Weather in the Algarve – when to go to the south of Portugal?

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Weather in Algarve

Portugal lies in a subtropical climate zone characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, warm winters. Algarve is the southern region of Portugal, which is a definite paradise for fans of sun and hot climate. The weather in the Algarve is sensational. The Algarve boasts more than 300 days of sunshine. These conditions make the tourist season here last all year round. Summer is a great time for beachcombing and swimming in the ocean and winter is a great time for sightseeing and traversing the many hiking and biking trails. Check out what the weather is like in the Algarve all year round and choose the perfect time to visit this beautiful region.

Weather in the Algarve air temperature and ocean water temperature
Weather in the Algarve – distribution of average air and water temperatures

Winter in the Algarve

Winter in the Algarve is a great time for anyone who likes the sun but can’t stand the heat. Winter is mild but humid. The coldest time is in January and February. At night the temperature drops to 5°C-10°C and during the day it ranges from 14°C-16°C. These months may also see more rainfall.

When it comes to a winter stay in the Algarve, be prepared for it to be warmer outside than indoors. In most apartments and houses there is no heating behind it is humid, which makes the perceptible temperature even lower at 14-15 °C degrees. . So be sure to bring warm clothes above all socks, as most places have icy tiles on the floor. Tourist centers often have air-conditioning with a heating function or an additional heater to take care of yourself if necessary.

The Algarve is also a frequent choice of people who want to escape the cold and snow and winter in a warm place. You can find many people who come here for the entire winter and then return to their own country. Winter in the Algarve is also a great time to actively explore the region. The days are still pleasant and sunny so it’s the perfect time to go on long hikes or visit the main attractions without being crowded with tourists.

Rota Vincentina hiking trail ocean view spring in Algarve
Sightseeing in the Algarve in winter – the Rota Vincentina hiking trail near Aljezur

Summer in the Algarve

Summers in the Algarve, on the other hand, are dry and hot and the days are long. In July and August, daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C and nights are warm and pleasant. As a general rule, the closer you get to Spain, the warmer it gets. As a rule, the coolest is around Sagres so a trip to this town and the surrounding area can be an escape from the fervent heat of the rest of the region. When going to Sagres, it is a good idea to bring warm clothes with you, as the region often has strong winds.

The water in the ocean in the Algarve in the summer, despite the chill, is quite cold. Water temperatures oscillate between 19-20 °C. Bathing in the water definitely brings respite from the heat.

In summer, the skies are often cloudless which gives us a scorching sun all day long. It’s always a good idea to bring headgear and high sunscreen .

Summer in the Algarve view of Praia de São Rafael
Clifftop view of Praia de São Rafael beach located near Albufeira in the Algarve

When to go to the Algarve?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do in the Algarve. In general, summer in the Algarve is a hot season full of tourists. The tourist season in the Algarve begins in June and lasts until the end of September. The peak tourist season is in July and August. In August, in addition to foreign tourists, many Portuguese from the north descend, for whom August is a vacation month. The tourist season thus means hot weather, crowds of tourists and high prices. Air temperatures fluctuate between 26°C and 30°C. This is an ideal time for anyone who loves the heat and plenty of company.

If, on the other hand, you fancy a quieter visit to the Algarve before the high season, the best time to go would be April-May and October-November. The weather is great and the prices more affordable and there is no problem getting to the main attractions.

Where to check the current weather in the Algarve?

The weather in the Algarve has the distinction of being fairly constant with no great daily fluctuations. We can check the general weather up to 45 days in advance on any weather portal, such as the website Interia.

If we are looking for a detailed and highly technical weather forecast, we can use the portal Windguru.

At Windguru we can check in detail the temperature, wind strength, precipitation, wave direction and height by hour, among other things. It is a portal often used by marine tour operators, surfers or fishermen.

Weather forecast for Portimao in Windguru
Weather forecast for Portimao in Windguru

If you feel like going to the Algarve on vacation, you can use the search engine below to find flights to Faro.

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