Climate Analysis

Overview

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril. 

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa), characterized by cool, rainy winters and warm to hot, dry summers. The average annual temperature is 17.4 °C, with average daily highs of 21.3 °C and lows of 13.5 °C. Humidity levels are relatively high year-round, averaging between 65% and 80%.

Anomalies (1991-2020) over the Euro-Atlantic region, from the following fields in January 2025: (left) mean wind (850hPa), mean air temperature (850hPa) and mean geopotential (500hPa); (right) mean sea level pressure, IVT and precipitation.

Description of Portugal's Geographical and Climactic Features

Portugal’s unique position and climate offer it a level of protection that is less common in the diverse and expansive landscape of the United States. Portugal does experience smaller-scale natural disasters with some frequency, such as floods, landslides, snowfalls, and droughts.

Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world for several reasons:

1. Geographical Protection: 

Portugal’s location on the Iberian Peninsula, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Spain to the east, provides a natural buffer against many extreme weather events. The cooler Atlantic waters help mitigate the strength of storms, reducing the likelihood of hurricanes reaching the Portuguese coast with the same intensity they often hit the U.S.

2. Seismic Activity: 

While Portugal does experience seismic activity, major earthquakes are rare. The last significant earthquake, the Great Lisbon Earthquake, occurred in 1755. Modern building codes and infrastructure improvements have further enhanced the country’s resilience to potential seismic events.

3. Climate Stability: 

Portugal’s temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, helps prevent the formation of the extreme weather 3. patterns seen in other regions. This stability reduces the likelihood of severe storms and temperature extremes.

4. Wildfire Management: 

Although wildfires do occur, especially during the hot, dry summers, many of these incidents are caused by human activity rather than natural causes. Improved forest management practices and efficient emergency response systems have helped reduce the impact and frequency of these events.

5. Social and Political Stability: 

Portugal is also known for its social and political stability. The country’s strong governance and community-oriented approach to safety and security contribute to its overall resilience against various types of emergencies, not just natural disasters.

6. Earthquakes: 

While Portugal experiences seismic activity, major earthquakes are relatively rare. 

7. Floods and Landslides:

Portugal has a history of floods and landslides, particularly in areas like Lisbon, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Peso da Régua. 

8. Wildfires:

Wildfires are a significant concern, especially during dry seasons, and have become more frequent and intense in recent years. 

9. Droughts:

Portugal is also vulnerable to droughts, which can have a significant impact on agriculture and water resources. 

10. Storms

Portugal can experience strong storms, including hurricanes, though they are rare and often do not make landfall. 

11. Tsunamis:

Tsunamis are rare in Portugal, but the country has experienced some in the past, including the devastating tsunami that followed the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. 

12. Sea Level Rise:

Portugal is also facing the threat of sea level rise, which can exacerbate coastal flooding and erosion. 

13. Extreme Temperatures: 

Portugal is increasingly experiencing extreme temperatures, including heatwaves, which can pose health risks and strain infrastructures.