Algarve Weather January Averages, Portugal

The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, and it is the most popular holiday destination in Portugal and also one of the most popular in Europe as a whole. Most of the region's major towns, cities and tourist resorts are located close to the Atlantic coastline. Tourism and food are the main contributors to the local economy.

The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry sunny summers and mild winters. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it can be wet at times during the winter half-year, particularly during late autumn and early winter, and particularly when low pressure systems track further south than usual.

Between November and April, measurable rainfall falls on an average of between 9 and 13 days per month at Faro, the region's capital. In contrast, summers are very dry, with measurable rainfall on an average of just six days out of a possible 92 at Faro. The moist winters ensure that a fair amount of vegetation grows in the region.

Temperatures are mild in the winter months and very rarely fall below freezing. Even in January, the coldest month of the year, Faro has an average maximum temperature of 16°C. In the summer, temperatures are generally hot, with a mean maximum temperature of 29°C at Faro during July.

The hillier parts of the north of the Algarve are a little cooler, as are the coastal fringes where there are often cooling sea breezes. Temperatures tend to stay close to the long-term average across the Algarve, due to modification from the seas to the west and south, but on rare occasions summer temperatures can climb above 35°C.

Humidity amounts are consistent with rainfall amounts- broadly speaking the Algarve tends to be quite humid during the winter months, but humidity is mostly low in summer.

Sunshine totals are generally high throughout the year. Mean annual totals exceed 3000 hours close to the coast, and fall just short of 3000 hours in central and northern parts of the region. The mean daily sunshine duration at Faro ranges from 5 or 6 hours in January to 11 or 12 hours in July.

Those who like swimming, diving and snorkelling should come in summer or early autumn, for the mean sea temperature off the coast falls to an average of 14°C during February, which is rather chilly for swimming in, but rises to a comfortable 21°C during August and September.

Due to the Mediterranean style climate and the vast expanses of beaches along the coastline, the beaches are by far the most popular attraction of the area with tourists, and some Europeans choose to set up holiday homes in the Algarve region. There are also numerous sites of historical interest and golf courses

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.

The Real Marina Hotel & Spa

The Real Marina Hotel & Spa at Olhao is relatively inexpensive for a 5-star hotel, and contains good accommodation and an on-site bar and restaurant, and it also offers golf facilities. For those who do not fancy eating at the restaurant, there are numerous good restaurants in the local area.

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.

Restaurants and Bars for Algarve in January

Restaurante Malveiro

There are many restaurants in the Algarve region. For local cuisine, the Restaurante Malveiro at Vale de Eguas, Almancil, is very well-received by visitors and serves a wide range of locally-sourced wines as well as some classic Portuguese cuisine.

The International Cafe

For a European and British themed restaurant, a good choice is The International Cafe at Rua Antonio Barbosa Viana, Lagos, which is particularly popular for its Sunday roast dinners.

The Sports Cafe

The Sports Cafe at Rua Frederico Ramos Mendes, Alvor, Portimao provides numerous TV screens broadcasting major sporting events- particularly useful for those who are concerned about missing important matches while they are away on holiday. It also serves cocktails and pub meals and has entertainment including karaoke during the evenings.

Burgers & Bowls

Burgers & Bowls at Av. 5 Outubro no. 360, Almancil, serves pub food, and the burgers are particularly popular with customers.

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.

Faro Archaeological Museum

January is also a good time of year to check out the various museums in the Algarve region. 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.

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.

Alcoutim Castle and Archaeological Museum

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.

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.