Alvor is a delightful fishing town and peaceful holiday destination that sits at the heart of the beautiful western Algarve.

The town is blessed with a glorious Mediterranean climate, which means it enjoys dry and hot summers, and winters that are pleasant and mild.

The peak season is July and August, and this aligns with summer holidays. During this period, expect packed beaches, reservations needed for the best restaurants and hotels at near capacity.

The best months to visit Alvor are either side of the peak season, in June and September. The weather is still wonderful, everything is fully open and there is a buzz about the town, but without the hectic atmosphere of the peak months.

The weather is suitable for heading to the beach or lounging by a pool from April/May until the end of October. Spring and autumn are outstanding times for an activity-based holiday, or to explore the surrounding region via day trips.

 

 

In winter (November to March), the temperature cools and there is always the chance of rain. Alvor will be very quiet in the low season but there will be enough restaurants, bars and shops open to make it suitable for a trip.

This article will help you determine the best months to visit, detail Alvor's weather and help you make the most of your trip to this charming coastal town.
Related articles: Introduction to Alvor - Sights of Alvor

Alvor basks in the Algarve's famed climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually and a pleasant year-round temperatures. The summer months bring reliable warmth, with July and August temperatures typically reaching 29°C (84°F) during the day, complemented by refreshing sea breezes that provide welcome relief from the heat. The Atlantic waters warm gradually, reaching their most inviting temperature of 21°C (70°F) by late summer.

Spring arrives early in the Algarve, with March and April seeing temperatures climb to 20°C (68°F). May brings increasingly consistent warmth, though the sea remains rather cool for comfortable swimming until June. Autumn extends the summer feeling well into October, with September offering particularly appealing conditions—warm days, comfortable evenings and sea temperatures still pleasant from the summer heat.

Winter in Alvor brings mild temperatures of 15°C (59°F) during the day, though nights can feel chilly, dropping to around 8°C (46°F). December through February constitute the rainy season, with occasional heavy showers interspersed with bright, sunny periods. Despite being the wettest time of year, rain seldom lasts all day, and clear skies often return quickly

The region's winter climate remains notably dryer and milder than central and norther Portugal, making Alvor an attractive off-season destination for those seeking a calm destination.

The daytime maximum temperature (measured in the shade) and night-time minimum

The average hours of sunshine per day and UV intensity

The monthly rainfall and number of wet days

If you are new to the Algarve, be warned that the sea temperatures are always cooler than many visitors expect. Unlike the warm, gentle waters of the Mediterranean, Alvor's beaches face the Atlantic Ocean, which significantly affects water temperatures throughout the year.

The Atlantic currents that sweep along Portugal's coast bring cooler water from the north, particularly during summer when northerly winds are stronger. The result is refreshingly cool water even during the hottest months.

Sea temperatures in Alvor range from a chilly 14°C (57°F) in winter to a more comfortable 21°C (70°F) by late August and early September. Spring sees a gradual warming with May averaging around 17°C (63°F), while October maintains a relatively pleasant 19°C (66°F) before temperatures begin to decline again.

Alvor is one of the Algarve's finest mid-sized resort towns, and its combination of beautiful beaches and Portuguese atmosphere means it is always a favourite with tourists. During the summer months the town will sell out, and it is advisable to book accommodation and flights as soon as possible to secure the lowest prices.

The map below shows available accommodation options in Alvor. Simply adjust the dates to your planned holiday period to see current prices and availability.

Booking.com

For holidaymakers planning their perfect beach getaway, understanding how many suitable beach days to expect each month can be invaluable. We define a "beach day" as one with at least 3 hours of full sunshine and temperatures exceeding 23°C (73°F) – conditions ideal for sunbathing and swimming. The Algarve's climate delivers a generous offering of these prime beach days, though they're not distributed equally throughout the year.

The chart below illustrates the monthly pattern, highlighting the peak summer period when beach days are virtually guaranteed, as well as the shoulder seasons when good beach weather remains frequent but not constant.

The tourist seasons in Alvor are divided into four distinct periods, each offering a different experience for visitors to this charming coastal town. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you plan the perfect holiday that aligns with your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.

Peak Season (July-August) – This is Alvor at its busiest, with packed beaches, hotels at full capacity, and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town. Advance bookings are essential for accommodation and popular restaurants. The weather is consistently hot and sunny, perfect for dedicated beach holidays, though you'll share the golden sands with many others.

High Season (June and September) – These months offer the perfect balance of great weather and slightly reduced crowds. The temperatures remain warm enough for all beach activities, the sea has begun to warm nicely, and most attractions operate at full capacity. This period is ideal for visitors without children who can travel outside school holidays, offering a more relaxed experience while still enjoying the lively summer atmosphere.

Shoulder Season (April, May and October) – Slightly cooler temperatures make these months amazing for activities and sightseeing. The reduced heat creates comfortable conditions for exploring the surrounding countryside, enjoying water sports, or playing golf. Accommodation prices often drop, beaches become quieter, and you'll experience a more authentic side of Alvor as the ratio of locals to tourists increases.

Low Season (November-March) – Alvor becomes very quiet during these months, offering a completely different experience. Many tourist-oriented businesses close or reduce their hours, but enough amenities remain open to serve visitors. The mild winter climate still allows for outdoor activities on fine days, and you'll find considerably lower prices for accommodation. This period appeals to long-stay visitors seeking winter sun and those looking to experience local culture without the tourist hustle.

The peak season in Alvor transforms this coastal town into a vibrant holiday hub. Accommodation throughout the town operates at full capacity, making advance bookings essential—ideally several months ahead for the best options and rates.

This period is ideal if you're bound by school holiday schedules or fixed workplace summer closures, though travellers with more flexible timing might consider the advantages of visiting either side of the summer (May/June or September/October).

During the peak season, you will often have to make reservations for the restaurants and organised activities should be booked at least two days before. Popular options like dolphin-watching cruises and coastal tours frequently sell out days ahead during July and August.

The summer heat in Alvor reaches its peak between 11am and 3pm, when the Mediterranean sun is particularly intense. The UV index regularly reaches extreme levels, necessitating proper sun protection even on cloudy days. Fortunately, Alvor benefits from refreshing evening sea breezes that make outdoor dining and evening strolls particularly pleasant after the day's heat subsides.

For those wishing to explore beyond the beach, scheduling sightseeing and land-based activities for early morning or late afternoon provides a more comfortable experience. The most popular summer activities centre around the water—boat tours to the magnificent Benagil caves, snorkelling expeditions along the dramatic coastline, or kayaking around the pristine Ria de Alvor nature reserve. The sheltered coves around Ponta João de Arens headland offer excellent conditions for paddleboarding and swimming away from the busier main beaches.

Looking westwards along the main beach of Alvor

June and September represent the sweet spot for visiting Alvor, offering the perfect balance of excellent weather conditions without the drawbacks of peak season. The temperature remains consistently warm enough for full beach enjoyment, with daytime highs typically reaching 26-28°C (79-82°F), ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

The town takes on a noticeably calmer atmosphere during these months, and there is a significant decrease in the number of children in the resorts. Accommodation remains in high demand, but without the premium pricing that characterizes July and August.

These months prove particularly attractive for couples of all ages seeking a more relaxed holiday experience. Restaurants can accommodate diners without lengthy waits, beach space is ample enough to find your ideal spot, and activities can usually be booked with shorter notice. The reduction in family groups means a quieter, more adult-oriented atmosphere prevails throughout the town.

Many visitors find that these months provide all the advantages of summer in the Algarve – the sunshine, warm sea, and lively atmosphere – without the crowds that define the peak season.

The shoulder season months transform Alvor into a haven for travellers seeking a more authentic Algarve experience. With temperatures typically ranging from 18-24°C (64-75°F), these months provide comfortable conditions that are ideal for exploration and activities without the intense heat of summer.

This period is particularly well-suited for visitors interested in more active pursuits. The cooler weather creates perfect conditions for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the region's world-class courses, while cyclists and hikers can explore the stunning coastal paths and inland trails without overheating.

The calmer pace of life during the shoulder season encourages deeper exploration of the western Algarve. Day trips to historic Silves with its impressive Moorish castle, the charming old town of Lagos, or the bustling commercial centre of Portimão become more enjoyable without summer crowds or parking difficulties.

April merits special consideration, as it can occasionally experience short, intense rainfall. However, these showers typically pass quickly and are followed by fresh, clear conditions. May and October generally offer more stable weather patterns, with October benefiting from sea temperatures that remain warm from the summer months.

The demographic shifts noticeably during these months, with a higher proportion of longer-stay visitors and retirees enjoying extended breaks. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere throughout the town, with a pleasant mix of tourists and locals. Importantly, almost all businesses, restaurants and attractions remain fully operational during these months, providing all the amenities of summer but with easier access and often at lower prices.

The low season presents a completely different side of Alvor, revealing the town's authentic character when tourism takes a back seat. Though temperatures typically range from 12-18°C (54-64°F) – not warm enough for traditional beach activities – the Algarve still enjoys some of the mildest winter conditions in mainland Europe, with frequent sunny days that provide a welcome respite from northern European winters.

Alvor becomes a significantly quieter version of itself during these months, yet remains very much alive. Thanks to its substantial permanent population, many restaurants, cafés and essential shops continue operating year-round, though often with reduced hours.

The demographic shifts dramatically, with retired visitors and long-stay winter residents forming the majority of the tourist population. Many northern Europeans choose to spend extended periods of one to three months here, escaping harsher winters at home while enjoying significantly lower accommodation rates. This creates a small but vibrant international community with a distinctly different atmosphere from the summer months.

Visitors should note that certain seasonal tourist operations, including some boat tours, water sports facilities and summer-oriented businesses, close entirely during this period. Many tourism workers take their own holidays during the quieter months, particularly in January and February.