Dry summers and mild winters
The average annual temperature of the coast and the centre is the highest in the continental country and one of the highest in the whole Iberian Peninsula. The drought, which usually lasts from June to August, is due to the meteorological phenomenon of the Azores anticyclone. During this period, temperatures not falling below 20 °C are expected. With an annual average of over 18 °C, the Algarve is close to subtropical climatic conditions. This particular climate has allowed a rare biodiversity to settle, and some endemic species do not exist anywhere else.
The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is at its best. Indeed, at this time, temperatures are mild and pleasant and the weather generally remains stable and sunny.
Maximum temperatures fluctuate throughout the year between 15°C (January) and 35°C (July). The coastline with kilometres of white sandy beaches offers a calm sea with warm waters fluctuating between 16 and 22 °C in summer. Fortunately, the cool sea breeze helps to reduce the effects of the sun in summer, and the warm Atlantic waters make it possible to enjoy water sports.
Between October and February, there are some concentrations of torrential rainfall, with November and December being the months with the highest risk of rain. These rains are often welcome for the inhabitants, allowing for the fertilization of hectares of very active farmland. Annual averages are less than 600 mm for most of the coastline and can exceed 1 000 mm in the mountains. Frost and negative temperatures are very rare and only occur in the mountainous regions of the Algarve, only at night with north and north-west winds.Devastating forest fires
Sometimes the region is subject to high temperatures, up to 45°C, leading to forest fires, as in August 2018, when an unprecedented fire raged for five days, threatening the town of Monchique. The flames ravaged more than 27,000 hectares of forest, fanned by strong winds and leaving behind a blackened landscape with a large number of charred trees whose stigmata can still be seen today. The region, like the entire Iberian Peninsula, can be affected by drought and remains vulnerable due to the phenomenon of rising temperatures and climate change. The environment also explains the problem, given that the region is planted with highly flammable pines and eucalyptus trees, cut off from valleys and ravines that are difficult to access. To limit the risk of fire, the Portuguese government also encourages owners to actively participate in fire smart
operations. This involves involving citizens in voluntary forest fire-fighting activities by, for example, offering an assessment of their homes. Or helping them to identify specific actions to be taken to reduce risks by choosing appropriate plant species or clearing brush in strategic places. Another of the ideas retained is to involve... the goat species! This is an unusual pilot project to which American newspapers have even made reference. Forty or so shepherds offered their services and put thousands of goats to work as "sappers" whose mission is to clean up the scrub by feeding themselves. By removing the leaves from certain shrubs in steep areas, this prevents the flames from spreading. This is an economical, practical and ecological way in which everyone can benefit, and will undoubtedly limit the damage! Will the salvation of the region come from pastoralism?
