The climate of Coimbra
Known for its enchanting university town and historic structures,
Coimbra nestles within the climatic zone denoted by the Köppen climate classification as 'Csb', indicating a Mediterranean climate with warm summers. Influenced by its geographical position along
Portugal's western coast, Coimbra experiences weather characterized by hot, dry summers and wet, temperate winters.
Evaluating the provided climate data, there is a noticeable temperature variation ranging from average lows of 5°C (41°F) in the coldest months to a zenith of 28.7°C (83.7°F) in the heat of summer. The city receives a generous amount of sunlight with daylight hours ranging from a low of 9.4 hours in the winter months to a peak of 15 hours during the summer. The average UV index fluctuates between 2 in the colder seasons and escalates to 9 in the summer months, indicating strong sun intensity.
Rainfall in Coimbra is rather seasonal with the dry summer months often receiving less than 50mm (1.97") per month, while the wet winters can see monthly rainfall over 100mm (3.94") regularly. Observing the rain day frequency, the trend closely follows the rainfall pattern with fewer rainy days from
June to
September and increasing frequencies as it transitions into winter.
Remarkably, the driest month,
July, has an average of 6 rainy days with a precipitation total of just 13mm (0.51"), while in
December, the number of rain days doubles to 14 and the average precipitation jumps to 127mm (5").
The best time to visit Coimbra
The summer months of
June to
September are often perceived as the most opportune time to visit
Coimbra. During this period, the city basks in temperature highs up to 28.7°C (83.7°F), creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. The rainfall is sparse, with averages as low as 13mm (0.51") to 40mm (1.57") from June to September, ensuring minimal interruption to sightseeing plans. At this time, daylight hours are at their peak, offering up to 15 hours of daylight, thus providing longer exploration times for visitors.
The worst time to visit Coimbra
The late fall to winter period, from
November to
February, might be less inviting for tourists considering a visit to
Coimbra. At this time, the city receives hefty rainfall, ranging from 106mm (4.17") in November to a significant 127mm (5") in
December. Lower temperatures, ranging between 5°C (41°F) and 16.2°C (61.2°F) occur during this period, which may not be favorable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Coimbra
Spring in
Coimbra, from
March to
May, welcomes mild temperatures, with highs varying from 18.9°C (66°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F). The rainfall decreases dramatically from spring's inception, going from 66mm (2.6") in March down to 40mm (1.57"), heralding the onset of the dry season in May. During these months, daylight ranges from 12 hours in March to 14.4 hours in May.
Summer weather in Coimbra
Summers in
Coimbra, spanning
June to
August, are marked by warmth and long sunshine-filled days. Daytime temperatures range between 26.2°C (79.2°F) to a peak of 28.7°C (83.7°F) in August. The seasonal rainfall is scarce, dipping down to a low of 13mm (0.51") in
July. The duration of daylight extends from 14.7 hours in June and July to 13.7 hours by the end of summer in August.
Autumn weather in Coimbra
Autumn in
Coimbra extends from
September to
November and brings a gradual drop in temperatures from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Rainfall starts to increase during this phase, advancing from a moderate 52mm (2.05") in September to 109mm (4.29") by November. Daylight duration gradually reduces to 11.1 hours in November.
Winter weather in Coimbra
Winter descends on
Coimbra between
December and
February with temperature lows of 5°C (41°F) to 6.5°C (43.7°F) and highs from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 16.2°C (61.2°F). The city receives the bulk of its annual precipitation during this period, witnessing rain totals from 106mm (4.17") to 127mm (5"). The daylight hours are considerably fewer, ranging from 9.4 hours to 10 hours. Yet despite the reduced sunshine hours and cold weather, the city retains its charm with festive winter celebrations around the historical sites.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Coimbra,
Portugal, begins with mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Rain frequently marks the
January weather, as evidenced by the highest recorded rainfall of 112mm (4.41"). This winter month also sees limited daylight hours and relatively low UV index ratings with shorter spans of sunshine.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As winter transitions into early spring,
February in
Coimbra brings a subtle increase in warmth during the day. However, the month continues to experience an ample amount of rain with 106mm (4.17") recorded on average, marginally lesser than
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The harmonious balance of wet and dry conditions characterizes
March weather in
Coimbra. A significant drop in rainfall to 66mm (2.6") indicates the approach of drier seasons, making March a potential threshold for the change in weather pattern.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Coimbra embraces the full bloom of spring during
April, indicated by warmer days and slightly increased rainfall to 85mm (3.35") compared to
March. There's a noticeable shift in daylight duration with extended sunlit hours and a rise in UV index ratings.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Coimbra ushers in a distinctly warmer and sunnier phase of the year. Rainfall decreases considerably, making room for more sun-bathing hours and a higher UV index. Unquestionably, the weather in May reflects the commencement of summer, painting the city in vivid, sun-drenched hues.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The arrival of
June marks the beginning of a beautiful summer in
Coimbra. Day temperatures peak as nights become comfortably warm, painting the perfect summer picture. The city stays predominantly dry with just 40mm (1.57") of rainfall, the lowest across all months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The warmth in
Coimbra continues to soar in
July as it embraces the peak of summer. True to the season, the city continues to remain relatively dry and sees a further reduction in rainfall. With the maximum UV index rating and the highest daylight hours, July stands as the sunniest period of the year in Coimbra.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The concluding month of summer,
August, maintains the trend of high temperatures in
Coimbra while marginally cooling down from its
July peak. Interestingly, the city sees a nearly equal amount of rainfall as it did in July, that is 14mm (0.55").
Weather in August »Weather in September
Embracing the arrival of autumn,
September brings a subtle decrease in temperature, making the days and nights in
Coimbra more comfortable. The rainfall level rises again to 52mm (2.05"), signaling the end of dry summer months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Coimbra signifies a clear transition from summer to autumn as the fall season takes over. The rainfall is more pronounced this month, nearly doubling from the preceding month to 103mm (4.06"). However, the decrease in temperature makes it a comfortable month to enjoy the autumn landscape of the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings forth a significant change in
Coimbra's weather as the winter chill begins to set in. An increase in rainfall, reaching 109mm (4.29") on average, marks this shift to the wetter season. Daylight hours shrink further and the UV index drops to moderate levels.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the final month of the year,
December brings the winter season in full swing in
Coimbra. The combination of lower temperatures and the highest rainfall of 127mm (5") gives the city a cool and damp atmosphere. With shortened daylight hours and a low UV index, December experiences less sunshine compared to other months.
Weather in December »