Algarve Weather
The Algarve has the sunniest climate in Portugal: over 300 days of sun a year and the hot, dry summers typical of the Mediterranean. From June to September highs sit around 26-30 °C with almost no rain — peak beach season. Winters stay mild, with highs of 16-18 °C and sunny spells between the showers.
Weather by area
- Sagres
- The south-west tip and the windiest; cool sea and Atlantic swell, a surf magnet.
- Lagos
- Golden cliffs and sheltered coves; one of the sunniest spots on the west coast.
- Portimão
- Wide beaches like Praia da Rocha, south-facing and sheltered from the wind.
- Carvoeiro
- Small beaches tucked between cliffs, calm sea and plenty of sun.
- Albufeira
- The Algarve's tourist heart; calm sea and the highest average sunshine.
- Faro
- Barrier islands and the Ria Formosa wetlands; long sands and shallow, warm water.
- Tavira
- Tavira Island and the calm east coast; some of the Algarve's warmest summer water.
- Olhão
- Gateway to the Ria Formosa, with islands like Armona and Culatra; calm, sheltered sea.
- Castro Marim
- The eastern edge by the Guadiana river; long beaches and the region's warmest sea.
Best time for the beach
Mid-June to mid-September brings the warmest sea and guaranteed sun — and the biggest crowds. May, early June and October hit the sweet spot: 22-26 °C, quieter beaches and lower prices. From November to March the Algarve has one of Europe's mildest winters — good for coastal walks, golf and winter sun, though cool for long swims.
Month-by-month averages
The long-term picture helps you plan: temperature, sunshine hours and rainy days, month by month, at the Faro station.
| Month | High | Low | Sun/day | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16° | 10° | 8h | 6 |
| Feb | 18° | 11° | 9h | 6 |
| Mar | 18° | 11° | 10h | 9 |
| Apr | 21° | 13° | 12h | 8 |
| May | 24° | 16° | 13h | 4 |
| Jun | 26° | 18° | 13h | 4 |
| Jul | 30° | 21° | 14h | 0 |
| Aug | 30° | 21° | 13h | 0 |
| Sep | 26° | 19° | 11h | 4 |
| Oct | 24° | 17° | 10h | 8 |
| Nov | 20° | 13° | 9h | 7 |
| Dec | 17° | 11° | 8h | 7 |
2020-2024 averages, Faro station. Source: Open-Meteo (ERA5).
Month by month, the Algarve rarely disappoints. January and February stay mild at 16-18 °C, with sun between the showers. March and April warm to 18-21 °C and the days stretch out. May and June bring 24-26 °C and near-constant clear skies. July and August are the summer peak: 30 °C, 13 to 14 hours of sun and almost no rain — the sea is at its warmest too. September holds the heat (26 °C) and October is still beach weather (24 °C), before November and December ease back to a mild 17-20 °C.