Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the District of Setúbal, Portugal, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa, denoting a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Characterized by significant temperature variations, the region experiences a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F) in the coldest month of January, while the summer peaks dramatically with an average maximum of 43°C (110°F) in August. Overall, the mean annual temperature hovers around 17°C (62°F), reflecting the region's diverse climatic influences and making it an intriguing area for both climate study and tourism.
In the District of Setúbal, Portugal, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations that reflect the Mediterranean climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, begin with colder temperatures, showcasing minimums that dip as low as -2°C (29°F), gradually rising through the months to culminate in mild averages around 13°C (55°F). As spring approaches, temperatures steadily increase, with March and April experiencing both warmer minimums and maximums reaching 29°C (84°F). The transition into summer sees a remarkable surge, with May introducing higher averages and peak temperatures, soaring to 36°C (97°F), while August presents the hottest extremes, with maximum temperatures hitting 43°C (110°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to decline, yet the region retains a relatively warm climate, with October still enjoying highs of 35°C (96°F) before winter returns, marked by cooler averages and temperatures falling back to 0°C (32°F) by December. This cyclical pattern illustrates the region’s dynamic climate, characterized by sharp contrasts between its cooler winters and sweltering summers.
In the coastal region of Setúbal, Porto Covo experiences a temperature range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) in January to a sweltering 39°C (103°F) in August, as detailed in its climate profile monthly temperatures in Porto Covo. Comporta shares a similar minimum of 1°C (34°F) in January but has a slightly lower maximum of 39°C (102°F) in August, highlighted in its monthly temperatures in Comporta. Meanwhile, Sesimbra begins the year at a higher minimum of 4°C (40°F) and peaks at 34°C (94°F) during the hottest month, as noted in its climate overview monthly temperatures in Sesimbra.
The District of Setúbal, Portugal, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January kicks off the year with 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain over 4 days, but precipitation begins to escalate in February and peaks in April, where 70 mm (2.8 in) falls over 12 days. March to April sees a steady rainfall increase, followed by a sharp decline in May as totals drop back to 34 mm (1.3 in), mirroring the decreasing number of rainy days. This continuing trend of minimal rainfall culminates in a dry summer, with July and August recording a mere 4 mm (0.2 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in) respectively, indicating a significant shift to arid conditions.
As autumn approaches, precipitation begins to reemerge, with September receiving 21 mm (0.8 in) spread over 2 days, marking the onset of wetter conditions. October introduces a more substantial rainfall with 43 mm (1.7 in) over 4 days, while November experiences the highest monthly total of the year at 72 mm (2.8 in) across 9 days. December maintains this trend with 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 7 days. The variation in precipitation highlights a seasonal rhythm, crucial for the region's agriculture and natural ecosystems, as well as impacting the overall climate experience for residents and visitors alike.
In the District of Setúbal, Portugal, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, progressively increasing from winter to summer. The year begins with January receiving just 184 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises in February to 230 hours. March marks the start of a more pronounced increase, with sunshine hours climbing to 306 hours. April continues this upward trend, reaching 354 hours, while May and June see the region basking in the warm sun with 407 hours and 411 hours, respectively. The peak of sunlight occurs in July, where residents and visitors enjoy an impressive 423 hours, emphasizing the district's vibrant summer climate.
After July, sunshine hours remain significant but start to decline as summer gives way to autumn. August still boasts 396 hours, but from September onward, a gradual tapering occurs, with September providing 350 hours and October offering 315 hours. This decrease becomes more pronounced in November and December, recording 234 hours and 223 hours, respectively, as the district transitions into the winter months. These patterns not only highlight the sun's varying presence throughout the year but also underscore the importance of this radiant energy in supporting the region’s agriculture, tourism, and overall quality of life.
The UV Index in the District of Setúbal, Portugal, demonstrates a seasonal variation that reflects the changing intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. Starting in January, the UV Index measures 3, indicating a moderate exposure level with a burn time of 30 minutes. This moderate risk persists into February, where the UV Index rises to 5. However, as spring arrives, the potential for sunburn increases significantly, particularly in April and May, where the UV Index reaches 9 and 10, categorizing the exposure as very high and reducing the burn time to just 15 minutes. By June, the intensity escalates to an extreme level at 11, marking a critical period for sun safety.
As summer continues, July and August maintain a very high UV Index of 10, necessitating caution as burn times remain short at 15 minutes. In September, the UV Index drops slightly to 9, but still represents a very high exposure risk. The UV Index further decreases in the autumn months with October recording 7, categorized as high, and returning to moderate levels in November and December with indices of 4 and 3, respectively. This annual pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the spring and summer months, especially given the extreme UV levels that pose significant health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In the District of Setúbal, Portugal, daylight duration exhibits a notable seasonal rhythm, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the sun throughout the year. January begins with only 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. This upward trend continues into spring, reaching 11 hours in March and further expanding to 13 hours in April. As summer approaches, May presents 14 hours of daylight, a duration that remains consistent into June and July. These months are marked by extended evenings, allowing for more outdoor activities and a vibrant social atmosphere.
As summer wanes, daylight hours begin to decrease, with August still enjoying 13 hours before entering autumn. September sees a reduction to 12 hours, followed by a gradual decline through October and November, where daylight lasts 11 hours and 10 hours, respectively. Finally, December returns to 9 hours, completing the annual cycle. This pattern underscores the importance of adjusting daily routines and activities based on the availability of natural light, as daylight duration greatly influences lifestyle, mood, and the local economy in this picturesque region.
Caparica, Portugal experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while August sees highs of up to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is most significant in the winter months, peaking in November with 80 mm (3.2 in), and summer months enjoy minimal precipitation, particularly July and August with just 5 mm (0.2 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant, especially from May to August, averaging over 400 hours per month. For more details, visit Caparica climate.
Comporta, Portugal, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant 21°C (70°F), while August can peak at a scorching 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is relatively low during the summer months, with July and August receiving just 5 mm (0.2 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, respectively. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer where monthly hours reach up to 423. For more detailed information, visit Comporta climate.
Costa de Caparica, Portugal experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures range from a low of 3°C (38°F) in January to a high of 35°C (95°F) in August, with an annual average around 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is highest in the winter months, particularly in November, while summer months may see as little as 3 mm of rain. Sunshine hours peak in July with 423 hours, contributing to the region's appeal for outdoor activities. For detailed climate statistics, visit Costa de Caparica climate.
Porto Covo, Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in August, with the warmest months being June through August. Rainfall is heaviest in the winter months, particularly in March (83 mm) and November (58 mm), while summer months see minimal precipitation, with July and August receiving only 3 mm and 2 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours peak in July (420 hours) and dip to their lowest in January (190 hours), ensuring plenty of bright days throughout the year. For more details, you can explore the Porto Covo climate.
Sesimbra, Portugal, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 12°C (54°F) in January to 21°C (70°F) in July, with peaks in August reaching as high as 34°C (94°F). The area experiences its highest rainfall from November to March, with March receiving about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation. The sun shines abundantly throughout the year, particularly in the summer months, with July boasting 422 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Sesimbra climate.
Setúbal, Portugal experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. January temperatures range from a low of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), gradually warming through the year to highs of 34°C (94°F) in August. Precipitation peaks in the winter months, particularly in March and November, while the summer sees significantly lower rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, especially from May to July, with the sun shining over 400 hours each month during this peak season. For more details, visit Setubal climate.
In conclusion, the District of Setúbal, Portugal, presents a captivating climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the frosty winters to the blazing summers, the region experiences a remarkable transformation, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities and tourism during the warmer months. The interplay of high UV Index levels during peak sunlight periods underscores the necessity for sun protection, while the changing daylight durations influence daily life and the natural rhythms of the area. Understanding these climatic elements is essential for residents and visitors alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique environmental conditions that shape life in Setúbal.