Things to Do in Cascais in May

May Weather in Cascais

19°C (69°F) High Temp

13°C (56°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season temperatures - warm enough for beach activities at 19°C (69°F) but not the scorching heat of summer, ideal for walking tours and outdoor exploration
Tourist crowds are 40% lower than peak summer months while all attractions remain fully operational, meaning shorter queues at Pena Palace and easier restaurant reservations
Ocean temperature reaches 17°C (63°F) making it comfortable for swimming, while consistent Atlantic breezes keep humidity manageable for all-day activities
Extended daylight hours (14+ hours) with sunrise at 6:15am and sunset after 8pm, giving you maximum time to explore both Cascais and nearby Sintra attractions

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather patterns mean 10 rainy days throughout the month - pack layers as temperatures can drop 6°C (11°F) when clouds roll in from the Atlantic
Strong northwestern winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) can make beach days uncomfortable, especially at exposed spots like Guincho Beach where windchill affects perceived temperature
Some seasonal beach clubs and waterfront restaurants don't open until June, limiting dining options along the coastline compared to summer months

Best Activities in May

Sintra Palace and Gardens Tours

May's mild temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring Sintra's hilltop palaces without summer's crushing crowds or winter's rain. Morning mist often creates dramatic photography conditions around Pena Palace, while afternoons offer crystal-clear views across the Atlantic. Gardens are in full spring bloom, and the 30-minute train ride from Cascais is comfortable in these temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book palace entries 2-3 weeks ahead for May as it's peak wedding season at Sintra venues. Palace tours typically cost €25-45 per person. Choose morning slots (9-11am) for best light and smaller crowds. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cascais to Guincho Coastal Cycling

The coastal route to Guincho Beach is spectacular in May when wildflowers bloom along the clifftops and temperatures are perfect for the 8 km (5-mile) ride each way. Atlantic winds that make summer cycling challenging are gentler in spring, though still present enough to provide natural cooling. Early morning rides (7-9am) offer the calmest conditions.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost €15-25 per day. Book guided cycling tours 7-10 days ahead, usually priced €35-55 per person including bike and helmet. Choose tours that start before 10am to avoid afternoon winds. Current cycling tour options available in booking section below.

Cabo da Roca Sunset Experiences

Europe's westernmost point offers Europe's most dramatic sunsets, and May provides the perfect combination of late sunset times (after 8pm) and clear evening skies. The 14 km (8.7-mile) journey from Cascais takes you through protected parkland that's lush and green in spring. Wind can be intense at the clifftops, but May's temperatures make it invigorating rather than uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours including Cabo da Roca typically cost €40-65 per person. Book sunset tours 5-7 days ahead as they're popular but not usually sold out. Tours often combine with Sintra visits. Check current sunset tour options in booking section below.

Lisbon Day Trips

The 40-minute train ride to central Lisbon is comfortable in May's mild weather, and the city's famous Tram 28 routes are less crowded than summer months. May's extended daylight means you can explore neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, then return to Cascais for dinner. Walking Lisbon's hills is much more pleasant in 19°C (69°F) temperatures than summer heat.

Booking Tip: Train tickets cost €4.30 each way and run every 20 minutes. Lisbon walking tours typically cost €20-35 per person. Book food tours 3-5 days ahead, usually priced €45-75 including tastings. See current Lisbon tour options in booking section below.

Estoril Casino and Gardens Evening

May evenings are perfect for strolling Estoril's formal gardens before heading to the historic casino where James Bond's creator Ian Fleming found inspiration. The 2 km (1.2-mile) coastal walk from Cascais to Estoril is comfortable in evening temperatures around 15°C (59°F), and outdoor terraces at casino restaurants are open but not yet packed with summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Casino entry is free but dress code applies (no shorts/flip-flops). Dinner reservations at casino restaurants typically required 2-3 days ahead in May, with mains €25-45. Garden concerts sometimes occur in May - check current entertainment options in booking section below.

Boca do Inferno Coastal Walking

The dramatic 'Hell's Mouth' rock formation is at its most spectacular in May when Atlantic storms of winter have carved fresh patterns in the limestone cliffs. The 2 km (1.2-mile) coastal walk from Cascais center showcases wild Atlantic power, and May's variable weather often creates dramatic sky conditions perfect for photography. Morning visits (8-10am) offer the best light and fewer tour groups.

Booking Tip: This is a free attraction accessible by foot or local bus (€2 fare). Guided coastal walks including geological explanations typically cost €15-25 per person. Book photography tours 3-5 days ahead if you want professional guidance. See current coastal tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Cascais Jazz Festival

This intimate jazz festival brings Portuguese and international musicians to venues across Cascais, from the Cultural Center to outdoor stages in parks. May's mild evenings are perfect for outdoor concerts, and the festival attracts music lovers who appreciate the smaller scale compared to Lisbon's summer festivals.

Late May

Festival dos Oceanos

Celebrating Cascais' maritime heritage, this festival features traditional boat displays, seafood tastings, and ocean-themed cultural events along the marina. The focus on sustainability and marine conservation reflects modern Portuguese values while honoring fishing traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layering pieces - temperatures vary 6°C (11°F) between sunny and cloudy conditions, so pack a light sweater for evening coastal walks

Windbreaker or light jacket - Atlantic winds of 15-25 km/h (9-16 mph) create significant windchill, especially at exposed locations like Cabo da Roca

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 in May, and reflection off white limestone buildings and ocean intensifies exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in old Cascais and cliff paths can be slippery when damp from morning mist

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days mean brief showers are likely, though they rarely last more than 30 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday temperatures of 19°C (69°F)

Light scarf or wrap - essential for evening dining on outdoor terraces when temperatures drop to 13°C (56°F)

Portable phone charger - extended 14-hour daylight means more photography and navigation usage than winter months

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is important during long walking days, and Cascais has excellent tap water

Dressy casual outfit - for casino visits or upscale restaurant dinners where Portuguese dress codes are more formal than beach towns

Insider Knowledge

Take the train to Cascais before 9am or after 7pm to avoid Lisbon commuter crowds - locals use this line for work, making midday the most comfortable time for tourists

Restaurant lunch specials (menu do dia) end at 3pm sharp in May - arrive by 2:30pm for the best value meals at €12-18 per person including wine

Morning coastal walks reveal tide pools and marine life that afternoon crowds scare away - low tide at 6-7am offers the best wildlife viewing

Book accommodation with heating - May nights can drop to 13°C (56°F) and many coastal hotels don't turn on heat after March, leaving rooms surprisingly chilly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind strength at coastal attractions - Guincho Beach and Cabo da Roca can have 25+ km/h (16+ mph) winds that make lightweight clothing impractical

Not booking Sintra palace tickets in advance - May is wedding season and many venues host private events, reducing public availability without advance booking

Expecting consistent beach weather - May in Cascais is transitional, and ocean swimming at 17°C (63°F) requires acclimatization or wetsuit for most visitors