Fatima in February

May and October bring the massive pilgrimages — hundreds of thousands of people commemorating the Virgin Mary's appearances on the 13th of each month. The atmosphere is electric, but good luck finding a hotel room or moving through crowds. Spring (April-June) offers the sweet spot: mild weather, blooming countryside, and manageable crowds. The oak trees around the Sanctuary turn brilliant green, and you can actually hear yourself think during prayer. September and October deliver warm days and cool evenings perfect for walking the Via Sacra — the path that traces the children's route to the apparition site. Summer gets hot, with temperatures hitting 35°C in July and August, though the Sanctuary's stone floors stay refreshingly cool. Winter brings rain and wind, but also solitude. If you're seeking deep spiritual reflection rather than communal celebration, January through March offers the Sanctuary almost to yourself.