Algarve Weather in December 2026: what to expect (4.5/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in December

In December, Algarve sees 17.0°C during the day with 5.1h of sunshine per day. Expect rain on 29.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.

December ranks 12 out of 12 months in Algarve. Compared to November: −3°C daytime, −1.3h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index

3 · moderate

protect during midday hours

Feels like

comfortable

10°

Sea

17°C

cold, for the brave

Daylight

9.5h of daylight

Air quality

good

AQI 28

Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Algarve is July (9.9/10), 5.4 pts higher than December.

See July →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

The Algarve is the entire south of Portugal: 300 km of Atlantic coast, golden cliffs, spectacular beaches, golf courses (one of Europe's #1 golf destinations). July is my favourite month (9.9/10): 18-28°C, 2% rain, sea at 21°C (a bit cool), constant skies.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Stay

Hotels & rentals · Algarve

Expedia →

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Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

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Flights

Multi-airline comparator

Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · Algarve

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide

Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.

Country · Portugal

🗣️LanguagePortuguese

💶CurrencyEuro (€)

🚗DrivingRight-hand

🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5

💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic

📈Climate trend ⓘStable

🔥Hottest monthAugust · 29°C

❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 16°C

🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMarch · 36%

🏖️ Beach holiday

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept

🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée

🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days

Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate

Nearby

AlentejoPortugal176 km

Other top picks

🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map

Location

Where is Algarve ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

Portugal

Temperate oceanic climate with a 9.9 → 4.5 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.

37.10°N · 8.68°W

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Algarve?

July is the best month with 28.0°C highs, 18.0°C lows, 11.6h of sunshine and 2.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.

How many hours of sunshine does Algarve get in July?

Algarve averages 11.6 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.9/10.

What is the rainiest month in Algarve?

December is the most unfavourable month with December has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.

What are the temperatures at night in Algarve in July?

In July, overnight lows reach 18.0°C, while afternoon highs average 28.0°C.

Is Algarve good in winter?

In winter (December-February), Algarve scores 6.1/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 9.9/10.

When should you avoid Algarve?

December is the most difficult month to visit Algarve, with December has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.

Can you swim in Algarve in December?

In December, the sea averages 17°C in Algarve: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.

Do you need sun protection in Algarve in December?

The average UV index reaches 3 in December in Algarve (moderate), with about 9.5h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.