Algarve weather by month

When to go to Algarve

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 (77 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 15.1°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport (FAO, 4 km from Faro) 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 Algarve between 1991 and 2020 reached 41.7°C on 14 July 1991; the coldest fell to -0.9°C on 9 January 2009. In August one day in ten tops 32.7°C and about 39% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 5.7°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was January 1996 with 361 mm, against a January average of 51 mm.

Winter: mild afternoons, cool evenings

December to February suits travellers who are happy to plan around showers rather than expect beach weather. December averages 16°C by day, dropping to 15°C in January before returning to 16°C in February. That makes a light layer useful during the day, with a warmer jacket for evenings: January and February nights average 9°C. Rain is a regular consideration, so pack a waterproof and keep outdoor plans flexible. There is still sunshine, but it does not mean summer warmth. The sea is cold for casual swimming, falling from 17°C in December to 15°C in February. Choose winter for time outdoors in mild conditions, not dependable sunbathing.

Spring: better for being active than swimming

March brings daytime averages of 18°C, rising to 20°C in April and 22°C in May. This is a good stretch for travellers who want to spend time outdoors without summer heat, although a sunny afternoon can give way to a cool evening. Keep a jumper handy, especially early in the season. Rain remains part of the picture throughout spring, so May is not simply summer arriving early. The bigger catch for beach holidays is the water: the sea averages just 17°C even in May. By then, days offer more scope for sitting in the sun, but swimming still depends on your tolerance for cold water.

Summer into autumn: dry heat gives way to warmer water

June starts the summer pattern with 26°C days and just 2 rain days on average. July and August both average 29°C by day, making shade and a quieter pace sensible at midday. July has the most sunshine, while August has the warmer sea. September eases back to 26°C, with the sea holding at 21°C: a good balance if swimming matters but peak summer heat does not appeal. October stays mild at 23°C, and its 20°C sea can still suit a dip, though 8 rain days make flexible plans more important. November feels less like beach weather, with days averaging 18°C and nights 12°C. Pack layers and waterproofs rather than relying on a summer wardrobe. For the strongest chance of dry outdoor days, favour summer; for gentler daytime warmth with relatively warm water, consider early autumn.