Algarve · May
Best travel monthTravel seasonPortugal · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 17° (63°)12– (54–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)18– (64–)31 (88) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)33 (91) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)35 (95) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)36 (97) | 26° (79°)22– (72–)30 (86) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)21 (70) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 9° (48°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)25 (77) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)22 (72) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)21 (70) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)18 (64) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)16 (61) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h | 8h | 9h | 10h | 12h | 13h | 13h | 12h | 10h | 8h | 7h | 6h |
🌊Water Temp | 16° (61°) | 16° (61°) | 16° (61°) | 17° (63°) | 18° (64°) | 19° (66°) | 20° (68°) | 20° (68°) | 20° (68°) | 20° (68°) | 18° (64°) | 17° (63°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d33mm (1.3") | 4d37mm (1.5") | 5d48mm (1.9") | 4d42mm (1.6") | 2d22mm (0.9") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d4mm (0.2") | 1d14mm (0.6") | 4d52mm (2.1") | 5d77mm (3.0") | 4d53mm (2.1") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
May is one of the best months to visit Algarve — with 12 sunshine hours per day and pleasant highs of 24°C (75°F).
Daytime highs average 24°C (75°F), cooling to 16°C (61°F) at night (daily average: 20°C (68°F)). Peaks reach around 31°C (88°F), the coldest nights around 11°C (52°F). With 12 sunshine hours per day, May is one of the sunniest months — 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain over 2 days. The sea is 18°C (64°F) — refreshing and manageable for confident swimmers.
Summer clothing and a light jacket for evenings is enough. Conditions are ideal for excursions, hikes, and sightseeing.
Spring on the golden coast: ideal temperatures for hiking along the cliffs, Praia da Marinha and Ponta da Piedade without the crowds. A first swim is possible for the hardy.
Packing list for Algarve in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Algarve?
- Yes — May is one of the best months to visit Algarve (Climate Score: 83/100). Pleasant temperatures (24°C (75°F)), good sunshine (12 h/day), and few rain days (2) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Algarve in May?
- In May, Algarve sees daily highs of 24°C (75°F). Nights cool to 16°C (61°F), with a daily average of 20°C (68°F). Peaks reach around 31°C (88°F), the coldest nights around 11°C (52°F).
- How much rain falls in Algarve in May?
- In May, Algarve receives an average of 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain over 2 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Algarve get in May?
- Algarve averages 12 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Algarve in May?
- Water temperature in Algarve in May averages 18°C (64°F) — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.
