Algarve Temperature by Month: Weather Guide & Tips

The Algarve, Portugal’s sun-kissed southern coast, is famous for its golden cliffs, Atlantic surf, and an unusually generous helping of blue-sky days. If you’re planning a beach escape, a golf trip, or a hiking-and-food crawl across whitewashed towns, understanding Algarve temperature by month is the smartest first step. Below is a simple, practical breakdown focused on typical conditions around Faro/Albufeira that covers average highs and lows, sea temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours, and what each month actually feels like on the ground. (Figures are rounded, based on long-term climate normals; local microclimates vary a touch inland and along the west coast.)

Big-Picture Overview

Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild by European standards. Afternoons ~15–17°C, nights ~8–10°C. Rain is possible, but there are still bright, sunny stretches between showers.
Spring (Mar–May): Fast-warming and increasingly sunny. Highs climb from ~19°C in March to ~24°C in May, with wildflowers in the hills and comfortable hiking temps.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, dry, and sparkling. Expect ~28–31°C highs with refreshing Atlantic breezes; evenings are pleasantly warm.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): “Second summer.” September stays beach-perfect; October brings mellow warmth; November starts the gentle slide into winter, with more rain returning.

Monthly Breakdown: What to Expect, What to Pack

Quick reference per month includes: Avg High / Avg Low | Sea Temp | Rain Days | Sunshine Hours/Day (approx.)

January: Quiet, Mild, and Walkable

16°C / 9°C | 16°C | 8–10 days | ~5–6 h
The Algarve’s coldest month is still comfortable for Europe. Days often feel springlike when the sun is out, especially away from the wind. It’s perfect for cliff-top walks at Ponta da Piedade or birdwatching in Ria Formosa without crowds.
Pack: light jacket, sweater, waterproof layer, closed shoes.

February: A Hint of Spring

17°C / 9°C | 16°C | 7–9 days | ~6–7 h
Almond blossoms appear and the air feels brighter. Rainy spells happen, but sunshine stats tick up. Sea is still chilly for casual swimmers; surfers thrive.
Pack: layers, light rain shell, warmer evenings wear.

March: Longer Days, Warmer Afternoons

19°C / 10°C | 16–17°C | 6–7 days | ~7 h
Terrace lunches become a thing. Hikes are green and gorgeous; golf courses are in prime condition. Occasional Atlantic fronts still occur, but many days are T-shirt friendly by afternoon.
Pack: T-shirts plus a mid-layer; light rain jacket.

April: Sweet-Spot Spring

21°C / 12°C | 17–18°C | 5–6 days | ~8 h
Wildflowers peak. Beaches are quiet but inviting for sunbathing; hardy swimmers start dabbling. Evenings cool quickly—bring a layer for outdoor dinners.
Pack: light layers, sunglasses, hat; optional light sweater at night.

May: Beach Season Starts in Earnest

24°C / 15°C | 18–19°C | 3–4 days | ~9–10 h
Expect mostly rain-free skies and reliable warmth. Sea temps become tolerable for many swimmers; boat tours and caves around Benagil are blissful without peak-season crowds.
Pack: summer wear, light sweater for late nights, reef-safe sunscreen.

June: Sunny, Dry, and Nearly Perfect

28°C / 18°C | 20–21°C | 1–2 days | ~10–11 h
Summer takes the reins. Ocean is distinctly warmer; breezes keep coastal afternoons pleasant. It’s a spectacular time for both beach and inland day trips without August’s intensity.
Pack: airy clothing, sun protection, light evening layer.

July: Peak Summer, Peak Sunshine

31°C / 20°C | 21–22°C | 0–1 day | ~11–12 h
Long, dry, and bright days. The Atlantic moderates coastal heat, so it usually feels less oppressive than inland Iberia. Expect postcard conditions and lively towns by night.
Pack: high-SPF sunscreen, breathable fabrics, a hat. Book shade and hydration.

August: Hot, Festive, Blue-Sky Reliable

31°C / 21°C | 22–23°C | 0–1 day | ~11–12 h
The warmest seas of the year and near-guaranteed sunshine. Plan activities early or late to dodge midday heat; siesta culture makes sense now.
Pack: swimwear, after-sun lotion, light cover-ups, plenty of water on outings.

September: Gentle Heat, Glorious Water

28°C / 19°C | 21–22°C | 2–3 days | ~9–10 h
The Algarve’s “second summer.” Crowds thin, but the sea stays warm and days remain beach-perfect. Great month for couples’ escapes and relaxed family trips.
Pack: summer staples; a light extra layer for late nights.

October: Golden Evenings and Shoulder-Season Charm

23°C / 15°C | 20–21°C | 5–6 days | ~7–8 h
Still warm enough for swims and boat days, but be ready for the first meaningful autumn showers. Sunsets can be spectacular; winery visits and countryside drives shine.
Pack: mix of summer and light fall layers; compact umbrella or rain jacket.

November: Mellow Days, Quieter Coasts

19°C / 12°C | 18–19°C | 7–8 days | ~6 h
Rain picks up as winter approaches, but mild temps persist. Hikers, golfers, digital nomads, and long-stay visitors love November’s value and tranquility.
Pack: layered clothing, waterproof outer, comfortable walking shoes.

December: Mild Festivities by the Sea

16°C / 9°C | 17°C | 8–10 days | ~5–6 h
Think cool mornings, soft sun, and holiday markets in charming historic centers. Beach lounging is still possible on sheltered days; sea swims for the brave.
Pack: sweater, light jacket, scarf for breezy evenings.

Sea Temperature by Month (Quick Guide)

Coldest: Jan–Mar ~16–17°C (wetsuit friendly for surfers; bracing for swimmers)
Warming: Apr–Jun ~17–21°C
Warmest: Jul–Sep ~21–23°C (best for easy, long swims)
Cooling: Oct–Dec ~17–21°C

Tip: The west coast (Sagres/Carrapateira) is cooler and windier than the central/eastern Algarve; the eastern side (Tavira/Monte Gordo) often feels a touch warmer and gentler.

Rain and Sunshine: The Algarve’s Bright Advantage

Rainfall: Concentrated in Nov–Feb (roughly 7–10 wet days/month), tapering in spring, minimal in summer (often near zero).
Sunshine: Peaks in Jun–Aug (~11–12 hours/day), remains strong in May and Sep, and holds up decently even in winter (~5–6 hours/day).

This sharp dry-summer/wet-winter pattern is classic Mediterranean—with the Atlantic giving the Algarve extra moderation and breezes.

Best Time to Visit by Interest

Beach-Bumming & Warm Water: Late Jun–Sep, with Aug–Sep offering the highest sea temperatures.
Hiking, Cycling, Road-Tripping: Mar–May and Oct–Nov give you mild temps, flowers (spring), fall colors (autumn), and fewer crowds.
Golf & Outdoor Sports: Year-round, but Mar–May and Sep–Nov balance comfort and daylight.
Budget-Friendly Sun: Nov–Mar delivers mild weather and excellent deals, accepting that some days will be rainy or breezy.

What to Pack: Month-by-Month Logic

Winter (Dec–Feb): Layerable outfits, a light but real jacket, closed shoes, and a rain shell.
Spring (Mar–May): T-shirts, a mid-layer for nights, optional light rain jacket, walking shoes.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, refillable water bottle; a light layer for late evenings.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Summer kit through September, then a gradual pivot to layers and a compact umbrella or shell by late October/November.

Algarve Temperature by Month: Fast Reference List

Jan: 16/9°C | Sea 16°C | Rain 8–10d | Sun ~5–6h
Feb: 17/9°C | Sea 16°C | Rain 7–9d | Sun ~6–7h
Mar: 19/10°C | Sea 16–17°C | Rain 6–7d | Sun ~7h
Apr: 21/12°C | Sea 17–18°C | Rain 5–6d | Sun ~8h
May: 24/15°C | Sea 18–19°C | Rain 3–4d | Sun ~9–10h
Jun: 28/18°C | Sea 20–21°C | Rain 1–2d | Sun ~10–11h
Jul: 31/20°C | Sea 21–22°C | Rain 0–1d | Sun ~11–12h
Aug: 31/21°C | Sea 22–23°C | Rain 0–1d | Sun ~11–12h
Sep: 28/19°C | Sea 21–22°C | Rain 2–3d | Sun ~9–10h
Oct: 23/15°C | Sea 20–21°C | Rain 5–6d | Sun ~7–8h
Nov: 19/12°C | Sea 18–19°C | Rain 7–8d | Sun ~6h
Dec: 16/9°C | Sea 17°C | Rain 8–10d | Sun ~5–6h

(“Rain d” = approximate number of days with measurable precipitation.)

Practical Planning Tips

Book shade in summer. Beach umbrellas and mid-day breaks make July–August effortless.
Chase the breeze. Even in peak heat, coastal promenades feel cooler than inland valleys.
Mind microclimates. Western Algarve = windier/cooler; eastern Algarve = a bit warmer and calmer.
Use shoulder seasons. May and September are “golden months” combining warmth, light, and manageable crowds.
For surfers: Winter brings consistent swell; summer is calmer—great for beginners and SUP.

Conclusion

The Algarve’s month-by-month temperature story is simple: mild winters, steadily warming springs, hot dry summers, and a dreamy fall encore. Whether you’re timing a swim in August’s warm Atlantic or searching for cool, quiet hiking days in April, this coastline delivers reliable conditions—and a lot of sunshine—whenever you go.

Algarve Temperature by Month: A Clear, Traveler-Friendly Guide to the Region’s Climate