Weather in the Algarve in September

Early September in the Algarve still feels like peak season – warm seas, sunny days, and busy beaches. But as the month goes on, the crowds thin and the heat softens, making it one of the best times to visit this wildly popular region of Portugal. Read on for what to expect from the weather in the Algarve in September – plus ideas for things to do and tips on how to travel to Portugal.

Highlights of the Algarve weather in September

• September in the Algarve is cooler than July and August, though the average daily temperature high remains around 26°C (79°F).
• Expect around nine hours of sunshine a day  — ideal for classic beach break activities, hiking and cultural experiences.
• Rainfall is on the rise — expect up to 21mm compared with an average of 5mm in July and August — but remains relatively low. 
• In short, the weather in the Algarve in September has all the allure of summer with less intense heat, and smaller crowds. 

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

Is September a good time to visit the Algarve?

September in the Algarve is a fantastic month to visit as the weather remains warm and mainly dry. 

At the same time, while the start of the month is still pretty busy with summer vacation crowds, numbers tail off through the month — something worth considering if you’re not so keen on ultra-busy resorts and beaches.

With average temperatures less intense than July and August, September is an especially good month to visit if you want to hike and bike. 

The same is true of travellers who want to enjoy the region’s beautiful beaches and coastline. September sees the average sea temperature remain welcomingly warm. 

Find even more ideas for your autumn adventure with our guide to the best places to travel in September.

Average temperatures in the Algarve in September

September in the Algarve sees average daytime highs of 26°C (79°F), and night-time lows sitting around the 18°C (64°F) mark. 

At the same time, the sea remains warm from the more intense summer sun with average water temperatures around 21°C (70°F), making for sublime swimming and snorkelling experiences/

Want a fuller picture of the weather? Read up on the weather in Portugal in September 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 crowds and cost?

As touched on above, if you visit the Algarve in early September, you can expect many beaches, resorts and key towns in the region to be pretty busy with visitors. 

This is because September straddles the tail-end of the summer high season, with a shift to the quieter shoulder season discernible from the mid-point of the month.

Going hand in hand with this is the tendency for costs to fall as the month wears on. In fact, if you book well ahead of travelling, and opt to visit in the latter half of the month, September is a great time to enjoy almost all the benefits of summer for a lower price, with fewer crowds hampering your enjoyment.

Editor’s tip: if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly holiday, and want to escape the 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.

What to do and see in the Algarve in September

Blending the warmth of summer with the onset of a cooler, more tranquil autumn period, visiting the Algarve in September offers an appealing balance of wonderful weather, fewer tourists, and a range of cultural events. 

Here are some of the best things to see and do in the Algarve through this inviting month.

Bliss out on beaches

With sea temperatures still sitting around 21°C (70°F), September remains a top month to hit the Algarve’s beaches, which are among the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

Less crowded than in July and August, you’ll get to enjoy more space at popular spots like Praia da Rocha, Praia do Amado, and Praia da Marinha.

Watch wildlife

The waters around the Algarve are still warm enough for marine life tours in September. Less crowded than during the high season, taking a trip to watch dolphins and whales comes highly recommended. 

At the same time, nature lovers will be pleased to learn that September sees the autumn migration period begin, making this a fantastic month for bird watching, especially in areas like Ria Formosa and Sagres. 

Enjoy outdoor activities

The slightly cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking, cycling, and golfing. 

Explore trails like the Via Algarviana or enjoy one of the many world-class golf courses in less crowded conditions.

Uncover local culture at events and festivals

September is grape harvest time in the Algarve’s vineyards, many of which offer wine-tasting sessions, and tours that include participating in the harvest.

Meanwhile, Festival F — held in Faro in early September — has a focus on Portuguese music, with stand-up comedy, fine arts, literature, crafts, street entertainment and street food also playing a part. Travelling with children? Festival F has a programme devoted to entertaining your kids.

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.
• July: July sees the Algarve turn hot, with average highs of  28°C (82°F). It also sits in the summer high season.
• August: peak season continues in August, with high visitor numbers, vibrant nightlife, and similar temperatures to July.
• 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).