An overview of the Algarve climate
Curious about the climate of the Algarve? Known for its abundance of sun, mild winters, and hot, dry summers, the region enjoys one of the most stable and sunny climates in Europe. In this guide, we will cover temperatures, sea conditions, regional differences, and how climate change may affect this beautiful part of Portugal.
Mediterranean climate
The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters, perfect for year-round visits. Expect long, warm summers and short, mild winters, ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities. The average maximum temperature is 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) in January/February and 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) in July/August.
300 days of sun per year
The Algarve has around 3000 hours of sun per year and over 300 days of sun per year. This makes it one of the sunniest regions in Europe.
Best time to visit the Algarve
The best time to visit the Algarve is from May to September for beach weather, although spring and autumn offer warm temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter is mild and ideal for hiking, golfing, and exploring towns like Lagos and Tavira.
Differences within the Algarve
The Algarve is drier than most other regions in Portugal, especially in the inland areas. In the interior of the Algarve, it can be really hot and dry, due to the absence of wind from the sea. This sometimes leads to forest fires, like in Monchique. The east of the Algarve is usually a bit hotter and drier than the west of the Algarve, because of the influence of the Atlantic Ocean in the west.
Rainfall
In general, it rains little in the Algarve. Most of the rain falls in the period from November until the end of March. The summer is usually quite dry. In the winter it rarely gets below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and it rarely snows.
Sea water temperatures
The sea water is around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer and 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter. Because of the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean winds, the sea water is generally warmer in the east of the Algarve than in the west of the Algarve.
Average temperatures and other weather data
Below you can find more information about the climate in the Algarve (source). The Algarve is a big region and these are average numbers. This means that deviations are possible locally. If you want more information about the weather in the Algarve from month to month, we have a separate article for you.
The Algarve climate and climate change
Climate change is expected to bring hotter, drier summers and less overall rainfall to the Algarve. The Algarve climate will be hotter, with drier summers. This could mean more forest fires in inland spots like Monchique. Rising sea levels could affect coastal ecosystems and beaches. These changes may impact agriculture, fishing, and tourism, but also the beaches of the Algarve. At the same time, this presents opportunities for green energy and eco-tourism. Visitors can contribute by supporting sustainable travel and conservation efforts.
FAQ
The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. It is one of the sunniest regions in Europe. This makes it perfect for holidays all year round.
Yes, summers are becoming hotter and drier. There is also a higher risk of forest fires in inland areas. Rising sea levels may affect beaches over time.
The Algarve enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. That means clear skies are the norm rather than the exception. It is one of the sunniest destinations in Europe.
In July and August, the average daytime temperature is about 29°C (84°F). Inland areas can feel even hotter. Coastal towns are cooler thanks to sea breezes.
Winters are mild, with average daytime temperatures around 15–18°C (59–64°F). It rarely drops below 5°C (41°F). Snow is extremely rare and only happens in the mountains.
The best months are May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months. If you want good weather with fewer crowds, June and September are excellent choices.
Yes, spring is warm, sunny, and full of flowers. Temperatures range from 18–23°C (64–73°F). It’s great for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature.
Autumn is still warm and sunny, especially in September and October. The sea remains pleasant for swimming until late October. This is a quieter season with fewer tourists.
No, the Algarve is one of the driest regions in Portugal. Most rain falls between November and March. Summers are usually very dry with little to no rain.
December is usually the wettest month. Showers are more common, but they don’t last long. Sunshine often returns quickly after the rain.
July and August are the driest months. Rain is extremely rare in summer. This is also when the Algarve is hottest.
Yes, the east is usually a little hotter and drier. The west is influenced more by the Atlantic Ocean, which brings cooler winds. This makes the west coast ideal for surfing.
Yes, coastal areas often have sea breezes, especially in summer. Winds help to cool down the heat during hot days. The west coast is windier than the east.
Snow is very rare. It can occasionally fall in the Serra de Monchique mountains. On the coast, it almost never snows.
Yes, the Algarve is generally hotter and drier than Lisbon. Lisbon has more rain and cooler winters. The Algarve benefits from its southern position.
Yes, inland valleys and mountain areas can be hotter than the coast. The west coast is cooler and windier. Each part of the Algarve has slightly different conditions.