Weather in Albufeira in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Albufeira and ranks 59th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Portugal it is 1st of 13 (Portugal in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Albufeira is 7.3°C warmer by day and 5.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Albufeira peaks at 23.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 3 days top 25°C and 1 in 13 pass 30°C. Nights average 14.2°C; one night in ten drops to 11.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 35.7°C (2012-05-15) and the coldest night 8.0°C (2013-05-01).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 6 days with 1 mm or more, 39 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2016 with 113 mm, the driest 2006 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 65%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 17.2°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.3°C to 18.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:25 and sets about 20:34 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 41%.

Is May a good time to visit Albufeira?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Albufeira on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm afternoons, but pack for cooler evenings

The average daytime high makes May comfortable for spending time outside without planning everything around intense heat. There is still a fair chance of hotter weather: 38% of days reach 25°C, while 8% reach 30°C. Keep lighter clothes, sunglasses and sun protection handy, and leave room to slow down around midday when temperatures climb. Evenings are a different matter. The average night low is 14.2°C, and the coldest 10% of nights fall to 11.1°C or below. A jumper or light jacket is a sensible part of your luggage, especially if you plan to sit outside after dark.

Plenty of daylight, with some wet-weather flexibility

May gives you about 8.3 hours of sunshine within 14.0 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of scope to move outdoor plans around the weather. That does not mean clear skies throughout the day, and about 6 rainy days make a completely dry holiday something to hope for rather than assume. Pack a light waterproof and avoid making every day's enjoyment depend on sunshine. The balance still favours a trip built around being outdoors, but with flexibility when rain arrives. If a wet day would spoil the holiday for you, May's mix of warmth and some rain may feel too much of a compromise.

Better for time beside the sea than long swims

The sea is May's clearest drawback if swimming is central to your holiday. Its average temperature is 17.2°C, with a year-to-year range of 16°C to 18°C, so warmer air should not be mistaken for warm water. Expect a cold dip rather than a comfortable, lingering swim; even the warmer end of that range is bracing. May makes more sense if you enjoy sitting by the water and can treat swimming as optional. For dedicated sea swimmers, that temperature deserves more weight in the decision than the pleasant daytime high. Pack swimwear if you like, but set expectations before you go.