Algarve in March and April: Why Spring Is the Best Time to Visit

There’s a question that always comes up in travel groups: “When’s the best time to visit the Algarve?” The honest answer is March and April. Not July, not August. March and April — when the almond trees have already given way to wildflowers, when hotels have beds available, and when restaurants have time to treat you as a guest rather than another person in the queue.

Here are the reasons, with practical details for planning your trip.

The Weather: Better Than You Think

In March and April, the Algarve has temperatures between 18 and 22°C on most days. You might need a jacket at the end of the day — especially in March — but during the sunny hours it’s perfectly comfortable in a t-shirt. Rain happens, especially in March, but it’s rarely full days of bad weather. The typical pattern is: cloudy morning, sunny afternoon, cool evening.

Compared to northern Portugal or the rest of Europe at this time, the difference is enormous. While Lisbon still has 14°C with rain, the Algarve is already waking up to spring.

Almond Trees and Wildflowers

The almond trees bloom earlier — typically from mid-January to mid-February. If you come in March, you’ve already missed the peak, but you can still catch the last trees in the higher interior areas (Serra de Monchique, Serra do Caldeirão). What remains is even more varied: fields covered in yellow and violet wildflowers, rosemary, lavender, and scrubland in bloom.

The area between Silves and Monchique is especially beautiful at this time. An afternoon driving through the interior, with no fixed destination, can reveal landscapes you wouldn’t expect to find in a sun-and-beach destination.

Fewer People, Much Fewer

In August, Praia da Marinha has 2,000 people. In March, you might have 20. That’s no exaggeration. Beaches in March and April are almost always yours — you can set up your picnic wherever you like, park without problems, walk the cliffs without encountering selfie queues.

The same goes for attractions. Silves castle, Benagil caves, Ponta da Piedade — all have much shorter or no waiting times. At Benagil caves in summer, you need to book a boat days in advance. In April, you can often just show up on the day.

Lower Prices — Much Lower

Accommodation prices in March and April can be 30 to 50% lower than in July and August. A 4-star hotel in Albufeira charging €200 per night in summer might be €110-130 in April. Holiday apartments and houses have an even bigger difference.

Restaurants are cheaper, excursions have low-season prices, and even fuel and parking fees are more favourable. A week in April can cost the equivalent of 3-4 days in August, for an equal or better level of comfort.

The Sea: Fresh but Accessible

Water temperature in March and April is between 16 and 18°C. For anyone used to the North Atlantic, that’s practically tropical. For those expecting warm Mediterranean waters, it’ll be a fresh surprise.

Many people swim at this time — especially on the southern coast (Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro), where the coast is more sheltered. If you’re sensitive to cold, a thin wetsuit (3mm) solves the problem and opens the door to snorkelling and extended swimming. Surfers love this time — better waves, empty beaches.

Easter and Spring Events

Easter (variable date between March and April) brings an increase in domestic tourism — Portuguese and Spanish visitors take advantage of the holidays for an Algarve getaway. During this specific week, prices rise and accommodation demand increases, so book ahead if your trip coincides.

Outside Easter, April has a very pleasant rhythm: all establishments are open (many close in January and February), service is more relaxed, and there’s time for conversations with restaurant owners and rural tourism hosts.

Birdwatching in Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa, between Faro and Tavira, is one of the best birdwatching sites in Portugal. In spring, activity is intense: hundreds of pink flamingos, nesting storks (the Algarve has one of the largest white stork populations in Europe), and dozens of migratory species passing through.

Ferry boats to the Ria Formosa islands leave from Faro and Olhão — a 20-30 minute trip that takes you to a completely different world. On Ilha Deserta there are no cars, no buildings, just dunes and nature. In March and April, with few visitors, it’s a place of uncommon silence and beauty.

Golf: The Best Time of Year

The Algarve has over 36 golf courses and is one of Europe’s most important golf destinations. Most experienced players choose March and April for a simple reason: the weather is perfect. Mild temperatures, greens still lush after winter rains, and without August’s suffocating heat.

Courses like Monte Rei, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and San Lorenzo are in excellent condition at this time, and green fees are generally more accessible than at peak summer.

Hiking: Trails at Their Best

The Via Algarviana (300 km of interior trail) and coastal paths (Rota Vicentina, Seven Hanging Valleys trail) are at their best in March and April. The ground still has moisture from winter rains, trails are well-marked, and temperatures are ideal for walking hours without suffering.

In July and August, the same trails in direct sun at 35°C are an endurance test. In April, they’re a pleasure.

What to Pack

Layered clothing is key. Mornings can be cool, midday warm, end of day cool again. A thin fleece or light jacket covers most situations.

Walking shoes if you plan to hike — cliff paths can be uneven. Swimsuit always, even if the sea looks cold from a distance — you might surprise yourself. Sunscreen even on cloudy days — UV in the Algarve in March is already significant.

Rent a car. It’s almost essential to explore the Algarve properly. Public transport exists but is limited — without a car, you’re stuck in tourist centres. With a car, you have 150 km of coast and an entire interior at your disposal.

In summary: if you want the authentic Algarve, with beaches to yourself, reasonable prices and nature that still has colours, March and April are the answer. Summer has guaranteed sun. Spring has everything else.