What's The Weather Like In The Algarve in January?
Although January is the coldest month of the year in the Algarve, it' usually mild compared with the rest of northern Europe at the same time of year.
How Sunny Is It In January In The Algarve?
Despite the fairly frequent rain, sunshine totals are higher than in central and northern parts of Europe, with an average of between five and six hours per day.
How Warm Is The Sea In January In the Algarve?
January is, however, not a good time of year to go swimming in the region because the average seawater temperature comes in at a chilly 14°C.
How Hot Is The Algarve In January?
At the capital, Faro, the long-term average maximum temperature is 16°C, while the temperature typically falls to 8°C overnight. Temperatures drop below freezing on very rare occasions, but for the most part the winter months tend to be frost-free.
Does It Rain In The Algarve In January?
The proximity to the Atlantic means that rain crops up from time to time during January, particularly when low-pressure systems track further south than usual. At Faro the average January rainfall is 59mm, falling on an average of 12 days out of 31.
Unusual Weather In The Algarve
Severe weather events are rare in the Algarve during January, but on rare occasions when the jet stream is further south than usual, deep low pressure systems can bring heavy rain, localised flooding and strong winds.
Hotels for Algarve in January
ApartHotel Sagres Time
Accommodation options in the Algarve are many and varied, and there are numerous high-quality options. For those with a large budget, Aparthotel Sagres Time at Rua de Taipa, Sagres is recommended for its overall quality of service and facilities, and luxury apartments. The hotel is usually quiet at this time of year, though the large outdoor swimming pool may be on the cool side.
Velamar Hotel
The three-star Velamar Hotel at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira is of higher quality than its three-star rating would suggest, and it offers a range of good facilities including a swimming pool, a bar and restaurants, at low prices.
Estalgem do Guadiana
Those on a budget can also consider the Estalgem do Guadiana hotel, at Avenida de Espanha, Alcoutim. There are also numerous self-catering options, including Quinta das Palmeiras in the Lagos area.
Beaches for January for Algarve
The Algarve also contains numerous beautiful beaches, although January is rarely a good time of year to try sunbathing or swimming.
Praia Gale
Holidaymakers can consider Praia Gale, 4 kilometres west of Albufeira, which has a range of reasonable restaurants nearby.
Meia Praia
Meia Praia at Lagos is a large and popular beach which has a range of restaurants and also opportunities for boat hire and water sports.
Things to Do in Algarve in January
Silves Castle
There are plenty of good sites of architectural and historic interest in the Algarve. Silves Castle at Silves is a popular site with spectacular ruins around the outside, and good views of Silves from the inside, and there is also a museum contained within the castle.
Old Town Faro
In the city of Faro lies Old Town Faro which contains medieval-style buildings, an impressive cathedral and a central square, which is worth checking out.
Museum of Portimao
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. Many of the exhibits do not have English translations, but most should be readily understandable.
Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos
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.
