These months offer sunny weather, lively beaches, and a vibrant local scene – perfect for relaxation and adventure. May, June, and September are especially pleasant for fewer crowds and comfortable conditions.
The least favourable time to visit is from November to February, when temperatures are coolest, days are shortest, and rainfall is most frequent. While winters are mild compared to much of Europe and famous for giant waves, occasional rain and brisk winds can limit beach and outdoor activities, though the town remains peaceful and authentic.
Nazaré has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Rain falls mainly from November to March, while summers are sunny and ideal for beaches. Winters are mild and quieter, with big waves for surfers.
The best time to visit Nazaré is from May to October, when the weather is warm, rainfall is low, and the sea is perfect for swimming. May, June, and September offer great conditions with fewer crowds.
Rainfall is moderate, with the wettest months in November, December, and January. Summers are very dry, with almost no rain from June to August. Annual precipitation averages 700–1000 mm, mostly in winter.
Summer highs in Nazaré typically reach 23–26°C, with July and August being the hottest months. Heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures above 30°C, but sea breezes help temper the heat.
Yes, the Atlantic is warmest from July to September, reaching 18–19°C. Swimming is comfortable from June to October, though the water is cooler than in the Mediterranean.
In summer, bring light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and a hat. For spring and autumn, pack layers and a light rain jacket. Winters require a jumper and rain gear for cooler, wetter days.
Big wave season in Nazaré runs from October to March, with the largest swells and surfing events typically in winter. This is the best time for wave watching and surf competitions, but the weather is cooler and wetter.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (26.3 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (13.7 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 19.7 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (16.2 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (7.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 12.1 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is September (19.3 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (14.4 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 17.1 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (66.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is August (3 mm). Over the whole year there are 373.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is November (13.4 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (2.3 days). Over the whole year there are 103.7 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (79.6 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is September (69.1 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 74.4 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is February (15.9 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is September (11.9 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 14.1 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is January (46.5 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is September (24 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 35.9 %.
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 June (Average sunshine: 10.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 4.1 h). Over the whole year there are 7.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is August (UV index: 6). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.2.
