Portugal — Water Temperature in Seas, Lakes and Rivers
Check today’s water temperatures across Portugal, including seas, lakes, and rivers. View real-time updates and seasonal ranges for both coastal and inland waters. We find every place where you can swim and show you the water temperature there today and throughout the year.
Sea Water Temperature Along the Coast
Chart of Average Temperature Changes Over the Last 60 Days
Places with the Warmest Sea Water Today
The Most Popular Seaside Places
Coastal Seas and Oceans
Water Temperature in Lakes and Rivers
Popular Lakes
- Barragem de Alqueva Lake21°C
- Castelo de Bode Reservoir20°C
- Montargil Reservoir21°C
- Azibo Reservoir19°C
- Ermal Reservoir17°C
- Barragem dos Minutos Lake19°C
- Santa Clara Reservoir21°C
- Lagoa de Óbidos20°C
- Lagoa de Albufeira20°C
- Santa Luzia Reservoir18°C
- Represa de Vale Rossim14°C
- Barragem de Odeleite Lake22°C
all lakes ->
Popular Rivers
Popular Places
- Sabugal18°C
- Praia Fluvial de Alqueva21°C
- Praia Fluvial do Lago Azul20°C
- Praia Fluvial da Barca17°C
- Porto17°C
- Coimbra21°C
- Portimão20°C
- Praia Fluvial da Amieira21°C
- Gondomar17°C
- Praia Fluvial da Albufeira do Vilar18°C
- Covilhã19°C
- Vilar Reservoir18°C
- Praia Fluvial da Albufeira do Vilar17°C
- Samora Correia19°C
- Coruche20°C
- Alcácer do Sal19°C
- Tomar19°C
- Tábua19°C
- Tavira21°C
- Vila Real17°C
- Esposende17°C
- Barcelos17°C
Water Temperature and Swimming Overview
Regions and Map
- Aveiro District
- Azores
- Beja District
- Braga District
- Bragança District
- Castelo Branco District
- Coimbra District
- Évora District
- Faro District
- Grande Porto
- Guarda District
- Leiria District
- Lisbon metropolitan area
- Madeira
- Portalegre District
- Santarém District
- Setúbal District
- Viana do Castelo District
- Vila Real District
- Viseu District
Water Temperature Trends
Portugal’s Atlantic coastline is influenced by cool ocean currents, so sea temperatures are moderate rather than tropical. On the northern and central coast, winter sea temperatures typically range from about 13–16 °C (55–61 °F), rising to roughly 16–19 °C (61–66 °F) in summer. Around Lisbon and the central/southern coast temperatures are a few degrees warmer, with winter averages near 14–17 °C (57–63 °F) and summer values often between 18–21 °C (64–70 °F). The Algarve and the Portuguese islands are warmer still: the Algarve summer seas can reach around 19–22 °C (66–72 °F), while the Azores and Madeira enjoy relatively stable waters generally spanning 17–24 °C (63–75 °F) through the year. Seasonal upwelling along the Atlantic can make spring and early summer waters noticeably cooler on the mainland coast, while late summer is usually the warmest period for bathing.
Swimming Conditions
Inland lakes, reservoirs and rivers show greater variability and can be warm in shallow, sheltered spots during summer—often 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) on hot days—whereas mountain streams and fast-flowing rivers remain cool year-round, commonly 10–16 °C (50–61 °F). Swimming is widely permitted and popular in both coastal and inland sites, with many beaches patrolled by lifeguards in summer and numerous designated freshwater bathing areas. Local conditions determine safety and suitability: water quality monitoring, currents and rip tides on the coast, strong flows or cold shocks in rivers, and occasional algae in stagnant waters can restrict swimming. Observing posted notices and seasonal lifeguard advice is recommended for safe enjoyment.