Portugal is one of Europe’s sunniest countries, with over 2,800 hours of sunshine each year. For property buyers planning to live here – whether full-time, in retirement or seasonally – it’s important to know how to stay cool through the hottest months. But summer in Portugal is also one of the most rewarding times to experience local life.

Portuguese life slows down in summer. Long afternoons, late dinners and evening strolls are part of the routine. Homes with shaded balconies, courtyards or terraces become an extension of your living space.

Let’s look at some practical ways to keep your home comfortable, alongside the foods, festivals and traditions that make Portuguese summers something to look forward to.

If you’re still considering your move, take a look at how to buy property in Portugal in 2025 or read our step-by-step guide to the buying process.

How to keep your Portuguese home cool

Summer in Portugal is warm, dry and generally rain-free. The Algarve often sees highs of 30°C and above, while interior regions like Alentejo can reach over 40°C. In contrast, coastal areas such as Cascais or Porto benefit from cooling Atlantic breezes and slightly lower temperatures.

Whether you’ve just bought or are preparing to view properties, cooling should be in your thoughts when finding a property in Portugal. Features like shutters, stone walls, tiled floors and high ceilings all help maintain indoor comfort naturally.

If you’re still planning your purchase, it’s worth factoring in climate control during your property survey or budget planning. Our guide to money-saving tips for Portuguese property can help.

While we have little control of the heat outside, if you can keep indoor temperatures to between 22–24°C in summer you shouldn’t find the summer overwhelming. Air conditioning is common, but needs to be used wisely – lowering the thermostat can increase your energy costs considerably.

Simple tips to keep your home cool:

• Ventilate early morning and late evening
• Close shutters during the day
• Use fans where possible to reduce reliance on AC
• Dress lightly and use breathable fabrics indoors
• Switch off cooling systems 10–15 minutes before leaving a room

If you’re still deciding what type of property suits you best – from apartments with sea views to village houses with thick stone walls – our guide to the types of property available in Portugal can help.

But, as much as the type of home can help manage heat, the biggest decision will be where that property is located. Our region-by-region buying guide can help you explore the local climate and lifestyle across the country. For specific destinations, we’ve also covered buying in the Algarve, Cascais, Porto and more.

Eat seasonally, stay cool

Portuguese summer cuisine is light, fresh and flavourful – and often designed with the heat in mind. In the Alentejo, cold gaspacho made with tomato, cucumber and garlic is a lunchtime favourite. Grilled sardines are an iconic summer staple, particularly during the festival season.

You’ll find chilled seafood platters, leafy salads and seasonal fruit – melons, figs, peaches and more – on tables across the country. Local pastries like queijadas from Sintra offer a cool sweet option with coffee.

For drinks, vinho verde and light whites are popular summer wines, often served lightly chilled. Non-alcoholic options include fresh lemonade and Portuguese fruit sodas like Sumol. Ice cream, or gelado, is a serious affair – especially in resort towns like Lagos and Cascais.

You likely won’t want to base your entire purchase around heat waves in one season, but it’s good to think about what you’ll be able to do during hot weather to both cool your house down, yourself down.

Also, if you are hoping your home will be a base for activities like long hikes and bike rides, know that some parts of the country will be better for this in the hottest parts of the year.

Summer festivals and cultural highlights

Summer is also festival season in Portugal. Cities and villages come alive with lights, music and food – and being outdoors well into the night is part of the rhythm of life.

Lisbon’s Festa de Santo António in June is one of the country’s biggest celebrations, with parades, dancing and grilled sardines in the streets. Porto’s São João Festival is known for fireworks and quirky local traditions like tapping people on the head with plastic hammers.

In the Algarve, Noite Branca in Loulé is a stylish send-off to the season. Everyone dresses in white to enjoy live music, street performances and a party atmosphere that continues into the early hours.

Planning to retire and spend your summers here? Don’t miss our full guide on how to retire to Portugal.

Even in the height of summer, there are cooler corners of Portugal. Cascais, just 30 minutes from Lisbon, is breezy and mild. Sintra offers a shaded, hilltop escape with woodlands and palaces to explore.

If you’re considering a summer retreat property, buying in Cascais or Madeira offers year-round comfort with milder climates and sea views. The Serra da Estrela and Trás-os-Montes regions provide scenic alternatives with lower summer temperatures, natural rivers and fewer crowds.

For more insights on how to find the right property or manage it once you’ve bought, we’re here to help you every step of the way.