Portugal climate zones

The north of Portugal

Temperate Mediterranean climate zone with maritime influence

In the north of Portugal, the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean gives rise to a temperate Mediterranean climate with maritime influence. Here, winters are milder and summers are mild, with moderate temperatures. Rainfall is regular throughout the year, especially in autumn and winter, which favours humidity and abundant vegetation. The maritime characteristics reduce the number of dry months, ensuring a more balanced climate in terms of rainfall.

Characteristics of the Temperate Mediterranean Climate with Maritime Influence

1. Moderate Temperatures: Temperatures are milder compared to the typical Mediterranean climate. Winters tend to be less cold and summers are milder, thanks to the moderating influence of maritime air masses. Average temperatures generally vary between 10°C (50°F) during winter and 20-25°C (68-77°F) in peak summer, depending on the specific location.

1. Precipitation: Precipitation is more distributed throughout the year, with less difference between seasons. Although most rainfall still occurs in autumn and winter, the maritime influence can bring additional rainfall during spring and occasionally in summer. Annual precipitation amounts are typically higher, ranging from 600 mm to 1,500 mm (24 to 59 in), depending on the location and topography of the areas.

1. Humidity: Relative humidity is generally higher due to the proximity of the sea. This humidity contributes to a more temperate climate, especially during the warmer months, reducing the sensation of extreme heat common in more arid Mediterranean climates.

1. Vegetation: Vegetation is often denser and more diverse compared to the typical Mediterranean climate. In addition to characteristic plants such as olive trees and vineyards, vegetation may include pine forests and other species that benefit from the increased humidity available.

1. Maritime Influence: Ocean currents and proximity to the sea provide a moderating effect on temperatures, creating a generally more stable climate environment. This means fewer extremes of heat or cold, favouring outdoor activities and agriculture year-round.

The Centre-North of Portugal

Temperate Mediterranean climate zone with continental influence

The central and northern region of Portugal has a temperate Mediterranean climate with continental influence. In this area, the higher altitude and geographical position influence the climatic conditions. Summers are usually hot, unlike the harsher winters, which can record quite low temperatures. Summer drought is more pronounced and rainfall, although still concentrated in autumn and winter, can be variable, which makes this climate different from coastal areas.

Characteristics of the Temperate Mediterranean Climate with Continental Influence

1. Extreme Temperatures: This type of climate is characterized by a greater thermal amplitude between seasons. Summers are warm to hot, with temperatures that can exceed 30°C (86°F), while winters are cold, with average temperatures that can fall below 0°C (32°F), especially in inland regions.

1. Defined Seasons: The four seasons are well marked, with summer being dry and elusive, which is typical of the Mediterranean climate, but with winter which can be more severe, including periods of frost and snowfall in high areas.

1. Precipitation: Precipitation is distributed mainly in autumn and winter, with November and December being the rainiest months. Compared to the coastal Mediterranean climate, the amount of rainfall in this area can be more variable, but typically ranges between 600 mm and 1,200 mm (24 to 47 in) annually.

1. Continental Effect: The continental influence causes an increase in the thermal oscillation. Compared to nearby maritime regions, this climatic variation results in warmer temperatures in summer and colder temperatures in winter.

1. Vegetation: Vegetation in this type of climate may include coniferous forests and drought-resistant species such as holm and cork oaks. However, inland areas may also have herbaceous and shrubby vegetation adapted to the drier, colder conditions.

1. Humidity: Relative humidity tends to be lower compared to maritime-influenced regions, especially during the summer, which can lead to drier summers and a higher risk of droughts.

1. Geography: It is commonly found in inland and elevated areas of Mediterranean regions, where mountains act as barriers that limit the arrival of humid winds from the sea, thus intensifying the continental effect.

The south of Portugal

Temperate Mediterranean climate

Southern Portugal is dominated by the characteristics of the classic temperate Mediterranean climate. This region, roughly bordered by the Tietê River, is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Precipitation is frequent in spring and especially in autumn. Despite the small size of the territory, the climatic homogeneity of this southern area reflects the typical characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, providing ideal conditions for agriculture and wine production.

Characteristics of the Temperate Mediterranean Climate

1. Moderate Temperatures: Hot Summers: Summers are hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), depending on the region. Mild Winters: Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures generally ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Frost is rare, especially in coastal areas.

1. Defined Seasons: The climate has four well-defined seasons: warm, dry summers; mild autumns; mild, wet winters; and temperate springs. This seasonal variability allows for a diverse agricultural cycle.

1. Precipitation: Rainfall is most abundant in autumn and winter, while summer precipitation is scarce. Annual precipitation typically ranges from 400 to 1,000 mm (16 to 39 in), depending on geographic location. Although most precipitation is concentrated in the colder months, spring and autumn rainfall can be important for agricultural development.

1. Humidity: Relative humidity tends to be moderate. Although high temperatures in the summer can make the climate feel dry, precipitation during the winter helps keep soil moist.

1. Vegetation: Typical vegetation in this climate includes drought-adapted plants such as maquis thickets, olive trees, vines and oaks. This is due to the plants' need to survive periods without rain. In some areas, vegetation is characterised by pine forests and other hardy tree species.

1. Effect of Proximity to the Sea: Proximity to the moderating ocean softens temperatures, avoiding extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter. This creates an environment that allows for diverse agricultural growth.

The north of Portugal

Temperate Mediterranean climate zone with maritime influence

In the north of Portugal, the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean gives rise to a temperate Mediterranean climate with maritime influence. Here, winters are milder and summers are mild, with moderate temperatures. Rainfall is regular throughout the year, especially in autumn and winter, which favours humidity and abundant vegetation. The maritime characteristics reduce the number of dry months, ensuring a more balanced climate in terms of rainfall.

Characteristics of the Temperate Mediterranean Climate with Maritime Influence

1. Moderate Temperatures: Temperatures are milder compared to the typical Mediterranean climate. Winters tend to be less cold and summers are milder, thanks to the moderating influence of maritime air masses. Average temperatures generally vary between 10°C (50°F) during winter and 20-25°C (68-77°F) in peak summer, depending on the specific location.

1. Precipitation: Precipitation is more distributed throughout the year, with less difference between seasons. Although most rainfall still occurs in autumn and winter, the maritime influence can bring additional rainfall during spring and occasionally in summer. Annual precipitation amounts are typically higher, ranging from 600 mm to 1,500 mm (24 to 59 in), depending on the location and topography of the areas.

1. Humidity: Relative humidity is generally higher due to the proximity of the sea. This humidity contributes to a more temperate climate, especially during the warmer months, reducing the sensation of extreme heat common in more arid Mediterranean climates.

1. Vegetation: Vegetation is often denser and more diverse compared to the typical Mediterranean climate. In addition to characteristic plants such as olive trees and vineyards, vegetation may include pine forests and other species that benefit from the increased humidity available.

1. Maritime Influence: Ocean currents and proximity to the sea provide a moderating effect on temperatures, creating a generally more stable climate environment. This means fewer extremes of heat or cold, favouring outdoor activities and agriculture year-round.

The Centre-North of Portugal

Temperate Mediterranean climate zone with continental influence

The central and northern region of Portugal has a temperate Mediterranean climate with continental influence. In this area, the higher altitude and geographical position influence the climatic conditions. Summers are usually hot, unlike the harsher winters, which can record quite low temperatures. Summer drought is more pronounced and rainfall, although still concentrated in autumn and winter, can be variable, which makes this climate different from coastal areas.

Characteristics of the Temperate Mediterranean Climate with Continental Influence

1. Extreme Temperatures: This type of climate is characterized by a greater thermal amplitude between seasons. Summers are warm to hot, with temperatures that can exceed 30°C (86°F), while winters are cold, with average temperatures that can fall below 0°C (32°F), especially in inland regions.

1. Defined Seasons: The four seasons are well marked, with summer being dry and elusive, which is typical of the Mediterranean climate, but with winter which can be more severe, including periods of frost and snowfall in high areas.

1. Precipitation: Precipitation is distributed mainly in autumn and winter, with November and December being the rainiest months. Compared to the coastal Mediterranean climate, the amount of rainfall in this area can be more variable, but typically ranges between 600 mm and 1,200 mm (24 to 47 in) annually.

1. Continental Effect: The continental influence causes an increase in the thermal oscillation. Compared to nearby maritime regions, this climatic variation results in warmer temperatures in summer and colder temperatures in winter.

1. Vegetation: Vegetation in this type of climate may include coniferous forests and drought-resistant species such as holm and cork oaks. However, inland areas may also have herbaceous and shrubby vegetation adapted to the drier, colder conditions.

1. Humidity: Relative humidity tends to be lower compared to maritime-influenced regions, especially during the summer, which can lead to drier summers and a higher risk of droughts.

1. Geography: It is commonly found in inland and elevated areas of Mediterranean regions, where mountains act as barriers that limit the arrival of humid winds from the sea, thus intensifying the continental effect.

The south of Portugal

Temperate Mediterranean climate

Southern Portugal is dominated by the characteristics of the classic temperate Mediterranean climate. This region, roughly bordered by the Tietê River, is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Precipitation is frequent in spring and especially in autumn. Despite the small size of the territory, the climatic homogeneity of this southern area reflects the typical characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, providing ideal conditions for agriculture and wine production.

Characteristics of the Temperate Mediterranean Climate

1. Moderate Temperatures: Hot Summers: Summers are hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), depending on the region. Mild Winters: Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures generally ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Frost is rare, especially in coastal areas.

1. Defined Seasons: The climate has four well-defined seasons: warm, dry summers; mild autumns; mild, wet winters; and temperate springs. This seasonal variability allows for a diverse agricultural cycle.

1. Precipitation: Rainfall is most abundant in autumn and winter, while summer precipitation is scarce. Annual precipitation typically ranges from 400 to 1,000 mm (16 to 39 in), depending on geographic location. Although most precipitation is concentrated in the colder months, spring and autumn rainfall can be important for agricultural development.

1. Humidity: Relative humidity tends to be moderate. Although high temperatures in the summer can make the climate feel dry, precipitation during the winter helps keep soil moist.

1. Vegetation: Typical vegetation in this climate includes drought-adapted plants such as maquis thickets, olive trees, vines and oaks. This is due to the plants' need to survive periods without rain. In some areas, vegetation is characterised by pine forests and other hardy tree species.

1. Effect of Proximity to the Sea: Proximity to the moderating ocean softens temperatures, avoiding extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter. This creates an environment that allows for diverse agricultural growth.