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Sesimbra Climate and When to Go?
The small fishing town of Sesimbra lies about 40 kilometres south of Lisbon and has a large, sandy beach in an excellent sheltered location, directly to the west of the Serra da Arrabida National Park, an area known for its excellent hiking terrain and beautiful natural scenery.
The months of July and August tend to be seen as peak season. During this time of year, rainfall is very rare and the temperature can be quite hot, but not surprisingly the wonderful beaches in Sesimbra and the nearby Serra da Arrabida National Park can become quite busy. Winters receive a fair share of sunny and pleasantly warm days but from November to April the town also experiences plenty of wet weather. For many, late spring or early autumn are the best times to visit. The temperatures will be warm, particularly in June and September, but not blisteringly hot, and the beaches will be free from the summer crowds.
Spring
In early spring, daytime temperatures tend to reach the high teens most days and there is plenty of sunshine, although during the evenings the temperatures can become cooler, so packing some warm clothes is advisable. By May, the daytime temperatures start to rise well into the twenties and rainfall, which can still be fairly abundant in early spring, becomes less common. May is usually the first month of the year when tourists can truly enjoy the beaches that Sesimbra has to offer.
Summer
Summer really starts in June as rainfall becomes scarcer (on average there are only 5 days where rain falls in the month of June) and the sea and air temperatures begin to heat up. The heat of mid-summer has not yet arrived, but visitors can still expect daytime temperatures around 25ᵒC (77ᵒF) and plenty of sunshine. Plus, the crowds of tourists have not arrived yet, meaning that hotels and flights might be cheaper than during the school holidays.
The months of July and August are considered high season. There is barely any rain during this period, and daytime high temperatures average 28ᵒC (82ᵒF), although days above 30ᵒC (86ᵒF) are common, whilst temperatures may reach even higher during heat waves. But on the downside, the beaches around Sesimbra, which have a reputation for being some of the best beaches in Portugal thanks to their sheltered locations and calm waters, can become too crowded for some and the night-time temperatures in July and August can be uncomfortably hot for those without air-conditioning.
Autumn / Fall
September is almost a continuation of summer thanks to the maritime climate of Sesimbra, located, as it is on a large headland. In early September daytime temperatures can reach around 27ᵒC and sunshine is abundant, although the occasional rainy day will start to make an appearance. Still, the sea temperatures remain warm into October and the beaches are usually empty at this time, so early autumn can be a perfect season for those visitors who do not need to rely on school holidays to take their trip.
Winter
As November arrives, rainy days become more frequent, interspersed with pleasantly warm, sunny days and cooler night-time temperatures. This pattern remains the same through much of winter, when average daytime temperatures tend to be around 15ᵒC (59ᵒF), becoming cooler at night. But thanks to its coastal location, temperatures near or below freezing are incredibly rare, although visitors might need some warm weather clothes for the evenings and early morning.