The climate of Porto Santo Island
Porto Santo Island, situated off the southwestern coast of
Portugal, has been classified under a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, or Csb according to the Köppen climate system. This climate characterization implies a pattern of cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. A detailed analysis of the provided climate data offers insights into the weather patterns throughout the year.
A central feature of Porto Santo Island's climate is its modest temperature variations. The island experiences an average high temperature range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F). These highest temperatures occur from
July to
September. On the other hand, the low temperature averages from a mild 13.4°C (56.1°F) in
February to a warm 21.8°C (71.2°F) between
August and September.
Rainfall exhibits a clear seasonal pattern. Porto Santo Island receives the bulk of its 366mm (14.41") annual rainfall from
November to February, with averages from 51mm (2.01") to 67mm (2.64"). Conversely, from
May to September, the island gets minimal rainfall, with a single digit count of 2mm (0.08") to 6mm (0.24"). The relative humidity remains fairly constant throughout the year, mostly in the high 70s% range.
Porto Santo Island also enjoys ample sunshine hours, peaking at 8 hours per day in the summer months of July and August, and still providing a decent 5 hours during the winter. The ultraviolet (UV) index is highest from
June to August, reaching up to 10, signalling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to visit Porto Santo Island
The ideal period for visitors to
Porto Santo Island is from
May to
September when the climate is most favourable. During these months, average high temperatures range from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F), accompanied by low rainfall, ample sunshine, and a pleasant sea temperature, which averages from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F). Tourists also get to enjoy more daylight hours. With the UV index reaching 10 in the mid-summer months, it is crucial to take precautions against sunburn and eye damage.
The worst time to visit Porto Santo Island
The less attractive period to visit
Porto Santo Island would be from
November to
February. This period is characterized by the shortest daylight hours (10 to 10.5 hours), highest rainfall (from 51mm (2.01") to 67mm (2.64")), and lowest average sea temperatures (from 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 19.7°C (67.5°F)). Relative humidity also tends to be at its peak during these months.
Spring weather in Porto Santo Island
Spring in
Porto Santo Island begins in
March and ends in
May. The weather during this period is characterized by slowly increasing temperatures, ranging from highs of 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 20.6°C (69.1°F) and lows from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 15.4°C (59.7°F) on average. Rainfall tapers off from 44mm (1.73") in March to a minimal 14mm (0.55") by May. This time also sees an increase in daylight hours and UV index, indicative of the coming summer months.
Summer weather in Porto Santo Island
The summer months from
June to
August witness the warmest part of
Porto Santo Island's climatic cycle. Daily high temperatures hover around a balmy 24°C (75.2°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F) with corresponding low temperatures between 17.5°C (63.5°F) and 21.8°C (71.2°F). Rainfall is virtually non-existent during these months, peaking at a mere 6mm (0.24") in June. Daylight hours reach their zenith while UV index indicates extreme exposure risk.
Autumn weather in Porto Santo Island
Autumn in Porto Santo, spanning
September to
November, ushers in a decrease in temperatures, daylight, and UV index while witnessing a gradual increase in rainfall. The high temperature averages between 23.3°C (73.9°F) and 20.7°C (69.3°F), while the low averages from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F). The amount of rainfall escalates from 13mm (0.51") in September to 55mm (2.17") by November.
Winter weather in Porto Santo Island
Winter, from
December to
February, brings the coolest temperatures and highest rainfall. High temperatures range between 18.5°C (65.3°F) and 18°C (64.4°F), and lows vary from 14.6°C (58.3°F) to 13.4°C (56.1°F). With rainfall reaching up to 67mm (2.64") in December, this period is the wettest for the island. However, even in winter, porter Santo Island offers up to 5 hours of sunshine daily, and UV index readings are at their lowest.
Weather in January
The year kicks off in
Porto Santo Island with consistent and mild weather, maintaining a relatively harmonious balance between the warm sea and cooler land temperatures. Despite being one of the colder months, the subtropical maritime climate is vastly different from harsh winter conditions found in more northern countries.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Shifting into
February,
Porto Santo Island experiences a slight dip in both temperature and rainfall compared to
January. The pleasant weather continues with sunny days being more frequent and slightly warmer, providing ideal conditions for enjoying the outdoor scenery.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Porto Santo Island noticeably starts to warm up in
March, a promising sign of the forthcoming spring. The increase in temperature is gradual and accommodating, allowing one to freely explore the island's beaches and hilltops. As the days grow longer, there are more ample opportunities to catch some rays and engage in water-based activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By
April, spring is in full bloom on
Porto Santo Island, coupled with warmer days and an escalation in daylight hours. The weather shifts into a more comfortable phase making it conducive for outdoor activities such as golf, hiking, biking or simply taking advantage of the burgeoning beach scene.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Porto Santo Island experiences a significant jump in temperature to 20.6°C (69.1°F), making it one of the warmest months so far. The warming effect of the changing season makes its presence felt, inviting visitors to take a dip in the sea which also starts to warm up from 17.9°C (64.2°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June on
Porto Santo Island is indicative of summer's arrival with a noticeable rise in temperature and sunshine, reaching a comforting equilibrium between warmth and humidity. Porto Santo Beach, being one of the largest sandy areas in the Atlantic, starts buzzing with eager sun-seekers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July relishes the title of the warmest month in
Porto Santo Island with land temperatures peaking to an average high of 24°C (75.2°F). Compared to the previous months, the island experiences more comfortable nightly temperatures, making July perfect for serene evening walks along the golden beaches.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August remains warm and inviting in
Porto Santo Island, maintaining the trend of higher temperatures that started in
July. The days are long and sunny with plenty of opportunities to engage in various beach activities or explore the vast island landscape.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Heading into
September,
Porto Santo Island begins its transition from the hot summer temperatures to the cooler autumn season. The weather remains pleasantly warm, but with a tangible lessening of the intense summer heat that characterized the previous months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October rolls in, a significant shift in
Porto Santo Island's weather pattern can be perceived. Temperatures begin to reduce, signaling the onset of autumn, with conditions becoming noticeably cooler than the preceding few months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November symbolizes an evident retreat of warmth on
Porto Santo Island. As the gradual decrease in temperature persists, the island begins to display characteristic late-autumn weather conditions. The overall climate remains moderately warm, however, the drop in temperature can be openly felt during the night.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the cooler season on
Porto Santo Island with temperatures averaging between 14.6°C (58.3°F) to 18.5°C (65.3°F). Despite being one of the cooler months, daytime remains relatively warm, drawing one to enjoy the calming beach views.
Weather in December »