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Averages for Algarve in July

Weather lowdown

July and August are the hottest months of the year in the Algarve region, and also the sunniest and driest. July is the sunniest month of all on average, with an average of 369 hours of bright sunshine at the region’s capital, Faro, which is an average of just under 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 in excess of 40°C have been recorded. July 2010 had a significant heatwave over most of Portugal, while in July 2012, following a period of drought, a heat wave combined with unusually dry ground led to widespread fires. A severe heat wave began over southern Portugal in late-July 2003 and consumed most of western and central Europe during August, and this again led to widespread mountain fires.

Rainfall is very rare in July. On average there is only one day per July with measurable rainfall at Faro, amounting to a total of just under 2mm. On the very rare occasions that it rains, the rain is generally heavy, thundery and short-lived.

The sea temperature off the coastline continues to rise at this time of year, and averages about 20°C, so this is a good time of year to try swimming or diving off the Mediterranean coast.

Things to do

July is quite a good time to try surfing, as the sea breezes can get quite strong at this time of year, and the weather is usually reliable. Kitesurf Eolis which is based at Cabanas de Tavira, Tavira, is a good organisation to try for those into kite surfing. It offers a wide range of training courses for beginners, and there are also kite buggy trips in which you use a kite to ride on a buggy, and kite surfing tours are also offered.

Surf enthusiasts can also consider the FilSurf Surf School at Lagos, which offers surf lessons, surf rentals, and also accommodation options.

If your stay coincides with a spell of relatively modest heat, July may be a good time of year to take a boat trip. At the resort of Alvor, Alvor Boat Trips offer a wide range of boat trips and fishing trips off the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, and free transport is provided from your choice of hotel.

Another good option is Trigana Sailing Adventures, also based based at Alvor Harbour, and these trips also offer opportunities for fishing. Those who would like to sail to islands off the coastline can try Boat Tours Ria Formosa, which offer regular afternoon tours to three islands off the coastline, and bird watching, fishing and snorkelling opportunities are offered.

Dates for the diary

July features the International Motorbike Meeting in Faro, which spans a few days and usually boasts a range of gigs and entertainment, as well as displays of numerous motorbikes which will particularly appeal to motorbike enthusiasts. Even those who are not into motorbikes may be interested, for internationally-recognised artists provide live musical performances as part of the meeting.

The “Arte Doce” competition in Lagos features displays of a wide range of sweets, cakes and cookies, and also musical performances.

Where to eat & drink

The Algarve also boasts numerous good restaurants, with options to cater for most tastes. For a British-style cuisine option, the Crows Nest at Rua 25 De Abril No. 14, Alvor, Portimao is a traditional British restaurant serving a variety of pub food, and it also shows live sports and has a pub quiz every Friday night, so it is a good base for entertainment and ensuring that you don’t miss important sporting matches. The Birds Nest restaurant at Tenoca Boliqueime, Loule, serves food mostly with a Mediterranean theme, while British-style Sunday dinners are also served.

For nightlife and musical entertainment, MJ’s Bar at Travessa Senhora Da Graca No. 2, Lagos has frequent live music and dance sessions, and also serves a wide array of cocktails. Steps Bar at Rua 5 de Outubro, 2, Albufeira is a live music bar which is served by a guitarist and singer, who frequently produces musical performances in the bar.

Hit the beach

July and August are the most popular months of the year for tourists, so the beaches can get quite crowded, but on the other hand there is often entertainment provided to accommodate the tourists. The Praia de Falesia between Vilamoura and Albufeira has good nightlife, as many bars on the beach start partying after around 7pm, while the beach also offers good opportunities for relaxation and sunbathing.

For a quieter experience, Deserta Island, located at Ilha do Cabo de Santa Maria near Faro, is a 35-minute boat ride away from Faro, and tends not to get crowded. It contains numerous sand dunes, and the only building of note is a restaurant.

There are many good accommodation options in the Algarve, including some luxurious options, while those on a tight budget are also well catered for. Hotel Belavista da Luz at Praia da Luz, Luz, is a luxurious beach hotel, and offers luxury 5-star accommodation, and also golf packages, while the eateries at the hotel are well-received by customers.

Another good beach resort hotel is the Dunas Douradas Beach Club at Sitio do Garrao, Almancil, which has many luxurious apartments. The Villa Monte Resort at Sitio Dos Calicos, Moncarapacho is a less expensive option, which has golf facilities and a spa pool.

A good bed and breakfast option in Faro is the Winniehill Bed and Breakfast, which also boasts good views around the B&B premises. Those who would rather be self-catered also have good options, including Quinta das Palmeiras in the Lagos area.