May in Portugal starts to feel like summer, but without the scorching heat and crowds of visitors. However, don’t expect a deserted country, by now the visitors start to come in large numbers but you can still grab a deal or two. Plan for outdoor activities, day trips and checking out the sights.
Weather
May is the last month of spring in Portugal and the weather is quite warm by now. Actually, by the end of the month it’s possible to enjoy some sunbathing (if you are not brave enough to jump into the water, as well). It’s a good month to plan outdoor activities and of course, visiting the cities is a pleasure, as well.
Sample temperatures:
Faro avg 21C / avg low 13C
Lisbon avg high 21C / avg low 12C
Porto avg high 18C / avg low 10C
>>read more about Weather in Portugal
Flights and accommodation
May is not a high season month for traveling in Portugal but the country get a lot of visitors any time of the year. By May the number of visitors start to increase, so it is a good idea to book the airfare and accommodation ahead of time. Hostels can be excellent choices if you are on a low budget or if you plan to visit several cities and want to save some money.
There are many low cost carriers flying to Portugal but don’t just assume you can pick up a dirt cheap ticket anytime. Do a bit of research and sign up to their newsletters so that you know when there are sales that might interest you. Generally speaking though, 4 to 8 weeks before departure, you can grab a good deal.
What to do
In May, you can watch the Estoril Open , where world’s premier tennis players fight for supremacy.
Libson’s Book Fair is held in Eduardo VII Park and is an awesome chance to meet the authors and fellow readers. Of course, you might not leave without buying some books.
Many people come to Portugal with the idea of tasting Port wine and enjoying the wine trails. But aside from that, other things to do in Porto include sightseeing, visiting the museums and enjoying the local cuisine.
Lisbon is another wonderful visit to visit. Don’t miss visiting Belem , a historically important district in the capital. Some other things to do in Lisbon include visiting the museums, checking out the monuments, taking a ride on Tram 28 – the iconic tourist tram – and seeing the city from above. Of course the food and drink in Lisbon are to die for.
Plan a day trip to the town of Sintra with its Moorish castle , located a short drive from the capital of Lisbon. And while you are here, visit the Palacio da Pena as well, built on the site of an old monastery.