The prime time to visit the Algarve, Portugal's golden coast

The Algarve's golden, cliffside beaches are among the most stunning stretches of sand in Europe. With its breathtaking natural scenery and fantastic options for surfing, kayaking, and other water activities, it's no wonder that southern Portugal attracts large crowds.

While temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, the Algarve enjoys around 300 days of reliable sunshine annually. Summer brings the highest number of visitors, while winter feels more local, but there are numerous activities available regardless of when you come.

Historically, many resort towns in the Algarve would nearly shut down for the winter, offering limited choices for accommodation, dining, and guided tours. However, this has changed recently, as the Algarve's tourism authority has started to promote the area as a year-round destination.

Still, some locations may close for the off-season, so consider this when planning your trip. Here's our guide to the best times to visit the Algarve.

June to August is the prime time for ideal weather

The Algarve heats up during the high season, perfect for days spent lounging on the beach followed by refreshing ocean swims (the cold Atlantic currents keep the water cooler than in the Mediterranean). Summer also boasts minimal rainfall and nearly cloudless skies. Festival season kicks off in June, with the entire region celebrating events like Festival MED in Loulé.

In July and August—the hottest months in the Algarve—the average temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F), with some days soaring to 40°C (104°F). Thanks to cool ocean breezes, evening temperatures remain around 22°C (72°F), making it ideal for al fresco dining. July sees a spike in visitors for beach music festivals, including Afro Nation Portugal in Portimão and the stunning candlelit culture festival at Mercado de Culturas à Luz das Velas in Lagoa.

The high temperatures in August make it a perfect time to cool off in the Atlantic waters. It’s also a great month for dolphin spotting on boat trips. The Portimão street food festival and the Olhão seafood festival provide opportunities to connect with locals and savor delicious local dishes.

Unsurprisingly, the peak tourist season aligns with these inviting beach conditions. Hotel rates soar, and crowds reach their maximum. If you plan to visit during this period, it's essential to book well in advance. Expect to pay a premium to secure your preferred accommodations. You'll also share the beautiful sands with many other travelers—though quieter beaches can still be found if you venture away from busy tourist hotspots like Albufeira and Lagos.

April to May and September to October are ideal for outdoor adventures

The spring months of April and May, along with the autumn period from mid-September to October, are the best times for those interested in hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. The days remain warm and sunny, with only a slight chance of light rain, and temperatures typically don’t reach uncomfortable highs. Easter in April usually signifies the end of the off-season in the Algarve, bringing life back to the region's quiet seaside towns. Easter processions add to the excitement, along with Liberation Day (April 25), which features fireworks and parades in various towns.

Whether you're embarking on a lengthy trek like the 300km (186-mile) Via Algarviana or simply enjoying a seaside stroll in the afternoon, May's sunny, rain-free days provide an excellent backdrop for outdoor activities. Albufeira hosts day parties and dance workshops during the Kizomba Open Summer Festival—a fantastic chance to dance until dawn with a lineup of talented international artists.

While water temperatures in September are similar to those in August, the cooler air makes for enjoyable beach days. You'll encounter fewer crowds compared to the previous month. Join the fun at the Flamenco Festival in Lagos, where you can show off your best moves. October attracts birdwatchers to the Algarve to witness the migration of beautiful birds heading to Africa. It’s also a perfect month for outdoor activities, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

During these shoulder seasons, you'll notice significantly fewer visitors, and you could save up to 30% on accommodation compared to peak season. April and May are also ideal for witnessing wildflowers blooming across the Algarve’s hillsides, fields, and coastal areas.

The period from November to March is ideal for budget travelers.

Visiting the Algarve in the off-season transforms your experience. You'll encounter significantly fewer tourists and hear more Portuguese spoken around you. Although temperatures drop, days remain quite enjoyable, with average highs of about 16°C (61°F), even during the chilliest weeks of January and February. While most of the region's yearly rainfall occurs in winter, these showers are typically brief, allowing for plenty of sunny days.

As December days shorten, expect brisk nighttime temperatures but pleasantly mild daytime highs around 17°C (62°F). Leading up to Christmas, many towns host special markets and display life-sized nativity scenes, with Vila Real de Santo António featuring one of Portugal’s largest. January brings a lively cultural calendar to the Algarve, with art exhibitions, dance and theater performances, and unique winter film screenings. Cities like Faro, Portimão, Lagos, Loulé, and Albufeira are especially vibrant, along with Tavira and Silves.

During chilly February nights, locals enjoy live music and dance performances in major cities. The absence of tourists leads to quieter days in seaside towns, except during the Carnaval festivities, which fill the streets with parades and celebrations. As March arrives, days grow longer and the first blooms start appearing in the hills. With pleasant weather, March is perfect for long, crowd-free walks.

Overall, the low season in the Algarve remains an excellent time to enjoy the outdoors. Just imagine taking leisurely seaside strolls (with a light jacket in tow) rather than swimming in the ocean.