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Averages for Algarve in August

Weather lowdown

July and August are the hottest months of the year in the Algarve region, and also the sunniest and driest. Due to the decreasing daylight amounts, August has slightly less sunshine than July, with an average of 353 hours of bright sunshine at the region’s capital, Faro, which comes out at a mean between 11 and 12 hours per day. The daytime temperature reaches an average high of 29°C, and falls to an average of 19°C overnight.

Although temperatures mostly stay close to the long-term average, major heat waves occasionally crop up and temperatures well in excess of 35°C have been recorded. There was a severe heat wave at the end of July 2003 and during early to mid-August 2003 (a heat wave which also consumed most of the rest of central and Western Europe) which contributed heavily to widespread mountain fires.

Many Augusts are completely free from rain, especially near the Mediterranean coast, but on rare occasions short-lived thundery downpours crop up. On average there is only one day per August with measurable rainfall at Faro, with a mean monthly total of 4mm.

The sea temperature off the coastline is at its warmest during August and September, peaking at around 21°C on average, so this is a good time of year to try swimming or diving off the Mediterranean coast.

Things to do

August is a good time of year to try diving off the Mediterranean coastline. UDiving Dive Centre, which has two main centres at Faro and Tavira, is one good centre for divers, as it offers dive trips and also training courses for the benefit of novices, plus intermediate divers who would like to improve their skills. Those into scuba diving are particularly well catered for. A good alternative company is Exclusive Divers, located at Alvor, Portimao, who also offer diving courses, including dives to sites with famous shipwrecks, and they, too, focus especially on scuba diving.

There are some good natural attractions and landmarks in the Algarve. The Fortress of Sagres at Sagres on the coast of the Algarve is impressively mainly for its views over the nearby bay and ocean. There is an exhibition centre contained within, and on a good day, local fishermen can be spotted fishing around the nearby coastline.

The Camera Obscura at the Tower of Tavira gives a very good view of the town of Tamira. Guides present informative discussions about the laws of optics, as established in the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, and technological gadgets showing panoramic views of the area.

Dates for the diary

August has a large number of annual festivals in the Algarve region. The Fatacil festival at Lagoa, on the Carveiro side of the EN25, is a countryside fair showing off heavy farm machinery and livestock, and each year a special area is set up where horse shows are held. There is also a wine display, where visitors can sample different wines and other types of liquor, including some locally-produced options. The fair also hosts numerous stalls, so it is a good opportunity to pick up some shopping and some souvenirs.

Also worth checking out is the Sounds of the Atlantic music festival, which focuses on traditional music and folk music but is also inclusive of other genres such as jazz and blues. Street theatre and handicrafts provide further entertainment.

Where to eat & drink

The Algarve region boasts a large number of good restaurants, some of which are also relatively inexpensive. Fin du Mundo at Rua Manuel Teixiera Gomes No 28, Ferragudo is a good option for both English and Portuguese-style food, and there is a strong emphasis on seafood, so most tastes should be catered for. Fans of Italian restaurants should consider L’oasis Pizzeria Italiana at Edificio Atlântico IV, Armacao de Pera, which is particularly known for its good pizzas.

The Algarve region also has a large number of traditional British-style pubs which offer pub food, and evening entertainment. Roskos at Rua Candido dos Reis N0 79, Lagos has frequent musical performances on evenings, which include funk and rhythm and blues. For some good and varied cocktails, Mourisco Cocktail Bar at Alvor, Portimao is easy to recommend, and this bar, too, features musical entertainment on evenings.

Hit the beach

August is the most popular time of year to visit the beaches, so some of the more popular beaches can end up quite crowded, but the beaches at the Algarve are so numerous that it is usually possible to find a relatively quiet spot. For those who would prefer a relatively secluded location, Ilha de Culatra is an island situated off Olhao, and being off the mainland, does not attract as many tourists as some of the other resorts, while boasting pleasant beaches.

Praia Gale, 4 kilometres west of Albufeira, contains soft sands that are suitable for small children, and a range of reasonable restaurants.

Where to stay

There is a lot of good accommodation available in the Algarve region. The Hotel Da Rocha at Praia da Rocha, Portimao is situated right across the beach, making it a good beach resort hotel, and the 4-star accommodation is relatively inexpensive.

Luxury 5-star options include the Cascade Resort at Praia do Canavial, Lagos, which also offers a range of activities that are particularly geared towards families. The Porto Bay Falesia at Quinta do Milharo, Albufeira is another good beach option which offers good 4-star accommodation.

Alternatively, Quinta da Nina at Rua do Moinho da Encarnacao 1, Lagos, is a good value bed and breakfast option, while those who would prefer self-catering can consider the Vilabaranca Apartments at Torraltinha, Lagos.