The Algarve's sun is stronger than the sea is warm. Summers hit 30°C (86°F), but the Atlantic stays cold-ish, and the best sights are cliff walks and sea caves. These numbers are from Faro.
Algarve weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F | 22°C72°F | 24°C75°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 20°C68°F | 18°C64°F |
| Low | 11°C52°F | 11°C52°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 19°C66°F | 18°C64°F | 14°C57°F | 11°C52°F |
| Rain days | 8 | 5 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
Season by season
Spring
March–MayMild and drying out. Highs in Faro go from 18°C (64°F) in March to 22°C (72°F) in April and 24°C (75°F) in May, with lows of 12–16°C (54–61°F). March has 11 rain days, the most of the year, then 5 and 2. Bring layers and a rain jacket for March.
Summer
June–AugustHot, dry and bright. Highs are 27°C (81°F) in June, 29°C (84°F) in July and 30°C (86°F) in August, with lows of 20–22°C (68–72°F). July and August average 0 rain days. Pack strong sun protection and a layer for windy cliff tops.
Autumn
September–NovemberWarm, then wetter. September reaches 26°C (79°F) with 2 rain days. October is 24°C (75°F) with 9 and November 20°C (68°F) with 7. Bring a rain jacket from October.
Winter
December–FebruaryMild and mixed. Highs are 17–18°C (63–64°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F). December and January average 7–8 rain days and February 5. Pack a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
What to bring to Algarve
0 of 22 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A waterproof cube keeps your phone and dry clothes safe kayaking to Benagil.
- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
A big bottle for road trips along the coast when August hits 30°C (86°F).
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Grippy sneakers for the sandy, uneven Seven Hanging Valleys cliff trail.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version, for cliff paths and beach steps.
Portugal uses Type C and F sockets, so US and UK visitors need an adapter.
- holixcase Waterproof AirTag Holder 4-PackTech & Power
A waterproof holder keeps an AirTag on your bag through beach and boat days.
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 2Beach days run from late spring into autumn
- Light breathable shirts · 4
- Shorts or light pants · 3
- Windproof layer · 1Cliff tops get windy even in summer
- Warm sweater · 1Dec–Feb highs stay mild, evenings are cooler
- Lightweight rain jacket · 1March is the wettest month; also Oct–Feb
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Sport sandals · 1 pair
- Water shoes · 1 pairCoves often mean steps or rocks
Gear
- Beach towel · 1
- Small daypack · 1
Health and toiletries
- Mineral sunscreen, high SPFJuly and August average 0 rain days
- Lip balm with SPF
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card and some euros
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for the Algarve?
Sneakers with grip and sandals. Cliff paths are sandy and uneven, and beach access often means steps or rocks. Water shoes help in coves.
What do people wear in the Algarve?
Relaxed beach clothes by day and casual clothes at night. Cover up off the beach in town. Cover shoulders in churches.
What to pack for Benagil caves and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail?
Sun protection, water and grippy shoes. The trail runs along open cliffs with little shade. For kayaking to Benagil, bring a waterproof bag and expect cold-ish Atlantic water.
What plugs does the Algarve use?
Portugal uses Type C and F sockets at 230V, the same as most of mainland Europe. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are fine at 230V.
Tours and things to do in Algarve
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Algarve.
What should you leave at home for the Algarve?
Heels and heavy rain gear in summer. July and August average 0 rain days, and cliff paths are rough.
Around Algarve
Packing for Algarve: questions people ask
What should I wear in the Algarve in August?
Light clothes and strong sun protection. Faro averages a 30°C (86°F) high, a 22°C (72°F) low and 0 rain days in August.
Is the sea warm in the Algarve?
Not very. The Atlantic stays cold-ish even in summer.
What do I need for the Benagil caves?
A waterproof bag, sun protection and swimwear if you kayak or paddle in.
When does it rain in the Algarve?
Mostly October to March. March averages 11 rain days in Faro.
What adapter do I need for the Algarve?
Portugal uses Type C and F sockets at 230V. US and UK visitors need an adapter.
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