Are you wondering what to wear in Portugal in August? August is the last of the summer months in Portugal and the temperatures are still high In this guide we tell you what to pack for Portugal by regions such as Lisbon and Porto, as well beaches in the Algarve and more.
Weather in Portugal in August
August is peak season in Portugal in August so what can you expect from the weather in this beautiful country?
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Is it hot in Portugal in August
August tends to be the hottest month of the year in Portugal with the country having average temperatures of 29C/84F.
Does it Rain in Portugal in August
The rainy season in Portugal tends to be from November to March and August tends to be driest month. However having said that you can get rain in Portugal any time of year.
Though generally speaking the average rainfall in August is 0mm.
To get a more accurate weather overview, be sure to check out our monthly city what to wear guides:
- What to wear to Lisbon in August
- What to wear in Porto
- What to wear to the Algarve in August
- What to wear in Sintra
And if you trip spans two months be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
Is it warm enough to swim in Portugal in August?
The sea around Portugal is at it’s warmest around August. If you are in Lisbon or the Algarve and want to use the beach then August is one of the best months to enjoy them.
What to Wear in Portugal in August
What to Wear in Portugal in August for women
Here is exactly what to wear in Portugal in August for women:
Skirts and dresses
Dresses and skirts are my go to for Portugal in August. I personally like a long maxi dress with a short sleeve for this month of the year but will always have a pashmina and top layer with me for chillier days and for use in churches.
However midi dresses and mini skirts are also suitable for August.
Trousers
I would leave jeans at home if you are visiting Portugal in August. It tends to be too hot for them. Instead you will want to bring with you more lightweight trousers. For instance chinos, loose cotton trousers and linen trousers are a great choice and work anywhere in Portugal.
If you do decide to pack linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to prevent wrinkles.
Shorts
Shorts are good for sightseeing and on the beach in Portugal but are not appropriate attire for Churches.
Blouses
A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights in Portugal.
T Shirt
As the temperatures heat up in August, t shirts become a perfect pick for sightseeing in the city.
Tank tops are also suitable for everywhere except churches and are a great choice for the coast.
And in the cities and beaches you will find an assortment of fashion styles so go with the t shirts that you feel most comfy in.
Jacket
It is highly unlikely you will need a coat when visiting Portugal in August however you may want to bring a lightweight jacket or blazer with you for evenings.
Parts of coastal Portugal experience a north sea-breeze that the locals call nortada. This tends to happen in the afternoon and does make the heat feel less oppressive but can make it quite cool at night and evenings which is why you might want a light top layer with you.
Pashmina
A pashmina is on all of my European packing lists no matter the month of travel. They are perfect for cooler days as an extra layer and also can make outfits more modest if your top does not meet churches in Portugal dress code rules.
This is also good for days when there is a strong nortada (north wind).
PJs or Nightie
Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are perfect especially towards the end of the month. Not all Portuguese accommodations will have air conditioning so lightweight nightwear is an essential just in case.
Sunhat
I always recommend taking a sun hat if you are visiting Portugal in summer. On beaches wide brimmed sun hats are definitely on trend but any hat is better than no hat in Summer in Portugal.
Sunglasses
Essential no matter the time of year you are visiting. Just be sure to have some UV protection.
Swimwear and Beach Covers (optional)
Many people go to Portugal for beaches in August. If you are planning on hitting the beach or the pool during August then you will definitely need swimwear and a beach cover.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying but don’t forget sneaker socks too to help reduce sweat and odour in your shoe.
What to pack for Portugal in August for Men
The rules of what to pack for Portugal in August for men is similar to women. We recommend packing
Shorts
Shorts are perfect for sightseeing in Portugal in summer and for on the beaches. The only places you can’t wear shorts are in churches.
Chinos/Linen Trousers
Chinos and linen trousers are perfect for Portugal in August as they are the perfect weight for the weather. Again jeans tend to be too hot for Portugal in August so are best left at home.
T Shirts and Shirts
Short sleeve t shirts are perfect for sightseeing during the day in August as our tank tops, except for in churches.
However for evenings I would recommend having a button down shirt with long sleeves and maybe a polo shirt for day to night transition outfits.
Long sleeves are good if you plan to sit near still water at night where there could be mosquitos.
Blazer
Coats definitely aren’t needed for August in Portugal however a lightweight top layer like a sweater or jacket is always a good idea.
Swimwear (optional)
Only if you plan to visit a beach or use a pool in Portugal.
Hat
For same reason as above.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
Best Shoes for Portugal in August
Sneakers
The perfect shoe for Portugal at any time of year is a sneaker in my opinion. But for August you will need a lightweight and breathable pair.
Sneakers will be able to cope best for the long days of walking you will be inevitably doing as well as being able to cope with the hilly and cobbled stone terrains that you find in Portugal.
Just be sure to add sneaker socks to your packing list too if you are visiting in Summer to help reduce sweat and odour in your shoe.
Sandals
The weather in Portugal in August is perfect for sandals.
Just be sure they have a good sole and arch support if you plan on using them for sightseeing. And if you want a shoe with height for evenings, we recommend a wedge instead thin heels.
Flip Flops (optional)
These are only really suitable if you plan to visit some of the beach areas of Portugal i.e. the Algarve at this time of year or are staying at a hotel with a heated pool.
If you aren’t however planning to head to the beaches in the South however you might swell leave the flip flops at home.
What to Pack in Portugal in August (non clothing)
- sunglasses – Sunglasses are essential in Portugal whatever the month but August and Summer in particular.
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Travel Adaptor
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Crossbody bag with zips – this acts as a deterrent to pickpockets
- Sunscreen –the sun is strong through Portugal in August.
- Aloe Vera / After Sun – just in case
- camera – it is a beautiful city you will want to take lots of photographs.
Have you visited Portugal in August? What else would you add to this packing list.