Europe’s worst-kept secret – and for good reason! – the Algarve is well-known as the perfect destination for a sunny summer break. However, as winters in Northern Europe get icier, those searching for summer sun have found that Southern Portugal is the perfect place for that, too. With only a short rainy period and the most hours of sunshine per day in Europe, the region makes for an excellent winter getaway.
Think hikes over rolling hills with the sea glistening on the horizon. Bike rides along trails with a surprise around every corner. Walks on the tops of cliffs bathed in glistening golden light, not to mention sports facilities for all tastes and the Atlantic beckoning you in for some watersports.
Interested in finding out more about the Algarve’s year-round weather forecast? Then read on!
The Weather in the Western Algarve
Though a geographically small region, one word that would certainly describe the Algarve is diverse. From north to south of the strip that runs across the entirety of Portugal, the landscape varies dramatically from rolling hills and winding roads dotted with traditional villages to busier towns and built-up resorts as you near the sea. This is also the case in terms of weather, as while it rains more in the hills, the seaside tends to be drier, ensuring visitors can make the most of every ray of sunshine.
Now, when it comes to the difference between the eastern and western Algarve, the main one is the wind. The closer you get to Sagres – Europe’s southwesternmost point – the windier it gets, which is great news for surfers! Sagres’ choppy waves are well-known as a surfer’s paradise, with many beaches in the western Algarve providing excellent conditions for all sorts of adrenaline-fuelled fun.
Algarve Temperatures by Month
The Algarve is known for sunshine and beaches, but let’s take a closer look at what that means in terms of the Algarve’s monthly weather forecast. Here’s a breakdown of the high and low temperatures you can expect in the Algarve by month:
January – High: 16, Low: 6
February – High: 18, Low: 7
March – High: 21, Low: 9
April – High: 23, Low: 11
May – High: 25, Low: 14
June – High: 28, Low: 17
July – High: 33, Low: 19
August – High: 32, Low: 19
September – High: 29, Low: 17
October – High: 25, Low: 14
November – High: 20, Low: 11
December – High: 17, Low: 9
Algarve Annual Weather
As you can see from the temperatures above, the Algarve enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. A popular destination in spring and autumn for those not so fond of the scorching sun, and the go-to place for those in search of some of Europe’s (and the world’s) most beautiful beaches in summer, it is now becoming more and more popular as a winter getaway too.
Spring in the Algarve
Though April showers sometimes hit the Algarve, when they do, it’s in the shape of the occasional drizzle, which is unlikely to spoil your holiday. With temperatures averaging around 20 °C to 25 °C across the season, it’s a lovely time to explore the hills to take in the region’s abundant wildflowers and do some birdwatching. In spring, expect around 8 hours a day of sunlight, which goes up to about ten towards the end of the season.
Summer in the Algarve
With almost no rainfall registered across the three summer months, the Algarve promises picture-perfect beach days nearly every day in summer. With up to 12 hours of sunlight a day and clear skies framed by palm trees wherever you look, it’s certainly an idyllic place for a beach holiday… though temperatures that sometimes rise into the high 30s and very low wind speeds mean lazing on a beach or by a pool may be all you want to do!
Autumn in the Algarve
With summer heat blazing into the autumn and sea temperatures rising as the year goes on, the region remains a popular beach destination until Halloween. Rainfall, however, rapidly builds up as the season goes on, so it’s a riskier choice for those looking to catch some late-summer sun.
Winter in the Algarve
Though January may be the region’s coldest month, December is the wettest, with an average of 96mm of rainfall registered throughout the month. However, there’s still plenty of sunshine to be felt and much milder temperatures than Northern Europe, providing the perfect destination to browse the Algarve’s Christmas markets or ring in the new year in style.
Now that you know all about the Algarve’s weather forecast, it’s time to decide: which season best suits you?
