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Portugal in the Summer - just too hot to enjoy?

Portugal in the Summer - just too hot to enjoy?

Old Jun 7th, 2014, 03:01 AM
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Portugal in the Summer - just too hot to enjoy?

I have a chance to visit Portugal this summer; from the end of July through the first week in August. I have been to Italy and Greece in mid-summer and found that heat tolerable (maybe I just was lucky) but was wondering if Portugal is just too uncomfortable when lots of walking is involved. I am a teacher so this is the only time of year I can go. I am a senior but am in good shape. thanks for any opinions. Gailellen12
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Old Jun 7th, 2014, 05:31 AM
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What part of Portugal and for what purpose? The south and just hang around the beach? The north and primarily sightseeing? Or?

Have you checked you checked the weather site to see the average temps?
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Old Jun 7th, 2014, 05:35 AM
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I will be all over the country. North to South - I have checked out the temp. ranges but was just curious to hear from people who have visited in the summer on tours. thanks
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Old Jun 7th, 2014, 08:26 AM
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It should be beautiful along the entire coast, but it will be on the warm side if you travel inland, up the Douro River Valley to the Alto Douro and beyond, or to the Alentejo.

www.visitportugal.com/en
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Old Jun 7th, 2014, 08:35 AM
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I've been to the central part of Portugal once at the end of September/beginning of October. It was very very hot - average 85 degrees F. during the day. It did cool off comfortably in the evenings, because it was mostly dry, and the early mornings were bliss. I booked the trip based on a 20 year average which indicated temps of low to mid 70s. Not true.

Portugal is very hilly (the part I was in) and walking up those hills will increase body temperature. The northern part and along the coast will be cooler.

If you can handle Italy in the summer then you will be OK in Portugal. I hate heat; 65 degrees is my favorite temp so I suffered in the hot afternoons, particularly in Lisbon.
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Old Jun 7th, 2014, 12:35 PM
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Twice when we visited Portugal, we have been four times, it was in August.
Each of those visits were for two weeks one week of each was spent along the coast.
I have to say that it was very pleasant on the Silver Coast North of Lisbon both times.
BUT in Lisbon it was very hot even though it is close to the water.
If you go inland I would say you must be sure the accommodations have A/C.
Frankly, although we loved the area, I would skip most of the Alentejo altogether. Although there are some areas of the Alentejo near water.

I must say that you may be one that tolerates high temperatures. Sadly, I am not one of those people.

It would not deter me from visiting, however. As you see we chose to go during a really hot time anyway because that is the only time we could go.
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Old Jun 8th, 2014, 11:27 AM
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Thanks for all the thoughts. As summer is the only time I can go I think I will just go ahead. I will be inland for a few days so I will prepare myself for the hotter temps. In the northeast where I live we do often get in the 90's so I have experienced that before. I will be in Ireland for a week prior to Portugal so the hotter weather maybe welcome, just in case I get lots of rain and chilly temps while in the Emerald Isle! - in any case, it will definitely be a trip of contrasts. Gail
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