What's the weather like in Tavira?
Weather
Situated on the south coast of Portugal, Tavira boasts a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild, rainy winters. Part of the Algarve region of the country, the resort area sees moderate temperatures all year long, making it a popular resort spot for travelers from all over the world. While many in the UK and other parts of Europe are trudging through cold autumn and winter days, the resort offers a welcome break from the bleak weather.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, but spring and autumn see plenty of holiday visitors to. Its location means it misses the northern rains and cold air thanks to the Estrela Mountains in the middle of the country that keep those weather patterns from moving south. The resort does however get the weather patterns coming up from northern Africa and across the Mediterranean. This includes rain and humidity.
Sea Temperature
In Tavira, the Gilao River meets up with the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean water temperature remains consistently warm throughout the year, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Dating back to the 8th century, the resort has been invaded, destroyed, and rebuilt numerous times. A picturesque bridge crosses the River Gilao, connecting the two sides of the city. The city is home to over 37 churches that you can visit and enjoy the beauty and architecture.
Thanks to the year-round warm temperatures, you can enjoy the beach any time of the year. The beach is separated from the town by salt pans and only accessible via a ferry or over a footbridge in nearby Santa Luzia and Acoteias. Because of the boom in tourists in recent years, the town has added numerous golf courses and a large shopping centre.
Spring weather in Tavira
Temperature
The average daily temperatures for the spring months range between 14°C and 17°C (about 57°F to 63°F). During the months of March, April, and May, the lows drop down to 9°C to 12°C (around 48°F to 54°F), making for some cool nights, especially near the water. The highs get up to 18°C to 22°C (about 64°F to 72°F), similar to temperatures during a UK summer.
Sunshine Hours
During the spring months, you can expect 9 to 12 hours of sunshine each day, plenty of time to get out and about to explore the area.
Rain
The rainfall starts to decrease rapidly this time of the year, ranging between 21 mm to 39 mm. Typically, the rain falls over 9 to 12 days in the month, giving you a good chance of more sunny days than rainy ones while you're there. The ocean water starts to warm up during this time, with an average temperature of 16°C to 18°C (around 61°F to 64°F).
Summer weather in Tavira
Temperature
As summer rolls around, the temperatures continue to rise and the rainfall chances decrease, making this prime tourist season. You'll see an average daily temperature for June, July, and August between 21°C and 24°C (about 70°F to 75°F). During the evening hours and nighttime, the lows get down to 16°C to 18°C (around 61°F to 64°F), still very pleasant temps. The highs jump up to 25°C to 29°C (about 77°F to 84°F), plenty warm to get outside and enjoy the days. July boasts the hottest temperatures, highest ocean temperatures, and longest days.
Rain
The rainfall drops significantly during the summer with an average of 1 mm to 8 mm. July sees a scant 1 mm of rain. The rain falls over 2 to 5 days, so any rain that does fall is light and short-lived.
Sunshine Hours
You'll get plenty of sunshine during this time, with 13 to 14 hours of daylight on average each day. The Atlantic's water temperatures sit between 20°C and 22°C (around 68°F to 72°F).
Autumn weather in Tavira
Temperature
The months of September, October, and November see average daily temperatures between 15°C and 22°C (around 59°F to 72°F). If you visit now, you'll have less crowds to deal with and still get warm temperatures and low rain chances, especially early in the season. During the evening and early morning hours, the lows drop down to 11°C to 17°C (about 52°F to 63°F).
The highs still reach up to 19°C to 27°C (about 66°F to 81°F), still plenty warm for outdoor activities.
Rain
In September, the average rainfall is only 14 mm but by November, the average amount jumps to 86 mm. The rain falls over an average of 5 to 12 days.
Sunshine Hours
You can expect around 8 to 10 hours of sunshine each day, still more than enough time to try outdoor and active pursuits.
Sea Temperature
With the still-warm ocean temperatures, you can swim and enjoy watersports well into the autumn. The average water temperature sits between 19°C to 22°C (about 66°F to 72°F).
Winter weather in Tavira
Temperature
Unfortunately, winter in Tavira means the coldest temperatures and the most rainfall in all the year. However, when you visit, you'll still get better weather than the UK and many other European countries during this same season. The average daily temperature is consistent, between 12°C and 13°C (about 54°F to 55°F). You'll still see highs reach up to 16°C to 17°C (around 61°F to 63°F), with lows dropping down to 8°C to 9°C (around 46°F to 48°F). January sees the coldest temperatures.
Rain
The rainfall chances increase significantly this time of the year, with December seeing the most rain at 94 mm. The other months have 72 mm to 78 mm of rain falling on average. The number of rainy days is 13 to 14 on average per month.
Sunshine Hours
This area only gets about 6 to 7 hours of daylight each day during the winter. The ocean water has started to cool down too, with an average temperature of 16°C to 18°C (about 61°F to 64°F).
Weather Hazards in Tavira
Wind
Fortunately, Tavira doesn't experience many weather hazards or extreme weather. During the summer months, if the Sirocco winds blow in from the Sahara and North Africa, the high temperatures can reach up to the high 30s. As the winds travel across the water, they pick up moisture and bring it onshore in the form of high humidity and stifling temperatures. These extreme high temperatures can cause problems for visitors outside including sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Earthquakes
Though extremely rare, earthquakes are possible in the area as well. The last one was back in 1755, when a magnitude 9 earthquake struck, decimating the town of Tavira, and much of the area of Algarve. The earthquake, as well as subsequent tsunamis and aftershocks, caused tons of damage to buildings and infrastructures.
Thankfully, these weather hazards are unusual and for the most part, you'll get amazing weather during your stay. If you're concerned about weather hazards during your holiday, consult the local forecast to get a good idea of what to expect.
