Algarve Weather and Climate

The Algarve’s weather, or more correctly, its enviable climate will always attract those seeking refuge from the harsher weather of northern climes. Its geographical position means that although it is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, its Mediterranean climate ensures plenty of sun and mild temperatures in winter, making it an ideal year-round holiday destination. July and August are the hottest months of the year but cool sea breezes often help to mitigate the effects of the sun and the high temperatures. The western coast is cooler and windier than the southern coast and the effects of the Portuguese trade winds that blow in the summer are more noticeable here. Annual rainfall is low with most of it occurring in winter.

The topographical diversity within the south of Portugal is significant; the ridge of low mountains inland influencing the weather in the Algarve, creating the perfect climate for the numerous attractions enjoyed by its many visitors, be they beach-lovers, golfers or ornithologists. The long expanses of beautiful beaches are the Algarve’s most popular attraction and bring thousands of visitors to its shores every year. The beaches on the 150 km long southern coast provide long, stretches of golden sand, bathed by warm water and occasionally punctuated by charming grottoes carved out into the cliffs. In contrast, the western coastline is jagged and wilder, the tall imposing escarpments often making access to the beaches more difficult. However, the steep tracks leading down to some of these beaches are well worth negotiating. This whole western coast, known as the Costa Vicentina, is protected land so limited building and development means that the visitor is regaled with long expanses of secluded, natural beaches with none of the bustle of some of the southern coast beaches.

Venturing inland from the coast, there is an area of lower-lying ground mostly dedicated to farming and referred to as the “barrocal” or “beira-serra” (mountainside) before entering the mountain ranges. Climbing upwards, the scenery changes dramatically as eucalyptus, cork oak and pine tree forests, interspersed with secluded little villages, rise out of the mountain and where natural springs, historical towns, archaeological remains and rich fauna and flora temporarily cast all memories of beaches aside. The Algarve’s three mountain ranges, the Monchique, Espinhaço de Cão and Caldeirão ranges occupy 50% of the Algarve and act as as protective barrier, helping to shield the southern coast from the effects of the cold, northern winds.

In addition to long, sandy beaches, plains and mountain ranges, the Algarve also includes two areas of great ecological wealth: the protected marshlands of the Guadiana river (the marshland Nature Reserve of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo Antonio) and the lowlands of the Faro estuary, known as the Ria Formosa. A natural habitat to many endemic animals, the Castro Marim marshlands also provide shelter to some 153 different species of birds as they migrate southwards. This area is also renowned for its dazzling white saltpans, where the labyrinth of water channels carries sea water into shallow pools creating the natural sea salt deposits that produce the Algarve’s renowned gourmet sea salt.

The Algarve’s weather and beaches are undoubtedly the region’s main claims to fame. The geographical diversity, the beauty of the landscape and the many unique sights to see will rapidly prove that they are not the only ones.