Weather in the Algarve
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. It averages12 hours of sunshine a day in the summer and 6 hours in the winter.
Despite being on the Atlantic coast, the Algarve offers a Mediterranean-like climate. Temperatures can soar to high 30s in peak summer (July and August) but rest between 9°C and 16°C in the coldest winter months (December and January). It is worth remembering that the temperatures quoted are 'air' temperatures so that is what it will feel like in the shade - the strength of the sun in the Algarve adds considerably to how hot it is out in the sunshine. This is why we like to quote readings from our thermometer on the balcony from time to time...just to remind you how lovely it is!
Probably the biggest misconception with the Algarve is that it is only a suitable holiday destination between May and October. Arguably, some of the best weather is experienced between these months, but outside of these months, the weather is still lovely. The skies are blue and the sun is out most days…it is only on the odd occasion that the rain puts in an appearance and when it does the showers tend to be heavy and short lived. Most of the rain in the Algarve occurs in the serra (the mountainous highland area in the far north) with the coastal area averaging just 50mm (2 inches) a year...anotherwords..not a lot!
The weather from May to June, and September to October, is widely considered to be some of the best because it is warm and dry, without being unbearably hot. The temperatures are better for children, but equally as appealing for sun lovers who want to enjoy long days on the beach.
In July and August the weather is scorching (mid to high-30s) but the Algarve does benefit from light sea breezes which cool things down a little.
For those interested in exploring and taking in the sights, February to June can be a wonderful time to visit the Algarve. The flora is at its richest, with flowers in bloom and vibrant vegetation. Also, the added benefit is that the resorts and road networks are not quite so busy, so travelling around is a lot more relaxed.
From November to April visitors may experience a little rainfall, but it is normally very short-lived and never enough to dampen a holiday. It can go quite chilly at night time during the winter months and the temperatures on rare occasions can dip to 4 or 5°C, but the days more than make up for it.
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!
All in all the Algarve has a wonderful, year round climate with very mild winters and long hot summers. It is nothing out of the ordinary to be sunbathing on the beach during any of the the 'winter' months, 'spring' seems to start before Christmas and about the only hint of 'autumn' is the smell of roasting chestnuts!