Alvor weather by month

When to go to Alvor

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 (75 mm, about 8 rainy days) and July the driest (1 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 20.4°C and coolest in February at 15.0°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Portimão Airport (PRM, 2 km from Alvor) 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 Alvor between 1991 and 2020 reached 39.4°C on 24 July 2004; the coldest fell to -0.3°C on 9 January 2009. In August one day in ten tops 33.5°C and about 42% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 5.1°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was January 1996 with 271 mm, against a January average of 52 mm.

Winter and spring: mild days, with layers needed

December, January and February suit a break built around time outdoors when the weather allows, rather than swimming. January and February average 16°C by day and 9°C at night, so pack a proper evening layer rather than relying on light summer clothes. December has just 4 hours of sunshine a day on average, making daylight plans more important. March brings warmer afternoons at 18°C, but its 8 rain days mean spring is not a clean switch to dry weather. April reaches 20°C, making outdoor time more comfortable, while May's 23°C days suit travellers who dislike summer heat. The catch is the water: even in May, the sea averages 17°C. Bring swimwear if you enjoy cool water, but keep a jumper and rain jacket in your bag.

Summer: the strongest choice for dry, sunny days

June offers a useful balance: daytime temperatures average 26°C, with only 2 rain days and plenty of sunshine. It suits travellers who want summer warmth without Alvor's hottest afternoons, although the sea still feels cool at 18°C. July is the driest month, with 12 hours of sunshine a day on average, making it a strong choice for plans centred on being outside. August is hottest, averaging around 30°C by day, so leave room for shade and a slower pace at midday. Light clothes work for daytime, while evenings are milder than in spring. The sea reaches 20°C in July and August, though that is still relatively fresh swimming water.

Autumn: warm water lasts longer than reliable dry weather

September is a good compromise if you want warm afternoons without August's peak heat. Days average 27°C and the sea holds at 20°C, so it remains well suited to a holiday mixing swimming with time on foot. Rain becomes more likely, but September is still a better bet for dry plans than October. October keeps the same sea temperature while daytime averages ease to 23°C; the catch is 8 rain days, so allow flexibility rather than planning every day around the beach. November feels more like a mild-weather break, with 19°C afternoons and 12°C nights. Pack layers and rain protection, and treat swimming as an optional extra rather than the main reason to go.