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 Lake20°C
- Castelo de Bode Reservoir18°C
- Montargil Reservoir19°C
- Ermal Reservoir16°C
- Azibo Reservoir17°C
- Santa Clara Reservoir20°C
- Lagoa de Óbidos19°C
- Lagoa de Albufeira19°C
- Santa Luzia Reservoir16°C
- Apartadura Reservoir17°C
- Barragem de Odeleite Lake22°C
- Barragem dos Minutos Lake18°C
all lakes ->
Popular Rivers
Popular Places
- Sabugal15°C
- Praia Fluvial do Lago Azul18°C
- Praia Fluvial de Alqueva20°C
- Coimbra17°C
- Porto16°C
- Praia Fluvial da Amieira20°C
- Praia Fluvial da Barca16°C
- Portimão19°C
- Gondomar16°C
- Lisbon18°C
- Abrantes18°C
- Praia Fluvial da Albufeira do Vilar16°C
- Tomar18°C
- Tábua17°C
- Tavira20°C
- Monção17°C
- Praia Fluvial da Albufeira do Vilar16°C
- Alto Tâmega Dam16°C
- Vila Verde16°C
- Vilarinho das Furnas Dam14°C
- Arcos de Valdevez16°C
- Covilhã15°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.