What is the best time to visit Algarve?
June to August offers the best beach weather.
The high season is when the Algarve shines. This allows for days of sunbathing on the beach and refreshing dips in the ocean. However, the cold Atlantic currents mean that the sea doesn’t get as warm as the Mediterranean. There is very little rain and almost no clouds during the summer peak.
The Algarve’s hottest month is July and August. It averages 28degC with some days reaching 40degC. Evening temperatures are comfortable outside, thanks to cool ocean breezes.
These are the ideal conditions for tourists to visit the beach during peak season. The peak season for tourism in July and August, when the hotel prices and crowds are at their highest. You should plan if you intend to travel during this period.
You can expect to pay more for the best accommodations. These beautiful beaches will be shared with many other tourists – although you may still find quieter beaches away from tourist hubs like Albufeira or Lagos.
Outdoor adventures can be enjoyed in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
If you are interested in horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, or other land-based activities, the spring and autumn months of April and May are the best. Although the days are warm and sunny, there is a slight chance of drizzling. The temperatures don’t get too hot.
This time of year, you’ll see fewer people and can get up to 30% off lodging prices compared with the peak season. April and May are good months to view wildflowers on the Algarve’s hillsides, fields, and coast.
November to March for the best deals
If you visit the Algarve in the off-season, it will feel completely different. There will be fewer people and more Portuguese spoken wherever you travel. The temperatures drop, but the days remain pleasant, with an average high of 16°C even in the coldest months of January and February.
Although most of the Algarve’s annual rainfall occurs in winter, there are usually a few sunny days, and the rains are short. It’s still an excellent time to be outside, but you might prefer to take long walks along the coast with a light jacket than swim in the ocean. Even though the beaches with the most fame are located further north, the Algarve is home to some of the best surf spots in the country.
January is a month for cultural exploration.
The Algarve’s January cultural calendar is packed with events, including art exhibitions, dance and theatre performances, and special winter film screenings. Along with Silves and Tavira, Faro, Portimao, and Lagos have the most happenings.
February is for concerts.
Locals venture inside on cold February evenings to enjoy live music and dance performances in Loule and Faro, as well as other important cities. During Carnaval celebrations, the seaside towns are relatively quiet when there are parades and revelry on the streets.
March is the month for spring flowers.
The first signs of spring are the longer days and the first blooms on the hillsides. March offers pleasant temperatures and is excellent for long walks without crowds.
April is Easter Celebrations
Easter is a standard time when the Algarve sees the end of the off-season. The first signs of life emerge in the Algarve’s sleepy seaside towns. You can also see parades and fireworks on Liberation Day (April 25), which adds excitement.
May is the best month to hit the trails.
The sunny, rain-free month of May is the best time to get out and about, regardless of whether you’re embarking on a long trek like the Via Algarviana (300km/186-mile) or just going for a stroll along the beach.
June marks the official beginning of summer.
The Algarve is a popular destination for beach-lovers, particularly when temperatures rise towards the end of the month. As people fill outdoor bars and restaurants, seaside communities’ atmosphere becomes more lively. The outdoor festival season begins in earnest.
July is the best month to celebrate festivals.
You’ll find many events in the Algarve during July’s baking month, including music festivals at the beach and an outdoor market with candles.
August is the best month to go swimming.
You can beat the heat by spending time near the ocean and participating in aquatic activities, even during the hottest month. August is a great month to spot dolphins while on boating trips.
September is the month for relaxing on the beach without all the tourists
While September’s water temperature isn’t as hot as August’s, September’s air temperatures are more relaxed and make for more pleasant days on the beach. There will be fewer people than usual during September.
October is a month when the sky fills with migratory bird species
Birdwatchers flock in October to the Algarve to observe the beautiful winged birds en route to Africa during their annual autumn migration. You’ll also find a refreshing break from the summer heat.
November is the best month to celebrate local events
The coast is becoming less busy in the middle of autumn. While you will have stunning seaside views to yourself, it is essential to bring a jacket or light jacket to keep warm on cooler nights and days. You should be prepared for the occasional rain shower.
Christmas Holidays in December
As the days get shorter, there will be colder nights but beautiful mild days with highs of 17°C. Many towns hold particular markets leading up to Christmas and display life-size nativity scenes. Vila Real de Santo Antonio is one of the largest displays in Portugal.