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
At times, the region is subject to high temperatures of up to 47°C, leading to spectacular wildfires. The environment also contributes to the problem, as the region is planted with highly flammable pine and eucalyptus trees, cut by valleys and ravines that are difficult to access. The Portuguese are therefore working on other avenues to limit the risk of fire in the country. In particular, researchers are studying the concept of fire-smart territories . This involves involving citizens in voluntary forest fire-fighting activities by, for example, offering to assess their homes. Or helping them to identify the specific actions they need to take to reduce risk, by choosing the right plant species or clearing undergrowth in strategic locations.
Another idea is to put goats to work....! As in California, goats help fight forest fires. The New York Times even devoted an article to this surprising pilot project officially launched by the government. The idea is simple, ecological and effective: goats roam the scrubland, feasting on heather, broom and shrubs, leaving behind cleared sites, especially the steepest and rockiest ones, thus helping to limit the spread of fire in the event of a blaze. Will the region's salvation come from pastoralism?
In short, the Algarve remains an attractive destination all year round. Its climate makes it an ideal refuge from the harsh winters of northern Europe. The mild climate, long stretches of unspoilt beaches, nature at the heart of the trip and countless hiking opportunities mean that even the most discerning visitors can opt for an experience that goes against the flow of seasonal traffic.
