Britons heading to Portugal this winter are being urged to travel with caution but not to cancel their holidays outright, as the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updates its travel advice in response to a string of powerful Atlantic storms battering the Iberian Peninsula. The latest guidance stresses that most visits to Portugal can still go ahead safely, yet highlights an elevated risk of disruption from heavy rain, flooding, landslides and coastal gales affecting both the mainland and the islands. With Portuguese authorities maintaining multiple weather warnings as the country cleans up from Storm Kristin and endures continuing impacts from Storm Leonardo and subsequent systems, understanding the evolving advisory is now essential for anyone planning a trip.
Foreign Office Advice: Cautious Green Light for Portugal Travel
The FCDO has stopped short of telling UK travellers to avoid Portugal, and it has not issued a blanket “do not travel” notice. Instead, the advisory continues to class Portugal as broadly safe for tourism while placing a sharper emphasis on monitoring local conditions and being prepared for sudden changes to itineraries. In practical terms, that means holidays can proceed, but with a strong recommendation to remain alert to severe weather alerts from Portuguese authorities and to be flexible about transport and outdoor activities.
Officials underline that intense winter storms in recent weeks have created a “multi-hazard” environment across parts of the country, particularly along the Atlantic coast and in river valleys prone to flooding. Successive low-pressure systems have followed one another in rapid succession, delivering torrential rain, hurricane-force gusts in places and very rough seas along large stretches of coastline. The advisory highlights risks that include flash floods, fallen trees, damaged infrastructure and dangerous surf that can catch beachgoers and coastal walkers unawares.
For UK tourists, the headline message is that travel to Portugal remains possible and, for many, enjoyable, but it is no longer a case of assuming stable winter sun or benign showers. Instead, the FCDO stresses the importance of checking weather warnings daily, planning routes around active alerts and being ready to modify plans if local authorities close roads, rail lines, hiking trails or popular seaside promenades. Travellers are also urged to keep contact details for airlines, tour operators and accommodation providers close to hand in case rapid changes are needed.
Storm Leonardo, Kristin and the Relentless Atlantic Onslaught
The updated tone of the UK advisory reflects a remarkable run of storms that has placed Portugal on the meteorological front line since late January. Storm Kristin at the end of January was widely described by Portuguese forecasters as a historic event, with exceptionally violent gusts recorded in central regions, extensive power cuts and widespread structural damage. At least a dozen deaths in Portugal have been linked directly or indirectly to Kristin, many caused by falling trees and flooding incidents, and the clean-up has stretched emergency services to the limit.
Even as authorities worked to restore power and clear blocked roads, the country found itself under renewed assault from further Atlantic systems. Storm Leonardo, named by Portugal’s national meteorological service IPMA, brought torrential rainfall that fell on already saturated ground. Rivers such as the Sado and the Tagus spilled over their banks, urban drainage systems struggled to cope, and both mainland districts and island territories saw evacuations and emergency rescues. At least one further death was reported in Portugal after a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, while neighbouring Spain counted thousands of evacuees and severe infrastructure disruption.
Meteorologists describe the pattern as a classic “storm train,” with the jet stream displaced southward and channelling a series of vigorous depressions one after another toward the Iberian Peninsula and nearby Atlantic islands. This has prolonged the period of hazardous weather far beyond a single weekend event. From the perspective of UK travel planners, the key consequence is a higher likelihood that any given winter or early spring trip to Portugal may coincide with at least one period of adverse conditions, even if the overall seasonal forecast is not uniformly bleak.
Where the Weather Threat Is Most Acute in Portugal
The FCDO’s updated language does not single out individual districts in Portugal, but it closely tracks the warnings issued by IPMA, which has maintained orange and yellow alerts across wide areas in recent days. Northern and central inland districts such as Porto, Viseu and Vila Real have faced persistent and sometimes heavy rain, raising concerns about river flooding and landslides on steep terrain. Meanwhile, coastal districts along the Atlantic, including Aveiro, Coimbra and Viana do Castelo, have been repeatedly warned to expect rough seas, with waves of five to six metres or more in places.
Further south, coastal regions around the Algarve and the Alentejo have seen their own share of dangerous conditions, especially when combined systems send large swells and gale-force winds against exposed shorelines. Authorities have issued strong advice for mariners and watersports enthusiasts to stay in port, and for residents and visitors in cliff-top properties or seaside campsites to heed instructions quickly should civil protection services order temporary evacuations. Even picturesque tourist hubs that are normally tranquil in winter have, at times, seen promenades closed and harbour access restricted for safety reasons.
The island regions of Madeira and the Azores, both popular with UK travellers seeking a milder Atlantic winter, have also experienced heavy rain, strong winds and hazardous seas. For these archipelagos, the key risks include cancelled inter-island ferries, delayed or diverted flights and landslides on mountain roads that are vital for both local communities and tourists visiting scenic lookout points. The Foreign Office notes that weather can change quickly in these island environments, and what begins as an ordinary shower can evolve into a downpour significant enough to close sections of road or hiking trails.
Travel Disruption: Flights, Roads and Coastal Closures
Beyond the immediate danger posed by flooding and high winds, the most likely impact for most British visitors is disruption to transport. Airlines serving Lisbon, Porto, Faro and island airports have, at times, been forced to re-route or delay flights because of adverse crosswinds or low-visibility thunderstorms. While Portugal’s main hubs remain operational, bursts of intense weather can temporarily suspend take-offs and landings, creating knock-on delays throughout the day. Travellers are therefore advised to build extra margin into connections and to use airline apps and airport information screens to track changes in real time.
On the ground, roads in low-lying rural areas and in steep valleys have been particularly susceptible to closure when severe weather hits. Sudden flash floods can submerge underpasses and smaller bridges, while landslides triggered by saturated soils can block mountain routes and coastal roads. Car hire customers unfamiliar with Portuguese roads are being urged to treat official closures seriously, to avoid driving through standing water and to respect any taped-off sections of cliffs or beaches, even if they appear calm at first glance.
Rail and bus services have also felt the strain. Train lines running along river valleys or near coastal sections can be affected by fallen trees, damaged overhead lines or localised flooding of tracks, resulting in reduced timetables or substitution by buses at short notice. Urban public transport in Lisbon and Porto is generally resilient, but riverfront tram lines, ferry crossings and elevators situated close to steep hillsides may occasionally suspend operations for safety reasons. The FCDO stresses that these are precautionary measures designed to prevent accidents, and that cooperation with local instructions is the safest course of action.
How to Travel Safely: Practical Steps for UK Visitors
In response to the storms, the Foreign Office is placing renewed emphasis on preparation rather than avoidance. The advisory encourages UK visitors to treat Portugal’s current conditions with the same seriousness they might apply to winter travel within Britain. That means checking reliable weather forecasts daily, understanding the colour-coded warning system used in Portugal, and planning activities with flexibility so that outdoor excursions can be rescheduled if alerts intensify. Travellers are also urged to keep a small emergency kit to hand, including waterproof clothing, charged mobile devices, portable power banks, basic first aid supplies and any essential medicines.
Insurance is another critical pillar of safe travel under these conditions. British tourists are reminded to ensure that their travel insurance policy explicitly covers weather-related disruption, including missed departures, delayed flights, cancelled tours and additional accommodation if they are forced to extend their stay. Those renting cars should confirm that their policy is valid in flood-affected areas and clarify what is and is not covered in the event of damage from storms, falling branches or debris. Keeping copies of policy numbers and insurer contact details accessible offline is recommended in case connectivity is disrupted.
At a more local level, the FCDO recommends following the lead of Portuguese authorities and residents, who are accustomed to responding quickly when storms escalate. Visitors should pay close attention to guidance from hotel staff, tour leaders and local police, who may have the latest information about which routes are safe, which beaches are closed and whether river cruises or boat trips are operating. If emergency services issue an order to evacuate or to leave a particular area, tourists are advised to comply immediately, taking only essential belongings and moving to designated safe locations.
On the Ground: Balancing Holiday Plans With Weather Realities
For many travellers already in Portugal, the challenge lies not in outright danger but in adapting holiday expectations to the changing weather landscape. City breaks in Lisbon, Porto or Coimbra can generally proceed with only minor adjustments, such as swapping an afternoon of riverfront walking for museum visits or indoor dining when rain bands sweep through. Historic quarters, galleries, wine cellars and cultural institutions remain open in most conditions, offering ample scope to enjoy Portuguese food, art and music even when the skies are unsettled.
Beach-focused holidays and nature-based trips require more flexibility. Along the Algarve coast, strolls along clifftop paths, dolphin-watching excursions and surfing lessons may all be paused when high seas and strong winds are forecast. Inland, popular hiking routes in national parks and mountain ranges can become hazardous when trails turn muddy and visibility drops. In these settings, travellers are being advised by the FCDO to prioritise official guidance from park authorities and guides over informal recommendations and to resist the temptation to “squeeze in” an activity during a brief lull if warnings remain in place.
Despite the storms, many parts of Portugal continue to experience intervals of calmer weather and even sunny spells between systems. Hotels, restaurants and attractions are generally open, grateful for the support of visitors during a challenging period. The Foreign Office’s current stance recognises that the tourism sector remains operational but underscores that safe enjoyment depends on a willingness to adjust plans and accept that not every day will look like a postcard.
What This Means for Future Trips to Portugal
The recent barrage of storms raises broader questions about the resilience of European coastal destinations and how travellers should think about climate-linked extremes in the years ahead. For now, the FCDO is treating Portugal’s situation as a severe but manageable episode rather than a permanent change in status. Once the current train of storms abates, weather patterns are expected to stabilise, and authorities will gradually step down the most serious warnings. However, both UK and Portuguese officials acknowledge that intense rainfall events and powerful winter storms may become more frequent as the climate warms.
For British holidaymakers, the practical implication is not to avoid Portugal in future, but to normalise the idea of checking weather and safety information as carefully as they compare hotel ratings or flight prices. Booking flexible tickets, confirming insurance coverage and leaving room in itineraries to adjust plans at short notice are all sensible strategies that align with the FCDO’s broader approach to increased climate volatility across the globe. Tour operators and airlines are also refining their own contingency planning to handle clusters of storms more smoothly, from clearer rebooking policies to better real-time passenger communication.
Portugal’s tourism industry, a vital part of the national economy, is working with local and national authorities to strengthen infrastructure, improve drainage in vulnerable cities, and upgrade early-warning systems, particularly along the coast and in river basins that have seen repeated flooding. While that work is ongoing, the Foreign Office’s current advisory aims to strike a balance between recognising the genuine risks presented by the recent storms and acknowledging Portugal’s enduring appeal as a safe and welcoming destination.
Bottom Line for UK Travellers: Stay Informed, Not Alarmed
The latest message from the UK Foreign Office is clear: Portugal remains open to British visitors, but this is a moment for informed caution rather than complacency. The severe storms impacting the country have created pockets of danger and widespread disruption, particularly in low-lying, coastal and mountainous areas, yet they have not rendered the entire destination unsafe. Holidaymakers who stay abreast of official updates, heed local warnings and keep their plans flexible can still enjoy much of what Portugal offers, from historic cities and rich cuisine to dramatic Atlantic scenery transformed by winter light.
As the current storm sequence gradually weakens, travellers can expect weather alerts to ease, though short-lived episodes of heavy rain and strong wind may persist. Until those risks fully recede, the Foreign Office recommends that anyone travelling to Portugal builds caution and preparation into their plans, rather than cancelling outright. For those willing to adapt, the country’s hospitality, culture and landscapes remain very much within reach, even in a season defined by tempestuous skies.