Algarve Weather: A Month-by-Month Climate Guide

by Portugal Getaways Team

July 17, 2026 • 7 min read

Algarve weather, in short

Quick answer: The Algarve has a warm Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers (June to September) are hot and dry, with highs around 25 to 29°C and warm sea; winters are mild and greener, with highs near 16 to 17°C and most of the year's rain. For beaches, come June to September; for hiking, golf and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are ideal.

Algarve weather month by month

Approximate average daytime high, overnight low and sea temperature for the Algarve (based on Faro). Treat these as typical averages, as conditions vary year to year.

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Sea
January	16°C	8°C	16°C
February	17°C	9°C	15°C
March	19°C	10°C	16°C
April	20°C	11°C	16°C
May	23°C	13°C	18°C
June	26°C	16°C	20°C
July	29°C	18°C	21°C
August	29°C	18°C	22°C
September	27°C	17°C	21°C
October	23°C	15°C	20°C
November	19°C	11°C	18°C
December	16°C	9°C	16°C

The Algarve season by season

Spring (March to May)

One of the best times to visit. Days warm from the high teens into the low twenties, the countryside is green and in flower, and the resorts are quiet. Ideal for hiking, golf, sightseeing and the coastal trails, though the sea is still on the cool side for long swims.

Summer (June to September)

Peak season: hot, dry and reliably sunny, with highs in the high twenties and the warmest sea of the year. July and August are the busiest and priciest, with up to 12 hours of sunshine a day, perfect for the beach. Book well ahead for these months.

Sunset view over the limestone cliffs and sea stacks of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal. Calm Atlantic waters surround the rock formations along the southern Portuguese coast. — Ponta da Piedade, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Autumn (September to November)

Early autumn is a sweet spot, with summer warmth and a warm sea but fewer crowds after mid-September. By November it turns milder and wetter, though still pleasant and much quieter.

Winter (December to February)

Mild by European standards, with daytime highs around 16 to 17°C, but this is the wettest, greenest time and the sea is too cool for most swimmers. Good for golf, walking, and a low-season city break, with the lowest prices of the year.

A traveler sits with a dog on the sandy shore of Praia do Carvalho in Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal. Steep limestone cliffs frame the secluded cove, with a large rock formation rising from the clear Atlantic water. — Praia do Carvalho, Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal

Choosing when to go

In short: June to September for the beach and warm sea, spring and early autumn for hiking and fewer crowds, and winter for the lowest prices. For a full breakdown of when to visit by budget, crowds and activity, see our guide to the best time to visit the Algarve.

Frequently asked questions about Algarve weather

What is the Algarve weather like? Warm and Mediterranean, with hot dry summers (highs around 25 to 29°C), mild wetter winters (around 16 to 17°C), and over 300 days of sunshine a year.

What is the best month to visit the Algarve? May, June and September are hard to beat: warm and sunny with a pleasant sea, and less crowded than the July to August peak.

When is the sea warmest in the Algarve? The sea is warmest in August, at around 22°C, staying warm through September and into October.

Does it rain in the Algarve? Most rain falls between November and February, usually in short spells. Summers are almost completely dry.

Is the Algarve warm in winter? It is mild rather than warm, with daytime highs around 16 to 17°C, cooler evenings and a cool sea, but plenty of bright days, which is why it is a popular winter-sun and golf destination.

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