Does it snow in Portugal?

Does it snow in Portugal? Not everyone knows, but yes, it does! The country is known for its sunny climate.

However, you can find beautiful snowy landscapes and even ski resorts in the mountainous regions. 

If you want to learn about this popular country during winter and its snow-capped areas, this post is for you.

In this post, we explain when and where it snows in Portugal and the best things to do in winter! 

Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula and has a predominantly Mediterranean climate.

This offers warm summers and mild winters over much of the country. However, only the mountainous regions of Portugal have the climatic conditions necessary for snowfall.

Where does it snow in Portugal?

Those who wish to see snow in Portugal should remember that urban centers are not the best destinations.

After all, the chances of finding snow in Lisbon or the Algarve, for example, are very small.

When visiting these places during winter, you may encounter low temperatures, heavy rain, and the occasional hailstorm.

However, the cold weather is not enough to make it snow.

In Portugal, snow occurs only in mountainous regions such as Serra da Estrela, which is considered the “snow capital” of the country.

There, you can venture to the nation’s only ski resort and make your winter vacation even more unforgettable!

1. Serra da Estrela

Serra da Estrela is a must-see destination for those who want to see snow in Portugal.

Besides the snow, the mountain range has stunning landscapes and several attractions.

The region receives tourists all year round, but it’s most popular during the winter months. After all, it is the main winter destination in the country.

The Serra da Estrela is one of the highest mountains in Portugal.

At 1,993 meters high, it’s no surprise that temperatures reach such low levels. There is even a ski resort on the mountain that opens during winter. 

👉🏽 Where to stay to visit Serra da Estrela

There are a few base towns in the region. These cities and villages are on the outskirts of the mountains and are ideal bases to explore Serra da Estrela, Covilhã being the main one. 

These destinations make great bases since they are very close to the mountain.

However, big cities such as Lisbon, about 280 km from the region, and Porto, which is 250 km away are too far away.

👉🏽 How to get to Serra da Estrela

The best way to travel to Serra da Estrela is to rent a car. 

With this, you gain practicality and autonomy. Although public transportation to the mountain is available, it is very limited.

👉🏽 What else can you do in Serra da Estrela?

Serra da Estrela is not only about snow. Tourists are also attracted by the natural beauty and grandiose geographical formations.

The cultural and historical richness of the region also draws in travelers from far and wide.

In the Castelo Branco district, Serra da Estrela is the coldest place in Portugal. Its highest point, Torre, is 1,993 meters above sea level.

This means that you can be confident that you will see snow if you visit the region during winter.

Loriga, Manteigas, Vale do Rossim, Penhas Douradas, Gouveia, and Covilhã are other spots near Serra where snow may fall heavily. 

2. Parque Natural de Montesinho

The Park of Montesinho is located in the northeastern region of Portugal, near the border of Spain.

Due to the area’s high altitude, snowfall is quite common.

Although this does vary year on year, it’s an area of natural preservation where the flora and fauna are kept almost untouched.

Besides the snow, visiting the park is worthwhile for the great historical, cultural, natural, and gastronomic value of the region. 

The Village of Montesinho in Bragança is at an altitude of over a thousand meters.

It’s popular amongst tourists looking for adventure, beautiful nature, and snow in winter. 

In the village, tourists can rent traditional houses and spend a few days exploring Montesinho’s geological wealth.

It’s a great place to delve deep into the local region’s culture.  

You can do this with a stroll through the Church of Montesinho.

Visiting the Interpretative Center of Montesinho and the Museum installed in a Transmontana house are also activities worth considering.

3. Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês

This is another region where it is possible to see snow in Portugal.

Also located near the border of Spain, Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, has high altitudes needed for snowfall. 

Located 90 km from Porto and 414 km from Lisbon, the park is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and being surrounded by nature.

In Peneda-Gerês, negative temperatures can be found north of the Park.

Already in the municipality of Montalegre, temperatures reach around minus 8 °C.

This Park covers areas of Minho and Trás-os-Montes and usually has snow between the months of December and February. 

If you want the chance to see more snow in the region also pass through Soajo, Pitões das Júnias, Lindoso, or Castro Laboreiro.

4. Serra do Marão

In northern Portugal, Serra do Marão is the sixth-highest mountain range in the country.

As such, you are likely to find snow there in the winter.

The mountain range can be found around 88 km from Porto and 390 km from Lisbon.

The Marão mountain range is extensive and includes the Alvão Natural Park, one of the largest and most important conservation areas in Portugal.

Nature lovers will certainly enjoy getting to know the region!

With 1,416 meters of altitude and 681 meters of topographic prominence, the Serra do Marão is located between the Douro Litoral and the Alto Douro.

5. Serra do Açor

Serra do Açor is between Serra da Estrela and Serra do Lousã in central Portugal.

In this region, it is also possible to see snow in winter.

At the highest point of Serra do Açor, the Cebola peak, the altitude reaches 1,418 meters. This means there are great chances of snowfall.

The region has beautiful trails, waterfalls, and river beaches. Due to this, the Serra do Açor is a delightful destination for adventurous travelers all year round.

Serra do Açor makes up the Cordillera Central mountain range, of which Serra da Lousã and Serra da Estrela are also part.

Pico de Cebola, which reaches a total of 1,418 meters, is its highest point.

Monte do Colarinho (1,242 meters), Alto de São Pedro (1,341 meters), in Alto Ceira, and Cabeço do Gondufo (1,342 meters) are extensions of Serra do Açor that provide charm to tourists and represent even more alternatives where you can find snow in Portugal. 

6. Pico Island – Azores

Although snow is rare in the Azores Islands, you can see it if you climb Mount Pico on Pico Island.

It’s a strenuous but beautiful hike that you can do on your own or with a local guide (recommended). If you go on your own, remember to ask the local authorities for permission first. There is an office located at the bottom of the mountain where you pay a small fee to start your climb, and they give you a GPS so that they can find you in case of emergency.

The best hike is at night, so you can get there by sunset, but in winter, it can get very cold, so make sure you are well-equipped.

This is the tour I found, which is guided by an expert local guide.

Portugal’s winter weather 

👉🏽 How cold does it get in Portugal?

Portugal has one of the mildest climates in Europe and tends to be one of the sunniest. Compared to Nordic countries, you won’t experience harsh winter climates.

In most regions of Portugal, the temperature is pleasant, even for those less accustomed to the cold.

However, colder temperatures are likely if you travel to mountain regions in the country.

The average temperature during the Portuguese winter is 8°C. This is well above most European countries. 

However, it’s worth considering that the temperature varies a lot depending on the region.

In Lisbon, the climate usually ranges from 8°C to 16°C in winter.

In Serra da Estrela, the average is between -2ºC and 3ºC.

Storms and strong winds are possible during winter in Portugal.

However, the good news is that these rainy spells don’t usually last for several consecutive days, so they should not spoil your trip.

In some cities like Guarda, Covilhã, Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Viseu and Viana do Castelo, the cold weather can be quite intense. 

In the Central region, Serra da Estrela is known for temperatures below 0°C.

At the top of the mountain, lows can occasionally reach the -20°C mark in winter.

👉🏽 When do you get snow in Portugal?

December to mid-March is the winter season in Portugal.

Out of everywhere on this list, Serra da Estrela is undoubtedly the most likely place to find snow during winter. 

This is due to the altitude. Even the lowest parts of the mountain have snow on days with freezing temperatures.

Snowfall in Serra da Estrela typically starts between December and March.

Peak snowfall in the area occurs in March when temperatures reach about 1.8 °C and snowfall records are up to 430 mm throughout the month.

In April, temperatures in Portugal rise with winter’s end.

In the mountain range, this typically brings lows of 3.6 °C.

Although it is still possible to find snow at this time of year, you’ll find it starts to melt as it gets warmer across the country.

👉🏽 How often does it snow in Portugal?

High in the mountains of Portugal, snow can be common during winter.

While snowfall varies year on year, it typically snows between one to two times a week between December and March.

Where can you ski in Portugal? 

The Serra da Estrela is the source of two of Portugal’s largest rivers (Mondego and Zêzere), as well as the Alva.

The glacial valleys, unique in Portugal, are partly responsible for snowfall in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

The only ski resort in Portugal is located in the midst of these outstanding natural beauties.  

The Estacao de Esqui Serra da Estrela is on the slopes high in the mountains.

Here you will find trained instructors who will teach students of all levels how to ski.

The main attraction of the Serra da Estrela in winter is certainly the ski resort.

As the only one in the country, it’s a hit with tourists and locals looking for adventure.

The excitement of the sport, mixed with beautiful views, certainly creates a unique experience.

Unfortunately, it’s worth noting that reaching the ski resort without a car is impossible. The nearest base town is Covilhã, 21 km from the station.

While getting to the city via public transport is possible, the same can’t be said for the ski resort.

You should also remember that the resort is only open in winter.

However, there are no set dates for the ski season. It varies each year depending on snowfall and weather conditions.

Skiing and snowboarding are the most common sports in the resort, but they are not the only ones. Sleds and snowmobiles can also be rented.

You can even just play in the snow, sometimes accumulating to more than a meter in height.

👉🏽 Does Portugal have any ski resorts?

The only place to go skiing in Portugal is at the Ski Resort of Serra da Estrela.

It is a small ski resort geared toward first-time skiers and families, as the gentle slopes are perfect for kids.

The resort has 4 ski lifts and 9 pistes of which one is 1 kilometer long. You can take skiing and snowboarding classes, and rent winter sports equipment too.

Winter sports at this ski resort are possible between January and March.

What to Pack in Winter in Portugal

What you should pack to visit Portugal in winter will vary depending on where you visit. 

You may also want to buy clothes there because it’s typically cheaper than elsewhere in Europe.

Warm clothing such as coats, jackets, sweaters, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes are recommended for winter travel in Portugal.

Carrying a scarf, hat, and gloves is also advisable to protect against the cold. 

Consider traveling with a waterproof coat and umbrella in case of rain. Layers that can be readily added or removed as the weather changes are also a good idea. 

Finally, remember to bring your passport and any other required travel documents.

Pros of visiting Portugal in winter

Not being a traditional winter destination, this time of year is the low season in Portugal.

This means you can often get cheaper tickets and accommodation, especially if you buy in advance.

Surf lovers or photographers will love to visit Nazare in winter to witness one of the highest waves in the world that only pro surfers dare ride! 

Final Thoughts: Does it snow in Portugal?

If you are still wondering whether it snows in Portugal, yes!

Though Portugal is known for its sunny climate, its mountainous regions have beautiful snowy landscapes and breathtaking views you’ll love.

The only ski resort in the country, the Ski Resort of Serra da Estrela, offers a variety of activities, including skiing and snowboarding.

Moreover, during the winter season, there’s a huge possibility that it’ll rain so make sure to be ready every time you’re outside.

To wrap it up, you will surely enjoy your stay in the country during your winter vacation in one of the top tourist destinations in Europe.