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Algarve, Portugal · Temperate oceanic

Algarve in January: go or not?

Good time. Algarve in January gets 7.3/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 37.10°N · 8.68°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Algarve · January
7.3
10–16°
Temperature
21%
Rain
6h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Sean Oulashin via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in January

In January, Algarve sees 16.0°F during the day with 5.9h of sunshine per day. Rain risk remains low (21.0% 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.

January ranks 10 out of 12 months in Algarve. Compared to December: −2°F daytime, 8 pts fewer rainy days, +0.8h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in January

UV index
3 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
8°
Sea
16°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
9.7h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 28
Compare

Is January the right month?

The best month in Algarve is July (9.9/10), 2.6 pts higher than January.

See July →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

The Algarve is the entire south of Portugal: 185 miles of Atlantic coast, golden cliffs, spectacular beaches, golf courses (one of Europe's #1 golf destinations). July is my favorite month (9.9/10): 64-82°F, 2% rain, sea at 70°F (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
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Algarve

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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 ⓘMarch · 36%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore

Other destinations in January

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

Similar climate
TangierMoroccoFaroPortugalLisbonPortugalCadizSpainAlentejoPortugal
Nearby
AlentejoPortugal176 kmSintraPortugal199 kmSevilleSpain240 kmRondaSpain315 km
Other top picks
CadizSpain7.3El HierroSpain7.3MadagascarMadagascar7.3MalagaSpain7.3AlicanteSpain7.4
← DecemberFebruary →
🗺️ 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 82°F highs, 64°F 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 64°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
Is Algarve good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Algarve scores 6.1/10 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?
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 January?
In January, 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 January?
The average UV index reaches 3 in January in Algarve (moderate), with about 9.7h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.