Month guide · Algarve · Portugal
Algarve in May
What May is really like in Algarve: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Algarve. Expect average highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 14.1 hours of daylight. Sunny and pleasant, ideal for hiking and sightseeing before the summer heat and crowds.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 23°C (73°F) / 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 14.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 18°C (64°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Algarve: days average 23°C (73°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 14°C (57°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with April (21°C (70°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 27°C (81°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:23
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:32
- Daylight
- About 14.1 hours
- Sea
- 18°C (64°F)
Spring (March–May). Wildflowers, comfortable walking weather and moderate prices; sea still cool for swimming.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Algarve, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Viewpoint · Lagos
Ponta da Piedade
Come at sunset for warm light on the cliffs, then walk the clifftop paths back towards Praia do Camilo.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
Viewpoint · Sagres
Cape St Vincent
Mainland Europe's south-western tip is a headland of high cliffs topped by one of Europe's most powerful lighthouses.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
Historic site · Sagres
Fortress of Sagres
Walk the full loop around the promontory to see fishermen on the cliffs and the blowholes on the west side.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Outdoors
Nature · Faro
Ria Formosa Natural Park
A protected lagoon of salt marshes, channels and barrier islands stretching about 60 km along the eastern Algarve.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 23°C, lows near 14°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Algarve?
One of the best months to visit Algarve. The other best months are June and September. Compare every month.
Algarve in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Algarve?
It is one of the best months to visit Algarve. Sunny and pleasant, ideal for hiking and sightseeing before the summer heat and crowds.
+How warm is Algarve in May?
Average highs are around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Algarve in May?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.