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Averages for Algarve in November

Weather lowdown

Wet weather becomes markedly more frequent in the Algarve during November in most years, with an average of 98mm of rain per November at the capital, Faro, though it only rains on one day in three on average with 10 days per November with measurable rainfall. There is considerable variation from one November to another, depending on how far south the jet stream is, so rainfall amounts during your holiday could vary widely.

High rainfall over a short period of time can occasionally trigger flooding problems across the region, as happened on the 8th November 2012, triggering widespread disruption to transport and retail outlets. Later in the same month, an unusually potent tornado hit the area on the 16th and caused some substantial damage in the affected area.

However, the rain is often relatively short-lived, and Novembers are usually relatively sunny, with an average of 183 hours of bright sunshine, just above six hours per day, at Faro during a typical November. Temperatures are generally warm, with an average maximum of 20°C and an average minimum of 12°C.

The mean sea temperature falls to around 17°C during November, which is on the cool side for swimming in, but warmer than during December to April.

Things to do

Given that November is often quite a wet and unreliable month for weather, it is a good time of year to visit the Algarve’s many and varied museums. The region’s capital, Faro, houses the Faro Archaeological Museum which has Roman, Medieval and Manueline exhibits. There is an impressive Roman floor mosaic, and there are numerous paintings to sample, including paintings based on old Portuguese folk tales.

A good alternative is the Museum of Portimao at Zona Ribeirinha, Portimao. This museum is especially popular with visitors, housed in a former fish canning factory. There are numerous exhibits covering the history of the location and the fish canning industry, and displays of the old machinery. There are also displays of other local attractions such as Portuguese guitars. The main downside of these exhibits is that many of them do not have English translations, but most should be readily understandable nonetheless.

Alcoutim Castle and Archaeological Museum at Alcoutim has an indoor exhibition showing excavations and artefacts, and the castle boasts good views of the surrounding area. For the benefit of children, a more “interactive” museum is the Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos at Rua Dr. Faria e Silva, Lagos, which has varied exhibits and some good views around the premises, and also a couple of children’s playgrounds.

The Algarve is also quite good for its supply of shopping outlets. The Fischmarkt von Olhao at Marktplatz 1, Olhao consists of two markets, a fish market and a meat, fruit and veg market, and many of the foods and fish on display are specific to the local area. The market is generally open on mornings and closed on afternoons, but on Saturdays, a special larger market opens, with a wider range of foods and fish on offer. For those after speciality shopping, the Ex Libris Gourmet, situated at Rua 5 de Outubro 10 e 12, Tavira, is a picturesque 19th century building which sells a wide range of goods including spices and seasonings, Portuguese sausages, liquors, coffees and chocolate and tea and biscuits. Many of the foods are out of the ordinary, and the shop also sells a range of wines.

Dates for the diary

November does not feature many major events and festivals in the Algarve, but a couple are worth trying out. St. Martin’s Fair in Portimao is held in the ExpoArade exhibition park and features modern fairground attractions, making it ideal for day trips, and stalls and fairs are held, particularly dedicated to roasted chestnuts and castanhas and the drinking of jeropiga. The fair was first introduced in 1662, and celebrates a Roman soldier named Martin of Tours.

The Casinos do Algarve Rally takes place during November with stages in Portimao and Monchique, in which some of the world’s finest rally drivers compete against each other, and motor sports enthusiasts can go and spectate.

Where to eat & drink

The Algarve boasts a wide range of good restaurants, offering some good options for most tastes. Fans of Italian cuisine can try Camillo’s Italian Restaurant at Rua Francisco Filipe Viegas 12, Almancil, which is also good for snacks and grilled food as well as pizzas.

The Aventura Wine and Cocktail Bar at Rua Dos Pescadores, No 80, Salema offers good views from within the premises, and the international cuisine options are many and varied and of high quality, and it is also a good restaurant for trying out a variety of wines and cocktails.

The Lounge Bar at Rua do Castelo 23, Alvor, Portimao, offers a range of high-quality and reasonably-priced pub food and broadcasts sporting events on TV screens around the bar, making it a useful outlet for those who would rather not miss significant matches while away on holiday.

Hamburgueria Casavostra - Casavostra Burger & Bistro at Av. 5 Outubro no. 360, Almancil, serves pub food, and the burgers are particularly popular with customers.

Hit the beach

The Algarve has many beautiful beaches, and if your holiday coincides with a fine spell, the weather may be warm and sunny enough to facilitate taking good advantage of them, especially as there tend to be few tourists on the beaches at this time of year. Praia de Odeceixe at Estrada da Praia de Odeceixe, Aljezur has a surf school, and the sea can get quite choppy which makes it a good location for surfing.

The beach at Ponta de Piedade, near Lagos, contains some spectacular scenery including a range of wildlife and cave formations.

Where to stay

There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from in the Algarve. Those with a fair amount of cash to spare can consider the Riu Palace Algarve at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira or the Porto Bay Falesia at Quinta do Milharo, Albufeira, both of which offer good 4-star accommodation, and are close to the nearby beaches.

For a quiet resort with a spa pool, a good option is the Villa Monte Resort at Sitio Dos Calicos, Moncarapacho.

For those on a tight budget, there are some good options too. The three-star Vila Channa Hotel, located at Sao Rafael, Albufeira, offers good B&B options and houses a large outdoor swimming pool and elegant surroundings.

For those who would rather go self-catering, there are various good options, including the Charming Villa in Albufeira.