Alright, so someone was asking me the other day about what the weather’s really like in Portugal in May. Not the glossy brochure stuff, you know? But the actual, on-the-ground reality. And it got me thinking back to when I went. It’s funny how your memory plays tricks, but some things stick.
My Grand Plan and What I Packed
I remember doing my “research.” You know, a quick Google search, maybe checked a couple of those generic travel sites. They all paint this picture of perfect spring weather. “Pleasantly warm,” “lots of sunshine,” “ideal for sightseeing.” Sounded great. So, I packed based on that. Lots of t-shirts, a pair of shorts, maybe a light sweater or two. Threw in a thin jacket, more like a windbreaker, thinking I was being super prepared. Famous last words, right?
I figured, hey, it’s Southern Europe in May, it’s practically summer. How bad could it be? I was picturing myself strolling around in a t-shirt from dawn till dusk.
The Reality Check: Lisbon and Beyond
So, I land in Lisbon. First couple of days? Pretty much as advertised. Sunny, warm during the day. Walking around Alfama, climbing up to São Jorge Castle, it was lovely. I was feeling pretty smug about my packing choices. But then the evenings hit. And let me tell you, that Atlantic breeze isn’t messing around. Once the sun dipped, it got surprisingly chilly. That “thin jacket”? Yeah, it was on every single night. And sometimes, I wished it was a bit thicker.
Then I decided to head up north, towards Porto. And that was a whole different ball game. It wasn’t freezing, but it was definitely cooler than Lisbon. We had a few overcast days. One afternoon, it properly rained. Not just a drizzle, but enough to make you want to duck into a café for an hour or two. My light sweater got a lot of use up there. Suddenly, those t-shirts felt a bit optimistic.
Later in the trip, I went down to the Algarve. Now, that was more like the brochure. Sunny, properly warm. Beach weather, almost. You could see why people flock there. But even then, the sea was still pretty bracing in May. Not exactly bathwater, if you know what I mean. Some brave souls were in, but I mostly paddled.
What I Actually Learned (The Hard Way)
So, what’s the deal with Portugal in May? It’s a bit of everything, really. It’s not one consistent climate across the whole country. Think layers. That’s the key. You absolutely need layers.
- Sunshine? Yes, plenty of it, especially in the south and Lisbon during the day.
- Warm? Generally, yes. Comfortable for walking around.
- Cool evenings? You bet. Especially in Lisbon with the wind, or further north.
- Rain? Possible. More likely in the north, but don’t rule it out anywhere.
I saw so many tourists shivering in the evenings in Lisbon, clearly caught out like I almost was. They probably read the same generic stuff I did.
If I were to do it again, I’d still pack the t-shirts, but I’d swap that flimsy windbreaker for a proper fleece or a more substantial light jacket. And a compact umbrella? Yeah, that’s going in the bag next time, no questions asked, especially if Porto is on the itinerary. It’s not about being pessimistic; it’s about being realistic. The weather can change pretty quick.
So yeah, May is a good time to go. It’s beautiful, things are green, and it’s not scorching hot like mid-summer. But don’t expect wall-to-wall sunshine and tropical heat everywhere. Go prepared, pack smart, and you’ll have a much better time. That’s my experience, anyway. Take it or leave it.
