Albufeira, on Portugal’s Algarve coast, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The city is famous for its long sunny days, moderate seasonal changes, and warm sea temperatures in summer. With vibrant springs, lively beach seasons, and gentle breezes, Albufeira is a top destination for sunseekers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Albufeira’s climate is defined by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, typical of the southern Portuguese coast. Summers (June–September) are reliably sunny, with average highs of 25–28°C and lows of 15–18°C. July and August are the hottest, often reaching 28°C or more, while the Mediterranean Sea warms to 20–21°C, ideal for swimming. Rainfall is scarce in summer, with July seeing just 1–2 mm over a single rainy day, and sunshine is abundant with up to 12 hours daily. Gentle sea breezes moderate the heat, and humidity is usually low to moderate.
Winters (December–February) are mild, with highs of 16–18°C and lows of 8–10°C. Rainfall is more frequent, especially in December and January, with monthly totals around 80–100 mm spread over 10–12 days. Even in winter, sunny intervals are common, and frost or snow is extremely rare. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with pleasant temperatures (18–25°C), moderate rainfall, and blooming or colourful landscapes. May and October are especially popular for outdoor activities, offering warm weather and fewer crowds. Winds are generally light to moderate, averaging 15–20 km/h, but can be brisk during storms. Annual precipitation averages 500 mm, and Albufeira enjoys 2,800–3,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of Europe’s sunniest destinations.
| Average climate data for Albufeira, Portugal | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 15 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 25 | 23 | 18 | 16 | 28 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 10 | 8 | 15 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 22 | 16 | 113 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 71 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 75 | 75 | 74 | 74 | 69 | 66 | 65 | 64 | 69 | 70 | 74 | 74 | 71 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 16 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 18 | 19 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 32 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 14 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 21 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
The best time to visit Albufeira is from May to September, when temperatures are warmest (23–28°C), rainfall is minimal, and the sea is ideal for swimming. June and September offer sunny weather, lively beaches, and fewer crowds than peak summer, making them perfect for both relaxation and outdoor activities.
The least favourable time to visit Albufeira is from November to February, when rainfall is highest, days are shortest, and cooler, damp weather can limit beach and outdoor activities. While winters are mild compared to much of Europe, frequent showers and shorter days may restrict some plans, though the town remains peaceful and authentic.
Albufeira has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summers are sunny and ideal for beaches, while winters are cooler with more rain. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant.
The best time to visit Albufeira is from May to September, when the weather is warm, rainfall is low, and the sea is perfect for swimming. June and September offer great conditions with fewer crowds.
Rainfall is moderate overall, with the wettest months in December and January. Summers are very dry, with almost no rain from June to August. Annual precipitation averages around 500 mm, mostly in winter.
Summer highs in Albufeira typically reach 25–28°C, with July and August being the hottest months. Heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures above 30°C, but sea breezes help temper the heat.
Yes, the Atlantic is warmest from late June to September, reaching 20–21°C. Swimming is comfortable during these months, though the water is cooler in spring and late autumn.
In summer, bring light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and a hat. For spring and autumn, pack layers and a light rain jacket. Winters require a jumper and rain gear for cooler, wetter days.
Snow is extremely rare in Albufeira due to its mild coastal climate. Most winter precipitation falls as rain, and the town remains pleasant for exploring year-round.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (27.6 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (15.1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 20.5 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (19.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (10.5 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 15.1 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (21.8 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (16 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 18.9 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (22.2 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is July (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 112.9 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (10.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (0.5 days). Over the whole year there are 70.8 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (75.5 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is August (64.3 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 70.8 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (18.3 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is September (12.6 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 15.9 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is January (32.1 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is July (5.5 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 20.6 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 11.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 6 h). Over the whole year there are 8.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July, August and September (UV index: 6). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index: 4). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.9.
