Weather in Algarve in February

How February compares

February is the 11th warmest month of the year in Algarve and ranks 63rd of 134 destinations we compare for February - see where else is hot in February. Within Portugal it is 7th of 13 (Portugal in February). Against London's average high of 7.9°C in February, Algarve is 8.2°C warmer by day and 7.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in February

The typical February day in Algarve peaks at 16.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.5°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 9.4°C; one night in ten drops to 6.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest February day here reached 24.6°C (2020-02-04) and the coldest night 0.6°C (2012-02-05).

Rain in February

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 6 days with 1 mm or more, 48 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest February was 2010 with 201 mm, the driest 2012 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 75%.

Sea temperature in February

The sea averages 15.1°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.2°C to 15.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:21 and sets about 18:10 local time in mid-February. Average cloud cover is 46%.

Is February a good time to visit Algarve?

February 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.

Mild afternoons, but pack for cold evenings

Plan for comfortable walking weather rather than reliably warm days in light clothing. February is among the Algarve's cooler months, although afternoons are noticeably milder than London's average high of 7.9°C. The warmer days reach 18.5°C or more, so having a lighter layer underneath a jumper makes sense. Once the sun goes down, the average low of 9.4°C calls for a jacket, and the coldest nights can fall to 6.1°C or below. This suits travellers happy to dress in layers and adjust their plans to the conditions. If dependable warmth is the main reason for travelling, February is a compromise.

Enough sunshine for outdoor plans, with room for rain

With about 5.7 hours of sunshine across 10.6 hours of daylight, February offers useful time outdoors, but not a promise of clear skies throughout your stay. Rain falls on about 6 days during the month, so a waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground are sensible packing choices. Keep your outdoor plans flexible rather than relying on a particular day staying dry. The practical approach is to use sunny spells when they arrive and leave room to change plans when rain comes through. Neither uninterrupted sunshine nor a washout is a sensible expectation for the whole trip.

Treat the coast as a place to walk, not a warm swimming trip

The sea averages 15.1°C, which is cold rather than comfortably swimmable. Even the year-to-year range of 14°C to 16°C stays firmly on the cold side, so don't book February expecting a warm dip. Time by the water makes more sense as a walk or a sit outside when conditions feel pleasant, with a layer ready when you cool down. Aim for the warmer part of the day for relaxed outdoor time rather than relying on evenings. If sea swimming is central to your holiday, the February figures are a clear reason to reconsider the timing.