Weather in Algarve in April

How April compares

April is the 7th warmest month of the year in Algarve and ranks 75th of 134 destinations we compare for April - see where else is hot in April. Within Portugal it is 5th of 13 (Portugal in April). Against London's average high of 13.5°C in April, Algarve is 6.1°C warmer by day and 7.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in April

The typical April day in Algarve peaks at 19.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.5°C or more. Roughly 1 in 20 days top 25°C. Nights average 12.3°C; one night in ten drops to 9.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest April day here reached 30.3°C (2002-04-25) and the coldest night 6.2°C (2018-04-09).

Rain in April

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 49 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest April was 2000 with 157 mm, the driest 2005 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 71%.

Sea temperature in April

The sea averages 16.0°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.2°C to 17.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:57 and sets about 20:06 local time in mid-April. Average cloud cover is 46%.

Is April a good time to visit Algarve?

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

Comfortable afternoons, but keep a layer handy

April suits travellers who prefer walking and spending time outdoors without strong summer heat. The average daytime high is 6.1°C above London's April average, so the difference should feel noticeable, especially in sunshine. Warmer days can reach 23.5°C or more, but that is not the everyday expectation. Light clothing may be enough in a warm afternoon; a jumper and light jacket are sensible for evenings. The colder nights can fall to 9.8°C or below, so do not pack as though summer has arrived. Plan your longer outdoor spells around the warmer part of the day rather than expecting breakfast and dinner outside to feel equally comfortable.

Enough sunshine to enjoy, with room for rain

There is useful daylight for an unhurried holiday, with about 6.9 hours of sunshine within 13.0 hours of daylight. That leaves plenty of scope for time outdoors, but it does not mean clear skies throughout the day. About 7 rainy days make a light waterproof a practical addition to your bag, and a flexible itinerary is better than one dependent on dry weather throughout. Leave room to move outdoor plans around when rain is forecast. April works well if you are content to make the most of sunny spells; it is less convincing if reliable sunshine is the main reason for travelling.

The sea is the main compromise

The sea averages 16°C, with a year-to-year range of 15°C to 17°C, so swimming is likely to feel cold even when the air is pleasant. Sunshine on your skin should not be mistaken for warm water. April therefore makes more sense for time by the coast than for a holiday built around long sea swims. If getting into the water is central to your plans, take the cold sea seriously rather than relying on a warm afternoon to change the experience. For sitting outside or taking a coastal walk, the mild air is more promising, provided you keep an extra layer available.