Weather in the Algarve in July

With hot, dry weather and long sunny days, July is prime time to hit the beaches of the Algarve. It’s also great for outdoor adventures – think hiking, biking, golfing, or exploring sea caves by boat. As peak season kicks in, the region’s nightlife ramps up too, with beach clubs and bars going full tilt. Explore Portugal with Rough Guides – here’s what to expect from the weather in the Algarve in July, and what to see and do while you’re there.

Highlights of the Algarve weather in July

• Peak-season July is one of the hottest months in the Algarve, with average temperature highs in the region of 28°C (82°F). 
• Rain is virtually non-existent, with most days clear and dry. 
• Expect up to twelve hours of sunshine each day and pleasantly balmy evenings.

Planning to visit the Algarve in July? Take inspiration from our customisable Portugal itineraries and read our year-round travel guide.

Is July a good time to visit the Algarve?

As with August — which sees a similar volume of visitor numbers — July is a great time to visit the Algarve if you’re seeking heat and a vibrant, sun-drenched break. 

We’re talking bustling beaches, bars and clubs, lively local food festivals and events, and warm waters that are all but impossible to leave.

Alongside drawing couples, and groups who want to experience the energetic vibe of peak-season nightlife, July also attracts large numbers of families, with many resorts tailoring activities to kids.

All that considered, if you prefer a quieter vibe — and cooler temperatures — July might not be the best month for you to visit. Popular resorts and beaches are likely to be very crowded, and accommodation and other tourist services will be at their most expensive. 

As an alternative, consider visiting in the late spring or early autumn shoulder season months. April, May, September and October might just suit you better. Just bear in mind that sea temperatures remain on the cool side in April and May.

On balance, though, July is a top time to visit the Algarve for sun, fun, fine food and festivals.

Still not sure where to head in summer? Discover more of the best places to visit in July.

Average temperatures in the Algarve in July

July sees the Algarve experience an average daily high of around 28°C (82°F), with inland areas often hitting higher levels.

With average lows rarely dropping below 18°C (64°F), you can look forward to enjoying evening strolls along beautiful beaches, and lots of al fresco dining.

For comparison, January — the coldest month — sees a temperature range of 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F).

In good news for water babies, July’s sea temperature is warm, too. Averaging around 21°C (70°F), the likes of swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving are all the more pleasurable in July.

Want a fuller picture of the weather? Read up on the weather in Portugal in July beyond the Algarve.

You might also want more detail on how to get to Portugal and when to go to Portugal around the year.

What about the crowd and costs?

With July sitting in the heart of the Algarve’s summer high season, this is one of the region’s busiest months. 

As a result, you can expect resorts and popular beaches to be packed to the max, and hotels, guesthouses and villas to be in short supply if you leave booking to the last minute.

With high visitor numbers comes high demand, which means you can expect to pay more for flights and accommodation than you would in shoulder season months like April, May and October.

Editor’s tip: looking for a more budget-friendly holiday, and want to escape some of the summer crowds? Consider heading off the tourist trail in Portugal. This is also a great way to implement sustainable tourism in the Algarve.

Unforgettable customisable Portugal itineraries

If you fancy seeing a rewarding range of Portugal, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides’ local expert.

Enabling you to forgo the faff of planning and booking, they can be 100% tailored to your preferences to create your perfect trip.

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• The Real Algarve Experience (7 days): based in the traditional fishing village Olhao, this immersive trip will see you experience the Algarve in authentic style. With a focus on food and culture, you'll get to enjoy a private food tour, take a market-to-table cooking class, visit an olive farm, and enjoy a traditional sweet-making workshop. You’ll also spend time exploring the stunning islands of Ria Formosa lagoon.
• The Best of Portugal (12 days): taking in capital Lisbon, historic Porto, the lush Douro Valley, and the Algarve, this gives you the chance to explore historic sites in Lisbon and Sintra and sample world-class wine in the Douro Valley, with boat trips, beaches and UNESCO Heritage Sites aplenty.
• Discovering the Coast of Portugal (11 days): kicking off in picturesque Porto, where you’ll uncover historic sites and wineries, this diverse experience also includes Aveiro — known as the Venice of Portugal — the Algarve, national parks, charming traditional villages, and historic caves.

Explore more customisable Portugal itineraries.

Still looking for options for your summer trip? Explore our list of the best holiday destinations in July.

What to do and see in the Algarve in July

Serving sublimely sunny weather as the summer high season is in full swing, July offers visitors stacks of rewarding things to do in the great outdoors, alongside exploring the region's history in towns like Tavira, Lagos and Faro. 

Here’s a run-down of some of the best things to see and do in the Algarve in July.

Embrace beach life

Kicking off with the obvious, with an average sea temperature of 21°C (70°F), July is a top time to take advantage of the region’s glorious beaches, among them some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

Praia da Rocha is a beach highlight around these parts, with Praia de Odeceixe offering a more secluded experience.

When you’ve had your fill of stretching out on the sand, water-sports centres along the coast can get you kitted out to snorkel, dive, jet-ski and paddle-board. Into surfing? Try Praia do Amado.

Editor’s tip: if you’re hoping to experience the Algarve’s high season nightlife, check out beach parties in areas like Albufeira, Vilamoura and Portimão.

Explore the cave-rich coastline by boat

Staying with the water theme for the moment, July is a top time to take a boat trip from Lagos, Albufeira or Portimão for breath-taking views of the cliffs, sea caves, and hidden beaches. 

Editor’s tip: don’t miss visiting Benagil Cave — this sea-sculped cathedral of rock is something else. 

Feast at the Festa da Ria Formosa

Kicking off at the end of the July, Faro’s Festa da Ria Formosa celebrates the region’s seafood in tantalising style.

Alongside showcasing — and serving — stacks of fresh local dishes — expect culinary demonstrations and live music.

Editor’s tip: foodies won’t want to miss visiting local markets, like the Loulé market, for fresh produce, seafood and other local specialties.

Hike and bike

For those who prefer more active pursuits, July’s cooler early mornings are ideal for hiking and biking. 

For example, the Via Algarviana and the Rota Vicentina offer beautiful trails through diverse landscapes.

For more inspiration, read up on the best things to do in the Algarve.

Visit the Algarve in different months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in the Algarve around the year.

• January: with a temperature range of 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F), this is the coldest month of year, with low-season tourist levels.
• February: similar to January, but slightly warmer, February remains quiet, though the beginning of the Almond Blossom season attracts more visitors.
• March: mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), March is a great month for outdoor activities without the crowds.
• April: with a pleasant temperature range of 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F), shoulder-season April sees more sun, less rain, and a rise in visitors around Easter.
• May: great beach weather begins in May, with warmer temperatures drawing more crowds, though it’s not nearly as busy as summer.
• June: with temperatures averaging 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F), June is perfect for beach breaks and water sports, and heralds the start of peak season.
• August: peak season continues in August, with high visitor numbers, vibrant nightlife, and similar temperatures to July.
• September: September remains warm, but temperatures start to cool, and visitor numbers begin to taper off as the month wears on.
• October: with average daily highs remaining around 23°C (73°F), this shoulder-season month is ideal if you prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds.
• November: sitting in low season, November sees cooler temperatures, and is a great time to visit for the likes of golf and exploring the countryside.
• December: cool and quiet, low-season December offers average temperatures of 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F).