Why visit Portugal in September: The locals' secret

Nana Guerreiro
9 hours ago
4 min read

If you ask any Portuguese local — or any guide who knows the rhythms of the country — when the best time to visit Portugal is, don’t be surprised if they smile and say… September.

After the whirlwind of August, when most of Europe descends for the high season, Portugal in September exhales. The beaches are quieter. The sun is softer. The pace is just right.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or coming back for more, here’s why September might just be Portugal’s best-kept secret.

Perfect weather without the extreme heat

While July and August can be sizzling, especially inland, September brings mild, golden warmth.

Along the coast (Lisbon, Cascais, Algarve), temperatures hover between 24–29ºC (75–85ºF) during the day.
Evenings are cooler, ideal for strolling through old town streets or dining outdoors.

The sea, warmed by summer, is still swimmable, and you can enjoy the beaches without rushing for shade or fighting for a spot in the sand.

Fewer crowds, more space

August is when many locals take holidays, and big cities like Lisbon and Porto can feel overwhelmed with visitors. But by early September, things calm down:

Museums, monuments, and scenic spots are easier to enjoy.
Beach towns like Ericeira, Nazaré, or Lagos become more peaceful — but still full of life.
You’ll wait less in lines and feel more connected to the rhythm of everyday Portuguese life.

Harvest season begins

In September, Portugal's rural landscapes shift into harvest mode — especially in the Alentejo and Douro Valley.

Grapes are picked for wine-making.
Olive groves prepare for their turn.
Local markets fill with figs, late peaches, chestnuts, and pumpkins.

If you’re a wine lover, this is the time to visit family-run vineyards, stomp some grapes, or taste new vintages directly from the producers. The countryside is alive, golden, and generous.

Read more about the Harvest season HERE.

Authentic local festivals

While the big summer festas start winding down, September still holds on to some beautiful, more traditional festivals, including:

Feiras Novas in Ponte de Lima (Minho region) – colourful, musical, and deeply rooted in folklore (2nd weekend of September)
Nossa Senhora da Nazaré festivities – blending devotion with vibrant processions and seaside charm (30th August - 13th September)
Nossa Senhora da Saúde em Vila Fesca de Azeitão festivities (1st weekend of September)
Local harvest festivals – in villages from the Douro to the Algarve

These events offer a more authentic and less commercial experience than the high-summer tourist spectacles.

Stunning light for Photography

For photographers (and Instagram lovers), September light in Portugal is golden magic.

The sun sits a little lower in the sky. Mornings and late afternoons are drenched in soft amber tones. Cities like Lisbon and Porto glow, and rural Portugal becomes a warm patchwork of fields, villages, and vineyards.

Perfect for road trips & day tours

The roads are quieter, the heat manageable, and the landscapes vibrant. It's the perfect time for:

Exploring the Alentejo region
A road trip from Lisbon to Porto (with stops in Óbidos, Nazaré, and Coimbra)
A day tour to Sintra, where the morning mists meet fairytale palaces
Visiting river beaches and waterfalls without the August rush

And with a private guide (hello, I’m Peppe!), you’ll experience it all at your own pace — with no tourist traps, just local knowledge and good stories.

A Slower, richer way to travel

Most importantly, September in Portugal lets you slow down. You don’t have to rush between sights. You’ll have time to:

Sit outside with a glass of vinho verde
Wander through a quiet village
Share long, relaxed meals under a fig tree

It’s a time of balance — between summer and autumn, energy and calm, sun and shadow.

Ready to Discover Portugal in September?

Whether you want beaches, wine country, medieval towns, or city culture, September offers the best of everything — with fewer crowds and more heart.

Let me show you around, the local way.

Day tours from Lisbon

Sintra & Cascais Tour: Palaces, gardens, ocean views, and pastel de travesseiro? Say less. I’ll guide you through Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and we’ll end the day by the sea.
Fátima, Nazaré & Óbidos: Spiritual peace, monster waves, and medieval charm in one perfect day. You won't regret it.
Évora & the Cork Trees: History, wine, and a side of something unexpected.
Setúbal - Palmela: Wine, views, and the stunning Arrábida coastline — with dolphins if we’re lucky. It’s the kind of day that makes you fall in love with Portugal all over again.
Remember: I can also take you on a Lisbon half day tour — quick, fun, and packed with hidden gems only a local would know

With Portugal Journeys With Peppe, all you have to do is show up ready to smile, eat, explore, and maybe dance a little.

My Fleet

No matter your group size or travel style, I’ve got the wheels to match — from comfy SUVs to spacious minibuses and a full-size bus for the party people. Let’s ride in comfort and style!