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Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its stunning beaches, golden cliffs, and warm weather. You might be wondering when is the best time to visit Algarve Portugal.
The truth is, there’s no bad time to visit, but depending on your preferences, some months may be more ideal than others.
I personally found September to be the perfect time, the weather was still wonderful both for swimming and for exploring coastal towns and since it’s already the shoulder season, I avoided the summer crowds.
In this blog post, I’ll go through the different seasons and give the pros and cons of visiting in each season along with a general weather overview.
Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal
Each season in the Algarve, Southern Portugal, caters to different tastes, bustling summer beaches, serene autumn trails, mild winters for explorers, and vibrant springs for nature lovers.
You can create a perfect itinerary for the Algarve in every season. It just depends on what you’re in the mood for.
Visiting Algarve in Spring (March-May)
Spring in the Algarve is beautiful, with average temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F).
The weather in this low season is mild and pleasant, making it a good time for outdoor activities like hiking or biking. In late spring, temperatures rise and it already feels like summer.
Explore Ria Formosa National Park on boat trips from Olhão or do an amazing coastal hike in the Algarve. Perfect time for it!
Pros:
- Great for nature lovers
- Fewer people compared to summer months
- Ideal temperature for outdoor activities
Cons:
- Some rainy days
- Not ideal for swimming as the water temperatures are still low
Visiting Algarve in Summer (June-August)
Summer in Algarve is peak season, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). There’s almost no rainfall in the summer months and the days are very long.
It’s the perfect time for a beach holiday. However, the the peak summer months are very popular and it can get crowded, beaches are packed and prices tend to be higher.
Note that the west of the Algarve is usually even busier than the east, so the beaches in Olhão are going to be quieter than the ones in Lagos or Albufeira. A true hidden gem in the Algarve is Fuseta.
Pros:
- Perfect for beachgoers and sun-seekers
- Lots of events and music festivals happening
- Long days to explore the region
Cons:
- Crowded beaches and towns
- Higher prices for accommodations and activities
- The summer heat might be too much
Visiting Algarve in Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is considered by many to be the best time to visit the Algarve, as the weather is still warm but not too hot. Temperatures drop from an average of 26°C (79°F) in September to an average of 19°C (66°F) in November.
My last trip to the Algarve was in early autumn and I absolutely loved it, the weather was still warm enough for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean but I avoided the big crowds of the high season.
In general, autumn is an amazing time for a Portugal itinerary, you have lovely weather all over the country and fewer people than in summer.
Pros:
- Pleasant weather for outdoor activities
- Less crowded compared to summer months
- Lower prices for accommodations and activities
Cons:
- You might get some rainy days, especially towards the end of fall
- Water temperature starts to drop towards the end of autumn
Visiting Algarve in Winter (December-February)
Winter in Algarve is mild with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). While it might not be ideal for beachgoers, it’s a wonderful time for exploring the coastal cities of the region without dealing with the summer crowds.
You can spend two peaceful days in Lagos for example, or explore the old town of Faro without the summer crowds.
Plus, you can still enjoy some winter sun and warmer temperatures compared to other parts of Europe.
Pros:
- Lower prices for accommodations and activities
- Great for exploring cultural sights without the crowds
- Mild weather compared to other parts of Europe
Cons:
- Winter might be considered the rainy season, rainy days are more common
- Not ideal for beach holidays
Algarve Temperature by Month
- Algarve in January: The average temperatures are around 16°C (61°F), rainy days are common and there are only about 6 hours of sunshine a day.
- Algarve in February: Average temperatures are similar to January, but there’s slightly less rainfall.
- Algarve in March: Temperatures start rising and the average is around 19°C (66°F). The days get longer with about 7 hours of sunshine a day.
- Algarve in April: The average temperature is around 21°C (70°F). There’s even less rainfall with about 8 hours of sunshine per day.
- Algarve in May: Temperatures continue to rise and it’s a great month for outdoor activities. The average maximum temperature is around 23°C (73°F) with about 10 hours of sunshine per day.
- Algarve in June: The beginning of summer, with average temperatures reaching 27°C (81°F), about 11 hours of sunshine per day, and hardly any rain.
- Algarve in July: Another hot month with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F), very little rain, and an incredible 12 hours of sunshine a day.
- Algarve in August: August temperatures are very similar to July. The days are long and sunny, perfect for spending time at the beach.
- Algarve in September: Temperatures start to drop slightly but it’s still very warm with an average of 26°C (79°F). This is my personal favorite month to visit the Algarve as the weather is still great for swimming but it’s not as crowded as the summer months.
- Algarve in October: The average temperature drops to around 23°C (73°F), but it’s still a great month for outdoor activities. You might also experience some rainy days towards the end of October.
- Algarve in November: Temperatures continue to drop with an average of 19°C (66°F). Rain is more common and there are only about 6 hours of sunshine per day.
- Algarve in December: December is by far the wettest and darkest month of the year with only 5 hours of sunshine. Temperatures average around 16°C (61°F), which is still mild compared to other parts of Europe during this time of the year.
Final Thoughts: Best Algarve Weather for Travel
Overall, the best time to visit the Algarve really depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip.
If you’re a beach lover and don’t mind crowds, then summer is the perfect time for you. But if you prefer more mild temperatures and less crowded beaches, consider visiting in spring or autumn.
And for those looking to escape the winter chill, the Algarve offers a mild and sunny option compared to other destinations in Europe. Perfect for winter city breaks.
I personally found September to be the best time to visit as it has a perfect balance of warm weather and fewer crowds.
No matter when you choose to visit, the Algarve is a beautiful and diverse region with something to offer year-round.
Read more about the Algarve:
- 10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
- 2 Days In Lagos Portugal: Amazing 2-Day Itinerary
- Is Lagos Portugal Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons Why It Is
- 10 Top Things to Do in Albufeira Portugal: Beach & Fun
- Is Albufeira Worth Visiting? Why I Don’t Think It Is
- Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips
- Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
- 5 Best Olhão Boat Trips On the River Formosa
- 15 Best Things to Do in Olhão Portugal
- The Best Olhão Beaches to Relax and Swim
- Salinas Do Grelha near Olhão: A Hidden Gem in The Algarve
- Fuseta Portugal: Ultimate Travel Guide
- 13 Incredible Things to Do in Tavira Portugal
- Most Beautiful Beaches in Tavira Portugal & How to Get There
- Faro Old Town: Travel Guide to Visit the City Center
- Epic 2 Days in Faro Portugal: Gateway to the Algarve
- Is Faro Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why It Is
- 7 Amazing Day Trips from Faro to Explore the Algarve
- Best Day Tours From Faro Portugal to Explore the Algarve
- Best Tours From Lisbon to Algarve
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
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