Last updated: January 18, 2025
Beja, Portugal, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate (Köppen-Geiger classification Csa) that showcases a diverse temperature range throughout the year. The region experiences a chilly minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January, while average annual temperatures hover around a comfortable 17°C (63°F). The summer months can be particularly harsh, with maximum temperatures soaring to a sweltering 45°C (113°F) in August. This climatic profile not only influences local agriculture and ecosystems but also enhances the region’s cultural and recreational offerings.
The temperature patterns in Beja, Portugal, reflect a distinct Mediterranean climate with pronounced seasonal variations. Winter months, particularly January and December, bring the coldest temperatures, with minimums dipping to -3°C (27°F) and average highs around 23°C (73°F) in January. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually increase, peaking in April with averages reaching 15°C (60°F). The transition to summer is marked by a significant rise, with averages soaring to 36°C (98°F) in May and peaking in August at 45°C (113°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to decline gradually, while September and October still retain warm conditions, averaging around 23°C (73°F) to 19°C (66°F), before giving way to the cooler winter months that repeat the cycle. This seasonal rhythm not only shapes the local environment but also influences the lifestyle and agricultural practices in the region.
Zambujeira do Mar and Vila Nova de Milfontes experience similar temperature patterns, with both towns recording a minimum temperature of 1°C (34°F) in January and a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in August for Zambujeira do Mar and 39°C (103°F) for Vila Nova de Milfontes. For more detailed information, visit monthly temperatures in Zambujeira do Mar and monthly temperatures in Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Precipitation in Beja, Portugal, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall occurring in the chilly months, particularly from late fall to early spring. January sees an average of 26 mm (1.0 in) of rain over approximately 3 days, while February receives a notable increase to 44 mm (1.7 in) across 5 days. The wettest month is March, when precipitation peaks at 79 mm (3.1 in) over 8 days, indicating a transition from winter dryness toward the spring month. As spring continues, April experiences a dip in precipitation at 62 mm (2.4 in), then falling to 27 mm (1.0 in) in May, with the latter month only requiring 4 rainy days.
During the summer months, rainfall significantly diminishes, with July and August registering minimal amounts of just 2 mm (0.1 in) each and experiencing no rainy days. The onset of autumn brings slightly more rain, with September receiving 17 mm (0.7 in) over 1 day and October contributing 43 mm (1.7 in) across 4 days. November and December experience moderate precipitation, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) and 48 mm (1.9 in), respectively. Overall, the precipitation trends in Beja underscore the region's characteristic dry summers and wetter winters.
In Beja, Portugal, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal progression, with hours of sunlight rising steadily from winter through summer. Starting from 190 hours in January, the amount of sunshine gradually increases each month, reaching 228 hours in February and culminating in March with 299 hours. By April, the days become notably longer, providing 350 hours of sunshine, and this upward trend continues into the warm months, with May and June recording 405 and 406 hours, respectively. The peak sunshine month is July, where Beja basks in an impressive 426 hours of sunlight, encapsulating the quintessential essence of a Mediterranean summer.
As summer wanes into August, the sunshine duration slightly decreases to 399 hours, but the region still enjoys plenty of bright days. The transition to autumn sees a gradual reduction in sunlight, with September offering 350 hours and further declining to 319 hours in October. By November, the sunshine duration drops to 234 hours, and December concludes the year with 225 hours, highlighting the contrast between the sun-drenched summer months and the shorter, cooler days of winter. This seasonal fluctuation in sunshine not only affects the local climate but also plays a pivotal role in agricultural practices and the overall lifestyle in Beja.
The UV Index in Beja, Portugal, reveals significant seasonal variations, highlighting the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike. During the winter months of January and December, the UV Index is relatively low, measuring 3 and classified as moderate, allowing for safe sun exposure for up to 30 minutes without protection. As the year progresses into February, the UV Index climbs to 5, maintaining a moderate exposure level. However, the transition into spring and summer marks a dramatic increase in UV intensity. By April, the Index reaches 9, categorized as very high, with a reduced burn time of only 15 minutes, indicating a critical need for sun safety measures.
Summer continues this trend, with the UV Index peaking at 11 in both June and July, classified as extreme, exposing individuals to the risk of skin damage after just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Even as summer draws to a close in August, the UV Index remains high at 10, while September experiences a slight decline to 9. As autumn arrives, the Index decreases further, bringing it back to 7 in October and 4 in November, ultimately returning to 3 in December. This seasonal fluctuation is a reminder that the risk of UV exposure is considerably higher during the warmer months, necessitating vigilant sun protection strategies to safeguard against harmful effects.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Beja, Portugal, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, progressively increasing from winter to summer and then gradually decreasing again. In January and December, residents experience only 9 hours of daylight, which provides a stark contrast to the longer days of late spring and summer. As February rolls in, daylight increases to 10 hours, and by March, it extends to 11 hours, signaling the approach of longer, sunnier days. This trend continues into April, where the daylight reaches 13 hours, peaking in May, June, and July at 14 hours, allowing for extended outdoor activities and enjoyment of the natural landscape.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight begins to recede, with August still offering 13 hours before descending to 12 hours in September. The reduction continues through October, when daylight lasts 11 hours, and further diminishes to 10 hours in November. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only reflects the seasonal changes in Beja but also influences local lifestyle, agriculture, and tourism throughout the year, highlighting the region's reliance on its abundant sunshine during the longer days of summer.
Vila Nova de Milfontes experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) in January to 22°C (71°F) in August, with peak summer temperatures reaching up to 39°C (103°F). Precipitation is highest in the colder months, particularly in March and April, while the summer months tend to be dry, with minimal rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in July, with over 420 hours of sunshine that month. For more detailed information, visit Vila Nova de Milfontes climate.
Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C to a maximum of 21°C, while August reaches highs of 39°C. Precipitation is heaviest in March (83 mm) and lightest during the summer months, with July receiving only 3 mm. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 420 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Zambujeira do Mar climate.
In conclusion, Beja, Portugal, presents a distinctive climatic profile characterized by marked seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The warm summers, with elevated temperatures and extended daylight, invite outdoor activities and agricultural productivity, while the cooler winter months bring a more subdued climate with limited sunlight. The region's Mediterranean climate, combined with its fluctuating UV Index, underscores the importance of sun safety as residents and visitors bask in long sunlit days. This complex interplay of climatic factors not only shapes the daily lives of those in Beja but also plays a critical role in the environmental and economic landscape of the region throughout the year. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective planning and sustainable practices in a region that proudly showcases its natural beauty.