The Algarve, Portugal
Find your perfect week in the Algarve sun
How warm is the Algarve right now, and what's the weather like across the year? Get the current temperature and 7-day forecast for Faro, plus average highs, lows and sea temperatures for every month.
Overview
What is the temperature like in the Algarve?
The Algarve is the warmest and sunniest region of mainland Portugal, with a Mediterranean climate softened by the Atlantic. Summers are hot, dry and reliably sunny, while winters stay mild — daytime highs rarely drop below 16 °C even in January.
At Faro, the regional capital, average summer highs reach about 29 °C in July and August, while the sea warms to a swimmable 22 °C by late summer. Spring and autumn are gentler, in the low- to mid-20s °C — many visitors' favourite time to come.
With roughly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and very little rain between May and September, the Algarve is one of Europe's most dependable places for warm, dry weather.
The year at a glance
Average temperatures by month
Average daily high and low air temperatures (from IPMA 1991–2020 climate normals) and approximate sea temperatures for the Algarve, month by month.
- Hottest: August, highs to 29.4 °C
- Coolest: January, lows near 8.3 °C
- Warmest sea: August and September, ~22 °C
- Best swimming: June to October
Good to know
Algarve weather — frequently asked questions
What is the hottest month in the Algarve?
July and August are the hottest months in the Algarve, with average daytime highs around 29 °C (84 °F) in Faro and frequent days above 30 °C inland. August also has the warmest sea, at about 22 °C.
What is the coldest month in the Algarve?
January is the coldest month, with average highs of about 16 °C (61 °F) and nighttime lows near 8 °C (46 °F). Even so, the Algarve stays mild and sunny compared with most of Europe in winter.
When is the best time to visit the Algarve for good weather?
May, June, September and October offer warm, comfortable temperatures (highs of roughly 23–27 °C), plenty of sunshine, warm-enough sea and fewer crowds than the peak of July and August.
Can you swim in the sea in the Algarve?
Yes. The Atlantic sea temperature ranges from about 15 °C in late winter to 22 °C in late summer. The comfortable swimming season runs from June to October, with the warmest water in August and September.
Is the Algarve warm in winter?
The Algarve has mild winters. From December to February daytime highs are typically 16–17 °C (61–63 °F) with lots of sunshine, though evenings feel cool and the sea is too cold for most swimmers.
Does it rain a lot in the Algarve?
No — the Algarve is one of the driest regions in Europe. Summers are almost rainless, and what rain there is falls mostly between November and February. It is among the sunniest places on the continent, with around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year.