The sea temperature at Algarve today is 19.2 °C (67 °F) – cold to refreshing water, better for a short swim. The usual October average is 19.7 °C. The forecast for the next 3 days is 19 to 19.2 °C. Over the last 30 days the sea has cooled from 23.1 °C to 19.2 °C. Swimmable from June to November, when the sea averages 18 °C or more. Source: Sea Temp Map (seatempmap.com) – NASA MUR satellite data and the Copernicus Marine sea forecast.
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.7°C / 60.3°F | 16.5°C / 61.8°F | 17.1°C / 62.7°F |
| February | 15.2°C / 59.4°F | 15.9°C / 60.6°F | 16.8°C / 62.2°F |
| March | 15.4°C / 59.6°F | 15.6°C / 60.0°F | 15.8°C / 60.4°F |
| April | 15.9°C / 60.6°F | 16.6°C / 61.9°F | 17.2°C / 63.0°F |
| May | 16.6°C / 61.8°F | 17.2°C / 62.9°F | 17.6°C / 63.6°F |
| June | 17.7°C / 63.8°F | 18.7°C / 65.7°F | 19.9°C / 67.9°F |
| July | 18.0°C / 64.4°F | 19.0°C / 66.3°F | 19.9°C / 67.9°F |
| August | 18.5°C / 65.2°F | 19.7°C / 67.5°F | 21.2°C / 70.1°F |
| September | 18.2°C / 64.7°F | 19.0°C / 66.1°F | 19.8°C / 67.7°F |
| October | 19.0°C / 66.1°F | 19.7°C / 67.4°F | 20.8°C / 69.4°F |
| November | 17.9°C / 64.2°F | 18.6°C / 65.5°F | 19.1°C / 66.3°F |
| December | 16.2°C / 61.1°F | 17.2°C / 62.9°F | 18.0°C / 64.4°F |
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.2°C / 55.8°F | 14.2°C / 57.6°F | 15.4°C / 59.8°F |
| February | 13.4°C / 56.2°F | 14.6°C / 58.2°F | 15.8°C / 60.4°F |
| March | 13.5°C / 56.4°F | 14.7°C / 58.5°F | 16.0°C / 60.8°F |
| April | 14.9°C / 58.8°F | 16.4°C / 61.5°F | 17.8°C / 64.0°F |
| May | 16.1°C / 60.9°F | 17.9°C / 64.3°F | 19.5°C / 67.1°F |
| June | 18.2°C / 64.8°F | 19.9°C / 67.8°F | 21.5°C / 70.6°F |
| July | 19.1°C / 66.4°F | 21.1°C / 70.0°F | 22.9°C / 73.2°F |
| August | 19.7°C / 67.4°F | 21.6°C / 70.8°F | 23.4°C / 74.0°F |
| September | 18.6°C / 65.6°F | 20.1°C / 68.1°F | 21.5°C / 70.8°F |
| October | 18.9°C / 65.9°F | 19.9°C / 67.8°F | 21.1°C / 70.0°F |
| November | 16.0°C / 60.7°F | 17.0°C / 62.6°F | 18.3°C / 65.0°F |
| December | 14.5°C / 58.0°F | 15.3°C / 59.5°F | 16.4°C / 61.5°F |
5-year averages (2021–2025). Min/Max are typical daily lows and highs, not record extremes. (Copernicus ERA5)
Algarve holidays
The Algarve is mainland Portugal's southernmost region: its Atlantic coast faces south from Cape St Vincent to the Guadiana river on the Spanish border, and west on the wilder stretch north of the cape. West of Faro, the shore is a run of golden limestone cliffs, sea caves and coves; to the east it opens into long sandy islands and the lagoons of the Ria Formosa natural park.
Beaches
Around Carvoeiro and Lagoa, coves such as Praia da Marinha sit below the cliffs and are reached by steps; the sea temperature on this page is measured on this stretch of coast, near Benagil. Albufeira's Praia da Falésia runs for about 6 km beneath red and ochre cliffs, and Praia da Rocha in Portimão is a wide town beach. In the east, the barrier-island beaches of the Ria Formosa, such as Ilha de Tavira, are reached by ferry and have calmer, shallower water that suits children.
Things to do
The Benagil sea cave, with a round opening in its dome, is seen from the water on boat and kayak tours; landing on its beach is no longer allowed. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail follows the clifftops for about 6 km between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes. Lagos pairs an old town with the rock arches of Ponta da Piedade; Sagres and Cape St Vincent mark the south-western corner of Europe, and inland Silves has a red sandstone castle. Families head for Zoomarine near Albufeira and the region's water parks.
Weather and best time to visit
Summers are dry and sunny, but the coast faces the Atlantic, so the water stays noticeably cooler than in the Mediterranean even in August, and the west is windier. In the east, the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa shelter calm lagoons, while their outer beaches face the open ocean.
Hotels and where to stay
Albufeira is a busy resort with an old town and lively nightlife; Vilamoura is built around a marina and golf courses, and Lagos combines a historic town with beaches. Carvoeiro and the coast around Lagoa are quieter, with villas and clifftop hotels near the caves, while Tavira in the east is a calm, traditional town.
Signature hotels: Vila Vita Parc (Porches) · Tivoli Carvoeiro (Carvoeiro)
Airport and getting there
Faro airport (FAO) is the gateway to the region: about 30 minutes by car from Albufeira and 45 minutes from Carvoeiro. A regional railway runs along the coast from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, and trains from Faro reach Lisbon in about three hours.