Sintra sits in the Sintra Mountains at roughly 200 metres (656 feet) above sea level, just 25 km (16 miles) northwest of Lisbon. Its elevation and proximity to the Atlantic create a microclimate that is noticeably cooler, wetter, and foggier than the Portuguese capital. While Lisbon basks in sunshine, Sintra can be wrapped in mist , this is normal, not bad luck. The town averages 850-950 mm of annual rainfall, most of it concentrated between October and March. Summer days are warm but rarely hot, and the famous morning fog (the “Sintra mist”) typically burns off by late morning from June through September. For a complete overview of the area, see our Sintra travel guide.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours | Sea Temp (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 / 57 | 8 / 46 | 110 | 14 | 5 | 15 / 59 |
| February | 15 / 59 | 9 / 48 | 95 | 13 | 6 | 15 / 59 |
| March | 17 / 63 | 10 / 50 | 75 | 11 | 7 | 15 / 59 |
| April | 18 / 64 | 11 / 52 | 70 | 11 | 8 | 16 / 61 |
| May | 20 / 68 | 13 / 55 | 50 | 9 | 10 | 17 / 63 |
| June | 24 / 75 | 15 / 59 | 15 | 5 | 11 | 18 / 64 |
| July | 26 / 79 | 17 / 63 | 5 | 2 | 12 | 19 / 66 |
| August | 27 / 81 | 17 / 63 | 8 | 2 | 11 | 19 / 66 |
| September | 25 / 77 | 16 / 61 | 35 | 6 | 9 | 19 / 66 |
| October | 21 / 70 | 14 / 57 | 90 | 10 | 7 | 18 / 64 |
| November | 17 / 63 | 11 / 52 | 120 | 13 | 5 | 17 / 63 |
| December | 15 / 59 | 9 / 48 | 125 | 14 | 5 | 16 / 61 |
Sintra Weather in January and February
January and February are Sintra’s coldest and wettest months. Daytime highs reach 14-15°C (57-59°F) while nights drop to 8-9°C (46-48°F). Both months average 13-14 rain days, with total rainfall around 95-125 mm. The town sees roughly 5-6 hours of sunshine per day, but overcast skies and persistent drizzle are common. The morning mist sits heavy in the valleys, and the forested hillsides around Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle are often slick with moisture. On brighter winter days, the low sun angle creates dramatic light on the palace facades , some of the best photography conditions of the year, provided you are willing to wait for cloud breaks. Pack a waterproof jacket, layers, and shoes with grip for the cobblestone paths. The upside: tourist numbers are at their annual low, meaning you will have Quinta da Regaleira and the palace interiors nearly to yourself. Read our best time to visit Sintra for more information.
Sintra Weather in March and April
March and April bring a gradual transition toward spring. Highs climb from 17°C to 18°C (63-64°F) and rainfall drops from 75 mm to 70 mm, with about 11 rain days each month. Sunshine increases to 7-8 hours per day. March can still deliver wet, blustery days , the Atlantic storms that sweep across the Serra de Sintra do not respect the calendar. By mid-April, the vegetation explodes: camellias, wisteria, and wildflowers blanket the palace gardens. Morning fog still occurs but clears earlier than in winter. This is a good window for hiking the trails between the palaces and along the coast to Cabo da Roca. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking, though you will still want a light jacket for mornings and evenings. Read our things to do in Sintra for more information.
Sintra Weather in May and June
May and June are arguably the best months for Sintra weather. Highs reach 20-24°C (68-75°F), rainfall drops sharply to 50 mm in May and just 15 mm in June, and you get 10-11 hours of daily sunshine. Rain days drop from 9 to only 5. The gardens at Monserrate and Pena are at their peak, and the famous Sintra mist is lighter and shorter-lived. June brings the Santos Populares festivals, with nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) , warm enough for outdoor dining without a jacket after dark. Sea temperature at nearby Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs reaches 18°C (64°F), swimmable for the brave. This is also the start of peak season: by mid-June, queues at Pena Palace can exceed 90 minutes by 10:00 AM. Buy tickets online in advance and arrive at opening time (9:30 AM). Read our Sintra events and festivals for more information.
Sintra Weather in July and August
July and August are Sintra’s warmest and driest months. Daytime highs hit 26-27°C (79-81°F), with only 2 rain days per month and barely 5-8 mm of total rainfall. You get 11-12 hours of daily sunshine. While Lisbon swelters at 30-35°C (86-95°F) in July and August, Sintra stays significantly cooler thanks to its elevation and the Atlantic breeze , a genuine 5-8°C difference. This makes Sintra a popular escape for Lisbon residents, and weekends are packed. The morning fog still appears but typically clears by 9:00-10:00 AM. Sea temperatures peak at 19°C (66°F), the warmest of the year. If you visit in August, book everything months ahead , this is peak European holiday season and accommodation in Sintra proper sells out. Day-tripping from Lisbon (40 minutes by train from Rossio station, €2.30 each way on the Comboios de Portugal urban train) is the most practical option in high season. Read our best neighborhoods in Sintra for more information.
Sintra Weather in September and October
September delivers some of Sintra’s best weather: highs of 25°C (77°F), only 6 rain days, and 9 hours of sun. The summer crowds thin after the first week of September, and accommodation prices drop by 20-30% compared to August. Sea temperature holds at 19°C (66°F) , warmer than June. October marks the real transition to autumn: highs fall to 21°C (70°F), rainfall jumps to 90 mm over 10 rain days, and the morning fog returns in force. The forested hillsides turn golden and the light on the palace walls becomes softer and warmer. Late October can bring the first Atlantic storms, with heavy rain and winds that close some outdoor sites (the Moorish Castle wall walk is particularly exposed). Check the forecast before heading up the mountain. This is the last reliable month for hiking before the trails turn muddy. Read our where to stay in Sintra for more information.
Sintra Weather in November and December
November and December bring Sintra’s wettest weather. November averages 120 mm of rain across 13 days, December 125 mm over 14 days. Highs sit at 17°C and 15°C (63°F and 59°F) respectively, with lows of 11°C and 9°C (52°F and 48°F). Sunshine drops to just 5 hours per day. The mist becomes a near-constant presence , some days the palace turrets disappear entirely into the clouds. On the flip side, December brings Christmas markets in the town square (Praça da República) and the Sintra forests take on a moody, Romantic quality that suits the 19th-century architecture. The palaces are open year-round except December 25 and January 1. Rain gear and sturdy shoes are essential. Daytime visits are still feasible , the rain tends to come in bursts rather than all-day downpours , but you will want to plan indoor-heavy itineraries (palace interiors, the Sintra National Palace in the town center, and long lunches at local tascas). Read our Sintra travel tips for more information.
Sintra Weather: Understanding the Microclimate
Sintra’s weather differs sharply from Lisbon’s , and from the weather at its own beaches 10 km away. The Serra de Sintra, a granite massif rising to 529 metres (1,736 feet) at its highest point, catches moisture-laden Atlantic air and forces it upward, creating condensation, cloud, and rainfall. This means Sintra town can be foggy while Praia das Maçãs (the nearest beach) is sunny, and both can be completely different from Lisbon. The temperature difference between Sintra and Lisbon averages 4-6°C year-round, reaching 8-10°C on hot summer days. If your phone says Lisbon is 32°C and sunny, Sintra might be 23°C with a marine layer. Dress for Sintra, not for Lisbon. Microclimates also vary within Sintra: the town center and Pena Palace (which sits on one of the highest peaks) are the foggiest spots, while the coastal areas around Colares and Azenhas do Mar are usually clearer and warmer.
