Albufeira weather by month

When to go to Albufeira

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: June, July, August, September. December is the wettest month (76 mm, about 8 rainy days) and July the driest (1 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 20.7°C and coolest in February at 15.0°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport (FAO, 26 km from Albufeira) takes roughly 2 h 54 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Europe/Lisbon.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Albufeira between 1991 and 2020 reached 41.7°C on 14 July 1991; the coldest fell to -0.9°C on 9 January 2009. In July one day in ten tops 35.5°C and about 68% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 4.5°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was January 1996 with 265 mm, against a January average of 50 mm.

Winter: mild afternoons, cool evenings and rain to plan around

December, January and February average 16°C by day, so winter is better for spending time outdoors in layers than relying on sunbathing weather. January nights fall to 8°C; bring a warm layer rather than packing only for the afternoon. December has the least sunshine and is the wettest month, making flexible plans useful. February brings a little more sunshine, but no increase in average daytime warmth. The sea is cool throughout winter, dropping to 15°C in February. Choose this season if avoiding heat matters more than swimming, and keep a waterproof handy.

Spring into June: warmer days, but the sea takes longer

March reaches 19°C by day, though its 8 rain days mean spring is not reliably dry. April is warmer at 21°C, a comfortable option for being outdoors without summer heat, but evenings still call for a layer. May brings 24°C afternoons and more sunshine; the catch is a sea temperature of 17°C, which can feel cold despite the warmth on land. June makes the clearest shift towards summer, with 28°C days, just 2 rain days and longer sunny spells. It suits travellers prioritising dry weather who would rather avoid the hotter afternoons of July and August.

July to November: peak heat gives way to milder, wetter days

July and August suit travellers who want heat and plenty of sunshine. Both average 31°C by day, so plan gentler afternoons, seek shade around midday and pack light clothing. July has the most sunshine and is the driest month; August has the warmer sea. September is a useful compromise, with 28°C days and sea temperatures holding at 21°C, although rain becomes more likely. October still offers 23°C afternoons and a 20°C sea, making swimming more appealing than in spring if you are comfortable with cooler water. The catch is more frequent rain and less sunshine. By November, daytime temperatures ease to 19°C and evenings are cooler again. Bring layers and treat outdoor plans as weather-dependent rather than expecting a late version of summer.