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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 29.10.2024
With the weather in the Algarve in July being hot and sunny with minimal rainfall, it’s the ideal time for beach lovers to visit, along with travellers who are looking to enjoy outdoor activities — from hiking, biking and golfing, to exploring coastal caves and grottoes by boat. At the same time, being part of Portugal's summer high season, July also sees the region's nightlife hit its peak. Read on for detail on the weather in the Algarve in July, along with ideas for what to see and do during your trip.
Created by local experts
Planning to visit the Algarve in July? Take inspiration from our customisable Portugal itineraries and read our year-round travel guide.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Explore more customisable Portugal itineraries.
Still looking for options for your summer trip? Explore our list of the best holiday destinations 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in the Algarve around the year.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 29.10.2024
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
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