Weather guide
Algarve weather in winter, month by month
The Algarve has the mildest winter climate in mainland Europe. From November through March, daytime highs sit between 16°C and 20°C with six to seven hours of sunshine most days. Here's what to actually expect each month.
| Month | High | Low | Sun / day | Rain days | Sea | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 20°C | 11°C | 6 h | 7 | 18°C | Warm afternoons, occasional bright showers. Best month for golf. |
| December | 17°C | 9°C | 6 h | 8 | 16°C | Mildest December in mainland Europe. Sunny lunches outdoors are normal. |
| January | 16°C | 8°C | 6 h | 8 | 15°C | Coolest month. Crisp mornings, bright 16°C afternoons, cold nights. |
| February | 17°C | 9°C | 7 h | 6 | 15°C | Almond blossom season. Days lengthen quickly. |
| March | 19°C | 10°C | 7 h | 5 | 16°C | Spring arrives. Sea starts warming, wildflowers everywhere. |
Sunshine
Six to seven hours a day, every winter month. More than double what you get in the UK, Netherlands or Germany.
Temperature
17–20°C afternoons, 8–11°C nights. Warmer than Malaga, Marrakech and most of the Canary interior.
Rain
Short bright showers, not grey days. Total winter rainfall is low; the sun returns within hours.
Microclimate
Sheltered by the Serra do Caldeirão to the north, the coast stays consistently milder than the interior.
Common questions
How warm is the Algarve in December?
Daytime highs average 17°C in December with about six hours of sunshine a day. Nights drop to 9°C. It is the mildest December weather anywhere in mainland Europe.
How warm is the Algarve in January?
January averages 16°C in the day and 8°C at night. Most days are sunny with the occasional passing shower. Sea temperature sits around 15°C.
Does it rain a lot in the Algarve in winter?
No. Winter brings 5–8 rain days a month, and rain usually passes in a few hours rather than lasting all day. Total winter rainfall is low compared with northern Europe.
Can you swim in the sea in the Algarve in winter?
The sea sits at 15–18°C — refreshing rather than swimmable for most people. Villas with heated pools reach around 20°C, which is fine for a dip on a sunny afternoon.
What should I pack for the Algarve in winter?
Layers. T-shirts and light jumpers for the day, a warm jacket for evenings, waterproof for the occasional shower, and swimwear for the heated pool.
Escape the grey this winter
Villas with heated pools, warm rooms and long-stay discounts of up to 60%.