Autumn may have officially begun, but much of Portugal is still in the grip of summer-like heat, with thermometers reaching 40°C in some inland areas. The unseasonably warm spell has left visitors and locals alike adjusting their plans, as the country's weather service warns of continued high temperatures.
In Lisbon, the first day of autumn brought a sweltering 36°C, a surprise for many tourists who had packed for milder conditions. Among them was Shamminaz Polen, a Canadian visitor, who admitted she had brought a coat in anticipation of cooler weather similar to autumn in her home country.
“I wasn’t expecting this heat. In fact, I even brought a coat because I thought it would be cooler and similar to Canadian autumn weather, around 21, 23 degrees Celsius, and I told my friend the same thing: 'Bring a coat'. And now I feel I’ve got slightly thicker socks than I would have brought if I’d known it was going to be this hot, to be honest,” said Polen.
For those unprepared for the heat, simple strategies help make sightseeing bearable. Polen explained that carrying water bottles, ducking into air-conditioned shops, and seeking shaded alleyways are essential tricks. “Another trick is to find an alleyway with shade and always walk on the shaded side of the pavement,” she added.
Fletcher Shepard, a British tourist on holiday in Lisbon, noted the contrast with conditions back home. “It’s very dry, obviously it’s quite pleasant here in the shade and in the shops and so on, but when you’re walking in the sun it can get really very hot,” he said. Despite the heat, he found the weather enjoyable for a few days of sightseeing, especially since temperatures in England are hovering around 20°C.
Heat warnings and fire risk
The Portuguese weather service, IPMA, has issued a heat warning for several regions until the end of Thursday, with local authorities also flagging a high risk of forest fires in inland areas. The dry conditions and elevated temperatures have heightened concerns, though forecasts suggest a slight cooling from next week.
This late-September heatwave is not entirely unprecedented, but its intensity has caught many off guard. As Portugal braces for late-September heatwave, the country is once again reminded of the broader patterns of shifting seasonal weather.
For tourists, the heat has added an unexpected dimension to their travels. Many have adapted by planning outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the peak sun hours. Others have taken refuge in the city's many museums and cafés, making the most of air-conditioned spaces.
The situation also highlights the challenges facing the tourism sector, which is already dealing with other disruptions. easyJet cabin crew in Portugal announce strikes for October and December, potentially affecting travel plans for many visitors. Meanwhile, the broader economic context, including rising rents in Portugal, remains a concern for residents and policymakers alike.
As the heat persists, authorities urge caution, especially in rural areas where fire risk is elevated. The IPMA has advised the public to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor exertion during the hottest part of the day. For now, the summer-like conditions continue to linger, a reminder that autumn in Portugal can still bring surprises.
