The Algarve in Summer: Beaches, Boats and Avoiding Crowds

Summer is the Algarve’s high season: guaranteed sunshine, warm(ish) seas, boat trips, beach bars and festivals. It’s also the busiest and most expensive time. Here’s how to make the most of the Algarve from June to September.

Quick answer: expect highs of about 28–30°C, with the sea around 21–23°C on the south coast in July and August. It’s perfect for beaches, boat trips to Benagil, water parks and village festivals. Book accommodation, car hire and boat trips well ahead, go to the beach early, and consider June or September for fewer crowds.

The weather

• Days: 28–30°C, hotter inland.
• Nights: warm, around 20°C.
• Sea: warmest in the eastern Algarve; cooler on the west coast.
• Rain: very rare.

Things to do

• Beaches: see the best Algarve beaches.
• Boat trips to Benagil and Ponta da Piedade, best in the calm mornings. See Algarve boat trips.
• Water parks and Zoomarine. See the Algarve with kids.
• Festivals: the Silves Medieval Fair, Portimão’s Sardine Festival and village festas. See Portugal in August.
• Nightlife: see Algarve nightlife.
• Beach restaurants at sunset. See Algarve beach restaurants.

Avoiding the crowds

• Go in June or September: the same weather with fewer people and lower prices.
• Arrive early: popular beaches like Marinha and Benagil fill up by mid-morning.
• Head east or west: Tavira’s islands and the Costa Vicentina are quieter. See Tavira and Costa Vicentina.

Tips

• Book early: August is the peak Portuguese holiday month.
• Sun safety: avoid the midday sun and drink plenty of water.
• Cliffs: never sit beneath them.
• Wildfire warnings: follow local advice inland.

More: where to stay in the Algarve, the Algarve in winter and Portugal in summer.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.