The climate of Albufeira
Positioned along the southern coast of
Portugal,
Albufeira is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, categorically identified as Csa under the Köppen climate classification. Characterized by hot summers and mild winters, this idyllic city enjoys a pleasing climate throughout the year.
An analysis of climatological data reveals certain trendlines. Commencing at 15°C (59°F) in
January, the average high temperatures gradually scale up, peaking within the range from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) between
July and
August. Correspondingly, the average low also shows an upward trend, reaching an apex from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 19.8°C (67.6°F) within that summertime window. However, as winter makes its presence felt, there is a moderate yet steady decline in both these parameters, settling around 16.4°C (61.5°F) for high and around 12.1°C (53.8°F) for low temperatures by year end.
Albufeira's humidity levels oscillate mildly throughout the year, averaging between 64 and 75%, while the barometer remains relatively stable, deviating slightly from a median monthly average of 1016.5 mb. Running counter to this consistency, rainfall levels reveal a distinctive pendulum-like swing, starting at 10mm (0.39") in January, falling to a mere 1mm (0.04") during the height of summer, and making a full circle back to 16mm (0.63") in
December.
Unique climatic characteristics can be discerned from this knot of data. July and August distinguish themselves as the driest months, with nearly negligible rainfall, while
October through December constitute the wettest period. In terms of temperature, the high point of summer warmth stands out alongside the early onset of cooler conditions in
November.
The best time to visit Albufeira
The perfect period for a trip to
Albufeira is dictated by the clear skies and open waters. On account of optimal weather conditions between
May and
September, when daily high temperatures average between 21.2°C (70.2°F) and 27.5°C (81.5°F), this timeframe is most favored by tourists. During this span, rainfall registers at its lowest, ensuring that outdoor activity plans are least likely to be hampered. Albufeira's coastline is made even more enchanting with sea temperatures between 18.4°C (65.1°F) and 21.7°C (71.1°F), offering favorable conditions for beach outings and water sports.
The worst time to visit Albufeira
Despite the city's generally mild winters, the months between
November and
January are less welcoming for travelers. As temperatures hover around their lowest annual levels, ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F) for high and 11°C (51.8°F) to 14°C (57.2°F) for low, this period can become a bit chilly for outdoor explorations. Coupled with increased precipitation - peaking at 22mm (0.87") in November - these conditions are less conducive for tourism. However, if indoor activities are on the agenda or lower temperatures are preferred, these factors may not deter a visit.
Spring weather in Albufeira
Spring in
Albufeira displays a splendid mix of rising temperatures, waning rainfall, and increasing sunlit hours. Beginning in
March with daily highs around 16.8°C (62.2°F) and lows around 11.8°C (53.2°F), temperatures smoothly transition into the warm season, hitting a agreeable 21.2°C (70.2°F) for high and 15.5°C (59.9°F) for low by
May. Meanwhile, rainfall drops from 15mm (0.59") in March to a modest 9mm (0.35") in May, granting the surroundings with a lush palette of colors. The extra hours of sunshine, moving up from 12 hours in March to 14.2 in May, contribute to the overall uplifting ambience of spring.
Summer weather in Albufeira
The summer months of
June through
August usher in peak tourist influx in
Albufeira, and the weather data subtly underlines why. With high temperatures averaging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F), and lows comfortably sitting between 17.7°C (63.9°F) and 19.8°C (67.6°F), the summer days shimmer with a pleasant warmth. Rainfall during this period is almost non-existent making the outdoors work their charm. With daylight extending up to nearly 14.7 hours and sea temperatures inviting at around 21.2°C (70.2°F), summer days in Albufeira offer ample opportunity for soaking up the sun and indulging in the crystal clear waters.
Autumn weather in Albufeira
Autumn in
Albufeira retains the warmth of the summer, even as the calendar nudges towards colder months. With high temperatures around 22.5°C (72.5°F) in
October and lowering to 18.1°C (64.6°F) in
November, the drop in mercury is elegantly gradual. Correspondingly, low temperatures exhibit a similar trajectory from 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 14°C (57.2°F). Precipitation, however, takes a significant leap, from 3mm (0.12") in
September to an appreciable 22mm (0.87") in November, signaling a transition to the wetter season. Despite shorter daylight hours, autumn continues to provide ample sunshine, with about 11.2 hours in October, subsiding to 10.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Albufeira
The winter months, from
December through
February, might seem less appealing, but they come with their own charm. Average high temperatures remain within a mellow range from 15°C (59°F) to 16.4°C (61.5°F), while the lows maintain a cool yet manageable boundary from 11°C (51.8°F) to 12.1°C (53.8°F). However, an uptick in rainfall, going up to 16mm (0.63") in December and sticking around 10mm (0.39") in February, adds a tangible contrast to the preceding dry months, granting the landscape a renewed vibrancy. Sea temperatures also drop to a cooler range of 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 17.6°C (63.7°F), making the beach scene quieter, save for the more adventurous ocean-lovers.
Weather in January
In
Albufeira,
January weather brings wetter conditions as the winter season peaks. Humidity levels are high and there is noticeable increase in rainfall, with a considerable 10mm (0.39") of precipitation expected. Coupled with the lower daylight hours, the weather leans more towards chilly, encouraging indoor activities.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Albufeira sees a slight improvement in weather conditions compared to
January. There are more hours of daylight and the volume of rainfall decreases, signaling the transition from winter to spring. The proportion of cloudiness decreases, allowing for improved visibility.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March witnesses further enhancements in
Albufeira’s weather with the spring season kicking in. The temperature starts to rise and the days become longer, a departure from
February's semi-winter weather. The average number of rainy days surges to 10 days, resulting in an increased 15mm (0.59") rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Albufeira brings a spring bloom. There are more sunlight hours, coloring the landscape wonderfully. The rise in average temperatures from
March to April accelerates the shift toward summer. The humidity remains consistent while the sea temperature begins to warm up.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Albufeira welcomes the pre-summer season with raising temperatures. The increased warmth of the sun and longer daylight hours create favorable conditions for outdoor activities. Sunshine duration lengthens significantly, resulting in more clear skies.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the doorway to summer in
Albufeira. The weather takes a sunny turn, with more bright and clear days conducive for beach activities. The significant increase in temperature, especially noticeable in sea temperature, points towards more beach days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Albufeira is the epitome of summer warmth. The city experiences longer sunshine hours and the highest average temperatures resonating with the momentum built up during
June. A barely there 1mm (0.04") of rain sees the driest month in the year, confirming the full shift into summer.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the summer torch from
July in
Albufeira. The surrounding oceanic water warms up, reaching a pleasant temperature for swimming and water sports. The daylight hours slightly decrease compared to July but still maintain the typical summer rhythm.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Albufeira ushers in subtle signs of autumn's arrival. The temperature begins to drop marginally while daylight hours decrease. A slight increase in rainfall can be noted, from a dry
August to a marginally wetter September, hinting at the impending autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Albufeira,
October wears the true colors of autumn. There's a definite decrease in average temperature from
September to October, falling closely in line with the normal seasonal trends. A significant increase in rainfall is registered, adding 12mm (0.47") to woodlands' vibrancy and lushness.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November is one of the wettest months in
Albufeira. The weather becomes noticeably cooler as the city nears winter. A drastic jump to 22mm (0.87") of rainfall causes some interruptions in outdoor activities. The decrease in daylight hours adds to the waning vibrancy of the landscape.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Albufeira in
December is a month of colder temperatures and increased precipitation. The city comes closest to winter, with shorter daylight hours and a rapid decrease in sea temperature from
November to December. The rainfall is persistent, marking 16mm (0.63") of precipitation and culminating the gradual increase seen since
September.
Weather in December »