Things to do in Sintra in May

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

May is a great time to visit Sintra. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 57—69°F (14—20°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Sintra during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to the beach town of Cascais, hike the trails of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, take a scenic drive through the Sintra mountains, and more!

Sintra has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Sintra. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Sintra in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Sintra? See our Sintra Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Sintra without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Sintra in May

Top experiences in May
Take a day trip to the beach town of Cascais
In May, the coastal town of Cascais is the perfect destination for a day of sun, sand, and sea. The town's beautiful beaches are less crowded than in the peak summer months, and the weather is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh seafood at the local restaurants.
Hike the trails of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
May is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, as the weather is mild and the flora and fauna are at their peak. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, secluded beaches, and ancient ruins.
Take a scenic drive through the Sintra mountains
In May, the Sintra mountains are alive with the colors of spring, with blooming wildflowers, verdant forests, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A scenic drive through the mountains is the perfect way to take in the natural beauty of the region.
Explore the Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is a historic fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking Sintra. In May, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the mild weather makes it the perfect time to explore the ancient walls and towers.
Take a guided tour of the Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira is a mystical estate with enchanting gardens, underground tunnels, and a stunning palace. In May, the estate is particularly magical, as the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is ideal for exploring the outdoor spaces.
I'll never travel to Sintra without this trip planner again
Learn more
Visit the National Palace of Sintra
The National Palace of Sintra is a stunning example of Portuguese architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In May, the palace gardens are in full bloom, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit.
Sample the local pastries at Piriquita
Piriquita is a historic bakery in Sintra known for its delicious pastries, including the famous travesseiros and queijadas. In May, the bakery is bustling with locals and tourists alike, and the pastries are made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Explore the Pena Palace gardens
The Pena Palace is a colorful and whimsical palace set amidst lush gardens and forested hills. In May, the palace gardens are in full bloom, with vibrant flowers, fragrant herbs, and exotic plants creating a stunning backdrop for your visit.
Visit the Convent of the Capuchos
The Convent of the Capuchos is a serene and secluded monastery nestled in the Sintra hills. In May, the monastery is surrounded by blooming wildflowers and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town.
I'll never travel to Sintra without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Sintra in May
May
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • Mothers' Day (May 5)
  • Corpus Christi (May 30)
Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Sintra without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Sintra in May

Temperatures on an average day in Sintra in May

The average temperature in Sintra in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 69°F (20°C) to a low of 57°F (14°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Sintra, August, has days with highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 64°F (18°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 59°F (15°C) and lows of 49°F (10°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Sintra in May based on historical data.

Visiting Sintra? See our Sintra Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
69°F
highs
57°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool and breezy
Feels like
12%
Chance of rain
0.046 in
Amount
16.0 mph
Wind speed
73%
Humidity
14.3 hrs
Daylight length
6:26 AM
Sunrise
8:41 PM
Sunset
62%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 69°F (20°C) and a low of 57°F (14°C), it generally feels mildly cool and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
I'll never travel to Sintra without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Sintra in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Sintra has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Sintra that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Sintra for May.
National Palace of Pena
1. National Palace of Pena
4.4
(86429)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
19th-century, Romanticist palace on a high rock & former monastery site, surrounded by parkland.
Quinta da Regaleira
2. Quinta da Regaleira
4.8
(54494)
Castle
Nature & Parks
Early 20th century-built palace & gardens with underground passages, a chapel & museum, plus events.
Castelo dos Mouros
3. Castelo dos Mouros
4.6
(21630)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Paths offering panoramic views encircle this cliff-top Moorish castle, built in the 10th century.
Sintra National Palace
4. Sintra National Palace
4.5
(48780)
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
11th century Moorish palace with notable tile collection plus ornate courtyards & rooms.
Park and Palace of Monserrate
5. Park and Palace of Monserrate
4.7
(11814)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ornate 19th-century mansion with Moorish, Gothic & Indian influences, set in botanical gardens.
Loja do Vinho
6. Loja do Vinho
3.7
(400)
Restaurant
Sights & Landmarks
Wine dealer with a large selection in a quaint old building with a cellar where snacks are served.
Initiation Well
7. Initiation Well
4.7
(15963)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Part of a historic estate, this ceremonial well features a spiral staircase into a tunnel system.
Park and Palace of Monserrate
8. Park and Palace of Monserrate
4.7
(11814)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ornate 19th-century mansion with Moorish, Gothic & Indian influences, set in botanical gardens.
Ursa Beach
9. Ursa Beach
4.8
(1504)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Secluded beach accessed by a steep trail, offering golden shores & an outcropping of large rocks.
Praia da Adraga
10. Praia da Adraga
4.7
(2400)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Picturesque inlet with a sandy shoreline & rock formations, plus parking, a restaurant & showers.
Praia Grande
11. Praia Grande
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Sloping streets lined with villas and holiday homes wind through the Praia Grande neighborhood. It's known for its namesake beach, a vast stretch of fine sand popular with summer tourists who dine on seafood at alfresco restaurants and bars. Surfers and bodyboarders ride the Atlantic Ocean's waves during the annual World Bodyboard Championship and Surf European Championship.
Eléctrico de Sintra - Praia das Maçãs (estação terminal)
12. Eléctrico de Sintra - Praia das Maçãs (estação terminal)
4.5
(81)
Transportation service
Transportation
Sintra
13. Sintra
4.3
(898)
Train station
Sights & Landmarks
Chalet of the Countess of Edla
14. Chalet of the Countess of Edla
4.5
(2841)
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
Tours of an Alpine chalet–inspired 19th-century house & gardens, built by King Fernando II.
Câmara Municipal de Sintra (sede)
15. Câmara Municipal de Sintra (sede)
3.4
(252)
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
Air Museum
16. Air Museum
4.7
(2796)
Museum
Military Museums
Founded in 1968 by the Portuguese Air Force, aviation museum housing restored planes & equipment.

Top searches in Sintra

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Sintra?

Get inspired for your trip to Sintra with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Sintra?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play