Best time to visit · Algarve · Portugal
The best time to visit Algarve
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: RHaworth, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit the Algarve is May, June and September, when it is sunny and warm, the sea is pleasant and beaches are less crowded than in July and August. Spring and autumn are ideal for cliff walks and sightseeing, while winter is mild and quiet but many beach businesses close.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 29°C (84°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 16°C (61°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~6 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, mild winters and most rain between November and March. The east, around Faro and Tavira, is warmer and calmer, while the west around Sagres is windier with cooler Atlantic water.
March–May
Spring
Wildflowers, comfortable walking weather and moderate prices; sea still cool for swimming.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry and reliably sunny, with the warmest sea, packed beaches and peak prices in July and August.
September–November
Autumn
Warm sea and fewer people in September and October, with rain returning in November.
December–February
Winter
Mild and often sunny but quiet, with many beach restaurants closed; popular for golf and long stays.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C | 8°C | 6 | 16°C | 9.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 17°C | 9°C | 5 | 15°C | 10.8 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 19°C | 11°C | 4 | 16°C | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 21°C | 12°C | 4 | 17°C | 13.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 23°C | 14°C | 2 | 18°C | 14.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 27°C | 17°C | 1 | 20°C | 14.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 29°C | 19°C | 0 | 21°C | 14.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 29°C | 20°C | 0 | 22°C | 13.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 27°C | 18°C | 2 | 22°C | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 23°C | 15°C | 4 | 20°C | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 19°C | 12°C | 5 | 18°C | 10.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 17°C | 9°C | 6 | 17°C | 9.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Almond blossom in the inland hills (usually late January to February) |
| February | Loulé Carnival — parades with floats (February or March, depending on Easter) |
| April | Easter processions in towns such as Loulé and São Brás de Alportel |
| June | Santos Populares — street parties with grilled sardines (June); Festival MED in Loulé — world music (usually late June or July) |
| July | Faro International Motorcycle Concentration (usually July) |
| August | Olhão Seafood Festival (usually August); Silves Medieval Fair (usually August); Portimão Sardine Festival (usually August) |
| September | Festival F — music festival in Faro's old town (usually early September) |
| October | Feira de Santa Iria — traditional fair in Faro (usually October) |
| December | New Year's Eve celebrations in Albufeira and other resorts (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Algarve?
The best time to visit the Algarve is May, June and September, when it is sunny and warm, the sea is pleasant and beaches are less crowded than in July and August. Spring and autumn are ideal for cliff walks and sightseeing, while winter is mild and quiet but many beach businesses close.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Algarve?
Usually in January–February. Mild and often sunny with cool nights; many beach restaurants close, but almond blossom starts inland and golf is popular.
+What is the rainiest month in Algarve?
January, with about 6 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Algarve get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F).