The best time of the year to visit the Algarve in Portugal

The best time to visit the Algarve is half April – half October. During the high season from July through August there are many tourists in the Algarve, especially along the coast. Therefore the months of May to June and September and October are probably the best time to visit the Algarve.
Summer is ideal for sun-lovers and spending the winter in the Algarve is also very well possible. Rainfall is more frequent between October and February.

The Algarve has an average of more than 3,000 sun hours per year. It is one of the sunniest places in Europe and not without reason one of the best holiday destinations in Europe, both in summer and winter.

The Algarve climate

The climate of the Algarve is a Mediterranean climate. In the Algarve it is often warmer than 30 degrees in the summer, whereas in the winter it hardly ever gets colder than 10 degrees. In some places in the Algarve the climate even has traces of a subtropical climate, for example at Cabo São Vicente and in the bay east of Albufeira. Inland, the summer months can be unpleasantly hot, but on the coast there is always a sea breeze from the west. This makes it an ideal place for (wind) surfers.

High season in the Algarve

The Algarve has a distinct high season from July to August. Do you want to go to Portugal, but not to the crowds? Then you better go to Lisbon or Porto. Many of Lisbon’s residents move to their holiday homes during the high season.

Rain season in the Algarve

The Algarve has no real rainy season, but especially between October and February it rains more than in summer. Nevertheless, the amount of precipitation is still quite modest with an average of between 65 and 100 millimetres per month.

Sights in the Algarve

Most people go to the Algarve to enjoy the sun and the beach. The beaches of the Algarve are known for their spectacular rock formations, in combination with clear blue skies and seawater with beautiful sandy beaches. According to many people, the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve are Armona and Culatra, accessible by boat from Olhao.

The cities in the Algarve are also worth visiting. Albufeira has a historical centre with several beautiful beaches nearby. Praia da Oura attracts mainly young people who want to enjoy a nice sun holiday and can go out at the entertainment centre ‘the Strip’.

Lagos is less touristic, but also has a nice centre and beautiful beaches. People who like to play golf are also well catered for here. Praia da Rocha is a popular winter destination for the Dutch.
A beautiful and well-known nature park in the Algarve is Ria Formosa; between Faro and Tavira you will find a large lagoon with salt pans, marshland and beautiful islands. It is eminently suitable for walking, but you can also cycle there. Don’t be surprised if you see a flamingo!

In front of Faro is Faro Island, where you can enjoy a nice beach day. Pontal da Carrapateira is a peninsula where the rocks tower high above the sea. It offers a beautiful view over the sea.

Popular with surfers is Park Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano Costa Vincentia. The park is located between Burgau in the Algarve and extends to Porto Covo in Alentejo. You will find beautiful beaches and nature with many storks. There are many walking routes.