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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 29.10.2024
Though early September sees the Algarve in peak season mode, visitor numbers tail off as the month wears on. With temperatures still warm on sea and land — though they also tail off through month – it’s regarded by many as one of the best times to visit this justifiably popular region of Portugal. Read on for detail on the weather in the Algarve in September, along with ideas for what to see and do during your trip.
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Planning to visit the Algarve in September? Take inspiration from our customisable Portugal itineraries and read our year-round travel guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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