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Best time to visit the Algarve
The best times to visit the Algarve (Albufeira) are in May, June, July, August and September based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.
- Best time to visit
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Algarve by month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Top Algarve destinations
Below are average maximum temperatures at popular countries, regions and places in the Algarve in December. Select a holiday destination to see more weather parameters.
All Algarve destinations
- Acoteias
- Albufeira
- Alcantarilha
- Almancil
- Alte
- Altura
- Alvor
- Armacao de Pera
- Balaia
- Boliqueime
- Bordeira
- Branqueira
- Carvoeiro
- Cerro d'Aguia
- Estoi
- Faro
- Ferragudo
- Ferreiras
- Gale
- Goldra
- Guia
- Lagoa
- Lagos
- Loule
- Luz
- Manta Rota
- Moncarapacho
- Monchique
- Monte Gordo
- Montechoro
- Montinhos Da Luz
- Olhao
- Porches
- Portimao
- Prahia de Olhos d'Aqua
- Praia Da Falesia
- Praia Da Luz
- Praia Da Marinha
- Praia Da Oura
- Praia Da Rocha
- Praia Do Vau
- Quarteira
- Quinta do Lago
- Sagres
- Santa Barbara de Nexe
- Sao Bras
- Sao Joao
- Sao Rafael
- Sesmarias
- Silves
- Tavira
- Vale de Garrao
- Vale de Parra
- Vale Do Lobo
- Vilamoura
When is the best time to visit Algarve?
The best times to visit the Algarve (Albufeira) are in May, June, July, August and September based on the following average weather conditions.
Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]
Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.
Max Day Temperature (°C)
- Jan
16 - Feb16
- Mar
18 - Apr19
- May
22 - Jun
25 - Jul
27 - Aug
28 - Sep26
- Oct22
- Nov19
- Dec16
Best time to visit
The weather guide for Algarve (Albufeira) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.
Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)
An overview of Algarve weather
The Algarve is Portugal's popular southern region. It's a holiday favourite with those who come for its long sunny days in summer, wide open beaches, pretty villages, golf courses and stylish hotels.
The busiest resorts, such as Albufeira, Faro and Tavira, are found along the coast while inland remains rural and the western part of the region around to Sagres is still truly wild.
The Algarve is by far one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, and the Algarve's weather plays a major role in this. It's known for its abundant sunshine and settled conditions during the summer months.
The Algarve is Portugal's southern coastal region, renowned for its dramatic Atlantic coastline, fine beaches and crumbling cliffs.
Although the Algarve isn't actually in the Mediterranean, the weather in the Algarve has typically Mediterranean characteristics, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Summer
June to September is the most popular season with holidaymakers, and for good reason. The weather in the Algarve at this time is controlled by the semi-permanent region of high pressure that sits over the eastern Atlantic, 2,000 km or so to the west, known as the Azores or Bermuda High.
This high-pressure system produces settled weather when, on a typical summer's day, you can expect 11 to 12 hours of bright sunshine, some light winds and almost certainly no rain.
During the height of summer in July and August, daytime temperatures along the coast generally hover just below 30°C, falling to a pleasant 18°C overnight.
Light west to north-westerly winds help to take some of the heat out of the days, and the cool ocean waters also help to moderate the weather in the Algarve so it rarely feels too hot.
As for the sea temperature, the water around Albufeira is usually, at its best, a cool 22°C towards the end of August and beginning of September, compared with 26°C in Majorca in the Mediterranean.
The reason the sea is quite cold in the Algarve is partly because the Atlantic is such a large ocean and takes time to warm up but also because there's a cold ocean current which flows down the west coast of Portugal.
The sun, however, is fairly strong and normally shines for more than 80% of the daylight hours in July and August.
The fact there is little, if any, rainfall in summer is one of the reasons it continues to be a favourite with those after some sun, sea and sand - at most, you'll encounter a passing thunderstorm. It's easy to see why the Algarve entices so many holidaymakers during this time.
Autumn
The Algarve's autumn ranges from the end of September to the middle of November and is one of the best times of year to visit this region of Portugal thanks to comfortable temperatures and abundant sunshine.
Although the weather at this time is cooler and the days are noticeably shorter, it's a very pleasant period with relatively settled conditions.
No longer is a walk in the country or a round of golf such a sweaty affair, and you can still expect seven to nine hours of sunshine a day.
Winter
From November the weather in the Algarve turns a little wintry, and daytime temperatures take a tumble, not surpassing 20°C.
November and December tend to be the wettest months, however, most days are rain-free and more than half of the daylight hours are, on average, sunny ones. Winter also tends to see more easterly winds, which is the opposite of summer.
Ground-frosts rarely occur thanks to the proximity of the now relatively warm Atlantic Ocean, which helps to prevent temperatures falling too far.
Daytime temperatures usually peak in the mid-teens with an average of five to six hours of sunshine a day between December and the end of February.
Spring
The spring months of March to May are when the winds are at their strongest and the protection offered by the Azores High is at its weakest.
Consequently, low-pressure systems can creep in from the Atlantic occasionally bringing winter storms with them, disturbing the normal pattern of weather.
However, from March onwards, rainfall decreases, the days become warmer and, as they lengthen, sunshine hours increase. By May the weather produces 10 to 11 hours of sunshine per day and temperatures start pushing towards the mid-twenties again.
What to pack for Algarve weather
From the middle of May to the middle of October, you really only need light clothing, but from November to the end of March, warmer layers are essential, including a raincoat for the odd days when it rains.
Overall, the 100 miles of south-facing coastline that make up the Algarve has one of the best climates of anywhere in mainland Europe.
There's plenty of sunshine all year round: in summer the Atlantic Ocean helps moderate temperatures, while in winter its southerly position and the ocean prevent the weather from becoming too cold.
If you fancy holidaying in the Algarve, check out our collection of Algarve deals on holidays, flights, hotels, car hire and more.
More about the Algarve
Explore our complete guide to the Algarve with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for the Algarve.
Algarve travel guide - essential info
Below is a beginner's guide to the Algarve with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.
| Algarve - quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Flight time✝ | 3 hours |
| Time difference | UK +0 hours |
| Language(s) | Portuguese |
| Currency | Euro |
| Electricity | C + F plug (230V) |
| Driving side | Right |
✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.
Travelling to the Algarve?
Browse holidays, flights, hotels and more from popular travel providers for your escape to the Algarve in 2026/2027.
Holidays to the Algarve
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Things to do in the Algarve
Buses & trains in the Algarve
Car hire in the Algarve
Money transfers to the Algarve
Airport taxis for the Algarve
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eSIMs for the Algarve
Algarve travel deals
Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays, flights, hotels and more for the Algarve in 2026/2027. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holidays, early bird offers and free kids places where available.
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Algarve travel guidance
Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting the Algarve from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.
- Canadian travel advice for the Algarve - Government of Canada
- Safe travel advisories for the Algarve - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
- Smarter traveller advice for the Algarve - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia
Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around the Algarve.
Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Algarve travel health
Find out more about staying safe when travelling to the Algarve with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.
- Vaccines & medicines for the Algarve - CDC
- Health & vaccinations for the Algarve - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
- How to stay safe & healthy in the Algarve - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland
Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in the Algarve, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.
Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Algarve travel features
Do you want to learn more about the Algarve? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in the Algarve.
Algarve FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to the Algarve including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.
Which is the hottest month in the Algarve?
The hottest time of year in Albufeira, Algarve is normally August. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 28°C with moderate heat and humidity.
Which month has the most rain in the Algarve?
In terms of rainfall, December is usually the wettest month in Albufeira, Algarve with 99mm on average. There are normally 12 days in December with some rain.
When is it sunniest in the Algarve?
The sunniest time of year in Albufeira, Algarve is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 82% of daylight hours; that's 11 hours of sunshine per day.
When is the sea warmest in the Algarve?
The sea is usually at its warmest in Albufeira, Algarve in August when the water temperature reaches 21°C.
What is the flight time to the Algarve from the UK?
The flight time to the Algarve from the UK is typically 3 hours.
What is the time difference between the Algarve and the UK?
The time difference between the Algarve and the UK is UK time+0 hours.
What is the main language spoken in the Algarve?
What is the currency in the Algarve?
The currency in the Algarve is the Euro (EUR).
Send money to the Algarve with XE Money Transfers* and TransferGo*.
Which plugs are used in the Algarve?
Algarve uses electrical plug type C + F (230 Volts).
Which side of the road do they drive on in the Algarve?
They drive on the right side of the road in the Algarve.
Find out more about driving in Portugal with RAC* and International Drivers Association*.
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