The beautiful Algarve region is Portugal's premier holiday destination, stretching across the southern coast with its stunning blend of golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming whitewashed towns. This region enjoys a glorious Mediterranean climate characterised by long, sun-drenched summers and mild winters.

During July and August, the peak season brings temperatures consistently between 28-35°C (82-95°F), with beaches reaching capacity and a vibrant atmosphere dominating the coastal towns. While perfect for guaranteed sunshine, these months also bring premium prices and the necessity for advance bookings.

Many seasoned travellers consider June and September the ideal months to visit the Algarve. These periods offer nearly identical weather conditions to the peak months but with noticeably fewer crowds.

The shoulder seasons are April-May and October, and this is when the Algarve takes on a more relaxed atmosphere. The heat lessens, leaving warm days that are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling or golf.

The Algarve offers some of the best winter weather in mainland Europe, but it is rarely warm enough for spending time on the beach. Any holiday during winter should be based in one of the larger towns, and visitors should be prepared for some heavy rain, especially in early spring (March-April).

This guide will help you identify the ideal time for your visit, provide detailed weather information, and explain what to expect from each of the different seasons.

The Algarve experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasonal patterns. Spring (March-May) sees temperatures rise steadily from 15°C (59°F) to 22°C (72°F), with rainfall decreasing significantly by late April.

Summer (June-August) brings consistently hot weather with temperatures ranging from 28°C (82°F) to 35°C (95°F), occasionally reaching 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves. Precipitation is almost non-existent during these months, with average rainfall below 5mm in July and August.

Autumn begins in September with temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and gradually cools to about 18°C (64°F) by November. Rainfall increases notably from October, with average monthly precipitation reaching 80mm by November.

Winter (December-February) is the coolest and wettest period, with temperatures typically between 12°C (54°F) and 16°C (61°F). December averages around 100mm of rainfall, while January and February see approximately 70mm each.

The region receives approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, with winter days still averaging 5-6 hours of sunshine compared to summer's 12 hours. The relative humidity remains moderate year-round, ranging from 65% in summer to 80% in winter.

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

The Algarve is primarily a beach and outdoor holiday destination. If you're planning a trip outside the peak summer season, knowing how many "beach days" to expect can help with your decision and expectations.

We define a "beach day" as one with at least 3 consecutive hours of full sunshine and a temperature over 23°C (73°F) during this period. These are conditions that most visitors would consider pleasant for a day on the beach.

The summer provides the most reliable beach weather, with nearly every day suitable for visiting the beach. In contrast, the winter months of December through February rarely offer conditions that meet our beach day criteria, with temperatures typically remaining below the 23°C threshold even on sunny days.

The following chart illustrates the average number of beach days you can expect for each month:

Many visitors who are new to the Algarve are surprised at how cold the sea temperatures are, especially at the height of summer.

Unlike the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the Algarve's coastline opens out onto the much chillier Atlantic Ocean. These naturally cool sea waters are further chilled by the North Atlantic Current, which brings cooler waters southward along Portugal's coastline.

The winter months (December through March) see the coldest waters, typically ranging between 13-15°C (55-59°F). Spring brings gradual warming, with May reaching about 18°C (64°F).

By summer, the seawaters reach their peak at just 21°C (70°F). This creates a striking contrast between the hot air temperatures and the chilly ocean. If you intend to swim in the sea for extended periods (such as when surfing), wearing a wetsuit is recommended.

There is a slight regional difference in shoreline seawater temperatures across the Algarve. The far eastern areas (Monte Gordo and Tavira) are typically 1-2°C warmer than the central and western regions of the Algarve.

The Algarve experiences four distinct tourist seasons throughout the year, each offering visitors unique advantages and considerations. Understanding these seasonal patterns can help you plan the perfect holiday that aligns with your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.

Peak Season (July-August) - During these months, the Algarve transforms into a vibrant hub of activity as families from across Europe flock to its shores. Temperatures consistently reach 28-35°C (82-95°F), and beach days are virtually guaranteed. Accommodation throughout the region operates at maximum capacity with premium pricing, making advance bookings essential.

Popular beaches become crowded, particularly in hotspots like Praia da Marinha and Benagil. Restaurants in tourist centers require reservations, especially for dinner, while boat tours and excursions should be booked days in advance. While lively and energetic, this period brings higher prices and less availability.

Carvoeiro is a great holiday destination

High Season (June and September) - These months offer an excellent balance of warm weather and reduced crowds. With temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) and plenty of sunshine, beach conditions remain ideal. Most attractions and facilities operate at full capacity, but you'll find securing accommodations and restaurant tables significantly easier than during peak months. The region maintains its vibrant atmosphere while offering a more relaxed experience.

September is surprisingly one of the busiest months of the year as the region fills with visitors who are not constrained by school holidays or work shutdowns.

The old city wall of Faro

Shoulder Season (April, May and October) - The Algarve adopts a gentler pace during these months, offering an excellent compromise between pleasant weather and manageable visitor numbers. Temperatures typically range from 18-25°C (64-77°F), with October being the warmest of these months and April the coolest. Daily sunshine averages 8-10 hours, with rainfall decreasing by late April.

These months present ideal conditions for exploring the region's natural beauty, such as the coastal hiking trails of the Seven Hanging Valleys or the Ponta de Piedade headland. This is a great season for exploring the region with day trips to Faro's whitewashed old town, Silves' medieval fortress, or the daily market at Loulé.

The Pretty town of Silves and the imposing castle

Low Season (November-March) - The Algarve is quiet during the winter months, with the majority of visitors being long-stay residents or older travellers escaping the chill of northern Europe. Any holiday in winter should be based in the larger towns such as Faro, Lagos, Albufeira or Tavira, as they maintain a permanent population and most cafés and restaurants stay open year-round. Some of the smaller resort towns like Carvoeiro, Salema and Praia da Luz can feel very quiet.

Winter temperatures typically range from 12-18°C (54-64°F), offering a mild climate compared to northern Europe. However, visitors should be prepared for some rain, particularly in December which averages 100mm of rainfall. While the Algarve receives significantly less precipitation than central and northern Portugal, there is always the chance of wet days, especially in early winter. When rain does occur, indoor activity options are somewhat limited as the majority of the region's attractions are outdoor-based.

The cheapest time to visit the Algarve is during the low season between November and March. During these months, you'll find significantly reduced prices across accommodation, flights, and car rentals, often 40-50% lower than peak season rates.

International flights to the Algarve experience their lowest fares in January and February, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year period when prices temporarily spike. Airlines frequently run winter promotions to stimulate demand during this quieter travel period.

Accommodation costs reach their annual minimum during these winter months. Many hotels offer attractive discounts, with some four-star properties available at prices comparable to budget options during summer. For longer stays, substantial discounts become available, making Portugal particularly appealing for winter escapes from Northern Europe.

While some smaller, beach-focused businesses close during winter, Portugal's larger towns and cities maintain vibrant atmospheres year-round. Restaurants that remain open often offer winter menus and specials at considerably lower prices than during the tourist high season.

The shoulder seasons of late October and early April also offer excellent value, balancing more favourable weather conditions with prices still well below summer peaks.

Peak season in the Algarve runs from early July through late August. This period coincides with school summer holidays across Europe, particularly from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as Portugal itself. During these weeks, the Algarve experiences its highest visitor numbers, with beaches, attractions, and restaurants at maximum capacity.

In recent years, the peak season has begun to extend slightly, often beginning in late June and continuing into the first week of September. This extension is partly due to changing school holiday schedules in some European countries and the increasing popularity of the region among international tourists.

The absolute peak of the season occurs during the first two weeks of August, when Portuguese nationals traditionally take their summer holidays, adding significantly to the already substantial international tourist presence. During this period, advance booking for accommodation becomes essential, with many properties requiring minimum stays of 7-14 days.