Weather in Albufeira in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Albufeira and ranks 60th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Portugal it is 3rd of 13 (Portugal in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Albufeira is 8.2°C warmer by day and 6.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Albufeira peaks at 15.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 17.8°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 8.2°C; one night in ten drops to 4.5°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 21.5°C (1999-01-29) and the coldest night -0.9°C (2009-01-09).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 50 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 1996 with 265 mm, the driest 2005 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 15.6°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.9°C to 16.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.1 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:46 and sets about 17:38 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 48%.

Is January a good time to visit Albufeira?

January is not the strongest month here: mild days. The best months for Albufeira on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Mild afternoons, cold evenings and a chilly sea

January is Albufeira's coldest month, so think winter layers rather than a summer wardrobe. The warmer days can reach 17.8°C or more, making a sheltered afternoon outdoors comfortable, but that is not dependable sunbathing weather. At the other end, the coldest nights fall to 4.5°C or below. A jumper, jacket and long trousers will be more useful after sunset than extra beachwear. The sea averages 15.6°C and is cold: this is a poor choice if comfortable swimming matters to you. Plan to enjoy the coast from dry land, and treat any unusually warm afternoon as a bonus rather than the basis of your trip.

Enough sunshine for outdoor plans, with room for rain

There is about 5.1 hours of sunshine within 9.7 hours of daylight, so January still offers useful time outdoors without promising clear skies throughout your stay. Put your longer walks into the brighter, warmer part of the day rather than leaving them until late afternoon. About 7 days bring measurable rain, making a waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground sensible packing choices. Keep outdoor plans movable and leave yourself something to do indoors when rain arrives. This balance suits travellers happy to adjust their day to the weather; it is less suitable if your holiday depends on spending every afternoon outside.