Algarve

What’s the weather like in the Algarve in May?

Portugal’s Algarve region enjoys lovely weather thanks to its location on the south of the Iberian Peninsula close to the northwest coast of Africa. Temperatures are rising in May so it starts feeling like summer, and you can look forward to lots of sun and less rain at this time.

Climatic influences

The Algarve’s one of the sunniest destinations in Europe, and has the best weather in Portugal. The north and south of the country’s divided by a mountain range that shelters the region from northern and Atlantic winds, keeping you warm and dry. There’s Atlantic winds offshore, while the west’s a bit cooler and wetter than the east as it’s closer to the Atlantic.

Averages

The normal high temperature in the Algarve’s capital, Faro, is 22ºC in May, which falls to a fairly cool 12ºC at night. The usual sea temperature’s 19ºC, while humidity’s low and average rainfall’s 30mm over five rainy days. You can expect 14 hours of daylight with ten long hours of sunshine each day, while UV levels will be very high so make sure you use plenty of sun cream. Sunset’s around 8.30pm in May.