Algarve Weather - Uncovered!

The Algarve boasts a magnificent all year round climate, with over 3,000 hours sunshine a year and clear blue skies for most of the year! Algarve weather averages 12 hours of sunshine a day in the summer and 6 hours in the winter. Despite being on the Atlantic coast, the Algarve has a Mediterranean-like climate with mild winters and long, hot summers. If we get some rain in the Algarve (which of course we do from time to time), most of it occurs in the 'serra' (the mountainous highland area in the north) and the coastal area averages just 50mm (2 inches) a year. The highest point in the Algarve, at Foia (near Monchique) does, very occasionally, see some snow, but you have to be quick to see it before it melts!

For Algarve holidays during the summer months, packing is simple because you just need to think "hot, hot, hot"! If you are coming at any other time of the year, you will want to know more about average daily Algarve temperatures throughout the seasons so you know what to pack and what you can plan for things to do in the Algarve. So with the Algarve Weather Forecast giving you current weather conditions across the region, our Algarve Weather Blogs and seasonal weather guide, this is weather in the Algarve, Uncovered!

Winter weather in the Algarve

From December to February, normally the coldest months of the year, air temperatures average between 9°C and 16°C but temperatures in the sun are regularly in the low 20's. Night temperatures can drop to between 4°C and 6°C and it does rain from time to time but on the whole it is spring-like and the countryside is refreshed and lush. In January and February the almond trees are in blossom and the wild flowers are starting to appear.

Spring weather in the Algarve

In March and April the temperatures in the Algarve have risen to around 18°C to 20°C in the shade and temperatures in the sun anywhere from mid 20's to 30°C. By May it's really more like summer with shade temperatures in the mid 20's and sun temperatures staying around 28°C to 30°C. The countryside is in full bloom and the cliff tops, particularly in the western Algarve, are a mass of colour and some quite unusual plants like the giant fennels and the huge "flowers" of the Agaves.

Summer weather in the Algarve

June to September are the hottest months and the chance of rain is practically nil. June and September temperatures are around the mid 20's in the shade and 30°C plus in the sun but July and August are hotter still with shade temperatures rarely dropping below 30°C and reaching up to 40°C (or more sometimes) in the sun. The Algarve does benefit from light sea breezes which cool things down a little! Nightime temperatures rarely fall below 18°C and are normally still in the low 20's.

Autumn weather in the Algarve

October and November are usually glorious months being just a little cooler than the height of summer but with temperatures in the low to mid 20's in the shade and from 25°C to 35°C in the sun it's still very warm. It's not at all unusual to spot people sunbathing on the beaches in November!

Algarve weather packing tips!

It's always difficult to know what to pack for your holiday, and the temptation is too fill the suitcase to its weight allowance with all of those 'just in case' items. Well, let's make sure those 'just in case' items are the right ones, so here are our Algarve weather packing tips!

• Regardless of the time of year that you are coming on holiday, our top tip for packing for the Algarve weather is to always have two essential items:
  1. Sunglasses and 2. Your swimwear! Yes, even in January there's a chance of sun bathing on our beautiful Algarve beaches!
• Dressing for the peak summer weather in the Algarve couldn't be easier, just think HOT and what you will be coolest and most comfortable in. July and August are the hottest months so pack a cover-up top and hat to wear (especially if you are planning on a boat trip) and a hand fan or facial water spray. UV protection sunsuits are ideal for children while they are playing on the beach.
• May to June and September to October are usually still incredibly warm (some of the best months in fact) and shorts and t-shirts are still a suitcase staple, but taking trousers and a light jacker, or sweater will mean you are always prepared if it goes a little cooler in the evening (this is more likely in western Algarve as it's prone to the sea breeze).
• From November to April, the Algarve weather can be a little more varied. This is the time when we can have some rain so take an umbrella or waterproof jacket so you can still go out and about! These months are perfect for exploring because it's slightly cooler and the Algarve resorts are quieter, so don't forget to take some good walking shoes and comfortable bottoms. Still pack some summer gear because the Algarve does spoil us with warmer days, but take some trousers, long sleeved tops and a warmer jacket. If you are visiting in December or January you 'might' need a scarf too.
• Allergy tip! If you suffer with prickly heat, then it's a good idea to start taking anti-histamines a few days before you leave home and, of course, to bring them with you (although you can buy them at pharmacies in the Algarve as well). They will also come in useful for any insect bites or stings.
• Sun protection tip! All the major brands of sun creams, including the high factor ones for children, are available in Algarve supermarkets and local stores, although they can be quite expensive so it's worth bringing them with you. Don't forget to factor-up even on over-cast or breezy days, because the sun can still be very strong.