The month in detail
What to expect in December
In December, Algarve sees 63°F during the day with 5.1h of sunshine per day. Rain risk remains low (23% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. July (9.9/10) is significantly better if possible.
December ranks 12 out of 12 months in Algarve. Compared to November: −5°F 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), 2.7 pts higher than December.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Algarve
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Algarve
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
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 trip.
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 · 84°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 61°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘDecember · 23%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅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.
Location
Where is Algarve ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
PortugalTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.9 → 7.2 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 82°F highs, 64°F lows, 11.6h of sunshine and 1.0% 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?
January is the most unfavourable month with January 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 64°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
Is Algarve good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Algarve scores 7.0/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 9.9/10.
When should you avoid Algarve?
January is the most difficult month to visit Algarve, with January 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 62°F 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.