When people from northern Europe think about the weather in southern Europe during the summer, they often imagine really warm summer nights and scorching hot summer days. Although this can be true for the Weather in Ericeira, it’s normally not the case.
In Ericeira we have a microclimate. In this post you’ll learn all about how this affects the weather in Ericeira during the different seasons.
Characteristics of the Ericeira Weather
Since Ericeira is situated next to the cold Atlantic Ocean, it has a very ocean climate type of weather. This means that in the summer the ocean cools down the land and in the winter it will keep the land from cooling down. Thus the summers in Ericeira rarely get very hot and the winters are mild.
However regardless of the temperature and time of the year, the sun will always be very hot. So if the sun is out and its December, you can still have your favorite sea food lunch outside.
Another characteristic of the Ericeira climate is the northern wind. If the northern wind is blowing which isn’t uncommon, it will usually be colder than expected. And if you want to have that outside arroz de marisco lunch when the northern wind is on, you are better of sitting on the south side of a building.
The weather in the Summer
June to September are the warmest months of the year in Ericeira with an average temperature of 20 to 23 degrees Celsius. During these months it almost never rains. However, it can be a bit windy at times, and this may bring the actual temperature down.
Another weather trait special for Ericeira this time of the year, is the sometimes misty mornings. But if you wake up in Ericeira experiencing this type of June Gloom, don’t fret, the sky normally clears up around noon.
By the end of August, the wind usually dies down a bit. As this is around the same time that the swell starts to pick up, it’s not difficult to understand why fall is the favorite season for many of us in Ericeira, both weather and surf wise.
The Weather in Ericeira During the Fall
Up until the end of October it can be very nice weather in Ericeira, with light winds and an average temperature around 18 *C. However, once November hits the temperature starts to cool down a bit and storm season starts. That storm season starts means that the weather can be very fickle. Some days you have beautiful summer days with amazing surf. Other days its a full on storm outside.
That it’s storm season also means that you get huge waves sometimes. Thus it’s not a coincidence that it was in November Rodrigo Koxa surfed the biggest wave ever ridden.
If the actual storm happens far out in the Atlantic and just brings the huge waves towards a beautifully calm Portuguese coast line, it will be the perfect time for big wave surfing. If you’re in Ericeira one of these days, this actually means you should pack up and get going, or wake up early and go on a day trip. It will be a pumping atmosphere in Nazaré.
The Winter and Spring
December to March in Ericeira are actually quite similar to November. That is the weather can be very fickle. Some days it’s a beautiful weather, perfect for having a lunch or coffee on one of the outside patios of the restaurants in Ericeira. While others days can be cold, extremely windy and with pouring rain.
The coldest months of the year are December to February with an average temperature of 11- 13 *C. Once April comes around the temperature starts warming up a bit although the fickle nature of the weather can persist. In May the weather will start to stabilize again.
Ericeira Average Temperatures (source yr.no)
What Type of Clothes to Wear?
Regardless of if you are visiting Ericeira in the middle of the summer, it’s always good to have a pair of long sleeves and pants with you. Usually the evenings will be a bit colder, so even if it can be shorts type of weather up until October, you will be happy to have the option of switching once the sun goes down.
If you are visiting Ericeira during the colder part of the year, you should of course bring warmer clothes. Although it can still be fairly warm in the sun, a lot of locals are sporting puffer jackets during winter time. And if the wind starts howling you will be happy to have a warm jacket.
Another recommendation for the winter is warm slippers. Compared to northern European standards it’s quite cold inside most Portuguese buildings, so you will definitely not regret a pair of proper warm slippers.
The Best Time to Visit
When it’s best to visit Ericeira of course depends on what type of weather you prefer. However, if you want a warm and stable weather May until October is your best bet. This is also around the time when the surf will be most reliable.
All though rumor has it that the surf will be to small in the summer, this is usually not the case. Although the waves in the summer normally aren’t as big as in the fall, there are always waves. Regardless of season, Ericiera is a swell magnet.
To check out the weather in Ericeira right now you can click here.
