Portugal in February: Almond Blossom, Carnival and Winter Sun

February in Portugal brings the first signs of spring: almond blossom across the Algarve hills, longer days, Carnival parades and some of the lowest prices of the year. It’s drier than January, with plenty of sunny days, especially in the south. Here’s what to expect.

Quick answer: expect highs of about 15–16°C in Lisbon, 17°C in the Algarve and 19°C in Madeira, usually drier than January. Highlights: the almond blossom in the Algarve, Carnival (9 February 2027) in Loulé, Torres Vedras, Ovar and Madeira, and big waves at Nazaré. Great value for city breaks and walking.

Why go in February

February is low season, so you get the big sights without the queues and hotels at a fraction of their summer prices. The south is often sunny and mild enough for lunch outside, and the days get noticeably longer through the month. In Lisbon the sun sets at about 6pm at the start of February and around 6:30pm by the end. It is not beach weather for most people, but it is very good for city breaks, cliff walks and road trips. Just be ready for some wet and windy days, especially in the north.

Weather

• Lisbon: highs around 15–16°C, lows around 9°C. Expect a mix of bright days and rainy spells.
• Porto: around 15°C, still fairly wet, with chilly evenings.
• The Algarve: around 17°C with lots of sunshine; the sea is close to its coldest (about 15°C).
• Inland and the mountains: cold nights, frost in the Alentejo and Trás-os-Montes, and sometimes snow on Serra da Estrela.
• Madeira: around 19°C, with more rain on the north side of the island.
• The Azores: mild but changeable, often wet and windy, with highs in the mid to high teens. Flights and boat trips can be affected by storms.

Weather in February can swing from week to week. A run of Atlantic storms can bring several grey, wet days in a row, followed by a week of clear skies. Keep your plans flexible and check the forecast from IPMA, Portugal’s weather service, before long drives or walks.

What’s on

Almond blossom

From late January into February, the almond trees in the inland Algarve hills (the barrocal and the serra) turn white and pale pink. The Festival das Amendoeiras em Flor do Algarve is held in Alta Mora, in the hills of Castro Marim, usually over a weekend in February, with guided walks of different lengths, local food and crafts. In 2026 it ran from 6 to 8 February. The hills behind Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira are also good for a blossom drive. See hiking in the Algarve.

Carnival

Carnival Tuesday is 9 February 2027, and the main parades run over the weekend before it. It is not an official public holiday, but many offices and schools close that day. The biggest are:

• Loulé: the Algarve’s biggest, dating from 1906, with floats and a “battle of flowers”. See Loulé.
• Torres Vedras: sold as “the most Portuguese carnival in Portugal”, with political satire and men dressed as matrafonas.
• Ovar: south of Porto, with samba schools and big Sunday and Tuesday parades.
• Funchal: a large evening parade with samba-style costumes. See Madeira.

For the full list, including the masked village carnivals of the north, see Carnival in Portugal.

Big waves and snow

• Nazaré’s big waves: the giant swells usually arrive between October and March. Watch from the lighthouse at the fort, but only big storms bring the famous waves, so check the surf forecast. See Nazaré’s big waves.
• Serra da Estrela: mainland Portugal’s highest range has a small ski area near the summit (Torre). Snow is not guaranteed, so check conditions before you go. Roads to the top can close after heavy snow. See Serra da Estrela.

Where to go

• The Algarve: almond blossom, cliff walks and golf. See the Algarve in winter and Algarve villages.
• Madeira: Carnival and mild weather, good for levada walks. See Madeira.
• Lisbon and Porto: quiet sights and low prices. See 2 days in Lisbon.
• The Alentejo: green fields, empty roads and warming stews in Évora and the hill towns.

A one-week February plan

Spend three nights in Lisbon for the museums, viewpoints and day trips, then take the train or drive south to the Algarve. Base yourself in Loulé or Tavira for four nights: walk the cliffs on dry days, drive into the hills for the almond blossom, and catch the Carnival parade if your dates match.

Crowds and prices

Apart from Carnival weekend, February is one of the cheapest months of the year. Hotels, flights and car hire are usually well below summer rates. Some beach restaurants and smaller hotels in the Algarve close for the winter, so check before you book a quiet resort. The cities stay open as normal. Valentine’s weekend can push up prices for romantic hotels in Sintra, Porto and the Douro, so book those early.

Food in season

Winter is the time for hearty dishes: cozido à portuguesa (a mixed meat and vegetable stew), bean and pork feijoada, roast chestnuts from street sellers, and bowls of caldo verde. Oranges from the Algarve are at their best. See what to eat in Portugal.

Tips

• Carnival week is busy in Loulé, Torres Vedras and Madeira, so book early.
• Pack layers and a light waterproof. Older houses and some guesthouses have little heating, so ask about it when you book.
• Low season prices for hotels and car hire.
• Check opening hours: some sights keep shorter winter hours.

FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Portugal?

Yes, for city breaks, walking and low prices. Expect a mix of sunny and rainy days, and mild rather than warm weather.

Can you go to the beach in Portugal in February?

You can walk the beaches and eat lunch in the sun in the Algarve, but the sea is around 15°C, so most people don’t swim.

When is Carnival in Portugal in 2027?

Carnival Tuesday is 9 February 2027, with the main parades over the weekend before it, from about 6 to 9 February.

When do the almond trees blossom in the Algarve?

Usually from late January into February, depending on the winter weather. The Alta Mora festival in the Castro Marim hills is held over a weekend in February.

More: January, Portugal in spring and the festivals calendar.

See also: Carnival in Portugal and skiing in Portugal.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.