Planning a two-week trip to Portugal? I’ve got you covered. I spent a full month last year driving across the country, from Nazaré to the Algarve, and I learned what you really need to bring (and what you’ll probably never touch).
As I write this post, I am back in Portugal and have no intention of leaving any time soon, so make sure you bookmark this site for future reading, as I will share a lot of useful tips and interesting stories.
When I traveled to the mainland of Portugal for the first time (because I first went to the Azores – check out my guides), it was February, and although it was cold in Nazare during the evenings or when it was windy, I loved how the weather and temperature changed so abruptly and varied by day.
On the beautiful Algarve beaches, being much further south, it was milder, and I was often in tank tops. Some people were also swimming. Amazing. I should have tried that too. But keep in mind that it’s the ocean, so the water is always cold, even in the summer.
In the summer, it’s hot everywhere, so you need to pack differently.
Also, Portugal is chill but stylish, with everything from beaches and wine valleys to hilly cities with uneven cobblestones. However, the style is entirely up to you. They won’t look down on you if you dress more casually or wear the same clothes every day (in case you want to pack light).
So, bottom line, depending on where and when you go, the weather can be sunny one minute and a bit breezy or rainy the next. So, the key is packing light, smart, and flexible. In this post, I will share some packing tips and outfit suggestions for all the most common occasions.
📅 Know Before You Pack Portugal Weather: A Quick Guide
Portugal’s climate changes by region and season. Lisbon and the Algarve stay pretty mild, even in winter, but up north (like Porto or the Douro Valley) can get cold and damp.
Portugal is small, but its climate varies more than you might expect, depending on where you are.
Coast vs. Inland
Coastal towns are moderated by the Atlantic. Summers are warm but breezy, and winters stay mild, rarely dropping below 10°C. Inland, temperatures are more extreme — summers regularly hit 35°C or above, and winters can get close to freezing at night. Mountain towns in the north, like those around Serra da Estrela, can see snow and frost in winter, a stark contrast to the mild coast just an hour away.
North vs. South
The north is wetter and cloudier. Porto and the surrounding region get frequent rain year-round, and the landscape stays green. The south, especially the Algarve, is drier and sunnier with a Mediterranean feel — long summers and mild winters with little rainfall.
Winter vs. Summer
Winter ranges from cool and pleasant on the southern coast (around 14°C) to cold and wet in the northern mountains. Summer along the northern coast can actually be cooler than expected due to strong northerly winds. Inland and in the south, summers are hot, dry, and sunny, often stretching from May into October.
Where you are in Portugal matters more than the time of year. The coast stays mild, the interior swings between extremes, the north is wet, and the south is dry. Plan accordingly.
Nazare in February
What to pack in Portugal all year round
Best Sellers Rolling Suitcase
What kind of luggage works best? A medium-sized rolling suitcase or carry-on backpack is perfect. You won’t need more than that, especially if you plan on doing laundry halfway through. Many Airbnbs and even small guesthouses offer washing machines, and laundromats are easy to find. If you have to buy one, here are some options.
5–6 tops (mix of short and long sleeves depending on season)
I always carry t-shirts in short- and long-sleeve styles because they come in handy when you dress in layers, when the hot sun suddenly comes out, or when you enter a closed space that’s particularly hot. Yes, it also happens in winter, especially in the southern region.
Women’s Vintage Floral T Shirt Boho Wildflower…
JNIFULI Women’s Graphic Tees Casual Summer Funny…
Cicy Bell Women’s T Shirts Short Sleeve Tees…
SweatyRocks Women’s Short Sleeve Heart Print Tops…
2–3 bottoms (jeans, travel pants, or breezy trousers)
I always use hiking pants because they have lots of pockets, are usually made of a stretch material, dry easily, and are overall very comfortable. But also jeans and cargo pants are good if looks is important to you. Here are some cute options.
If you love to dress up, I am sure we can make a cute dress fit in your bag, because it’s necessary, right? Obviously, if you are traveling in winter, opt for a warmer fabric and long tights, while in summer, you can really get away with just two or three lightweight maxi dresses that can fit anywhere. I wouldn’t wear it for hiking, though. 🙂 Here are some cute options.
R.Vivimos Women’s Summer Cotton Half Sleeves…
YESNO Summer Casual Bohemian Floral Dresses for…
PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Spring Dresses 2026 Long…
R.Vivimos Maxi Dress for Women Long Sleeve V Neck…
This is always a good idea, but I wouldn’t bring one if you are traveling in July and August, which are the hottest months everywhere. But if you travel to Portugal in other months, I would certainly add a light jacket and a windbreaker.
I love my hiking boots, winter and summer, but I understand that if you are traveling in the summer, you may need something that’s both walkable and breathable. Gym shoes may be your best bet.
However, if you are hiking, I would still prefer hiking boots. My favorites are the Merrell and Salomon. I had them both.
They need to be comfortable on your feet, so whatever people recommend, you need to try them on first and feel them. Of course, sandals are a must if you travel in the summer, but also in winter for walking at home or in the hotel room.
Some people prefer hiking sandals, but I don’t feel safe, especially because I am very sensitive to mosquito bites, and those holes are a clear invitation to bite my toes. I cannot stand that. However, these are quite convenient if you are walking on a pebbled beach or even swimming in rivers, lakes, or non-sandy access.
Here you can find some practical options, as well as more neutral models for street walking in the summer. I love my Birkenstock.
If you are traveling in winter, I would recommend wool pajamas (I also found some cute sexy ones, while in the summer, you can indulge in fancy sexy or sporty shorts and tops.
Winter Pijamas
Blooming Jelly Womens Lounge Set Cute Long Sleeve…
BOSECETA Fluffy Pajamas for Women Set Soft Comfy…
Pajamas Sets for Women Soft Comfy Fluffy Pajama…
RUMIA Lounge Sets for Women 2026 Vacation Matching…
I packed a rain jacket and used it a lot, especially up north.
I barely touched my pair of jeans, but if you really want to bring yours, one is enough.
I used packing cubes, and it made finding stuff super easy.
I did laundry twice in 4 weeks — laundromats are everywhere.
Portugal is a dream, and with the right items in your bag, you’ll enjoy every minute of it without feeling weighed down. Happy packing! Check out my Portugal Travel Guide for more planning tips.
Travel-obsessed and always with a camera in my hand 📸. Storyteller, coffee addict ☕, and cat lover 🐾. I wander just for the sake of wandering, because traveling isn’t about collecting passport stamps—it’s about slowly savoring every step along the way.
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