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Thinking about taking a holiday to the Algarve in October? Wondering about the Algarve weather in October?
Learn about what your Algarve holiday might look like if you want to visit in October! This info is based on my October visit to the Algarve and some resources I found when planning.
Let’s go!
Summary: The trip was a little rainy. The ocean was a bit rough. Some businesses were starting to close for the season. I still had sunny days and enjoyed great Algarve activities like the beach, a stellar boat tour, swimming in the ocean, and delicious food and coffee! Lighter crowds meant things weren’t too hectic.
The Algarve weather in October
Temperatures in the Algarve in October are important to consider. During my visit, the temperature was pleasant. The weather in the Algarve in October brought warm but not scorching days with cooler nights.
According to timeanddate.com historical climate data for Algarve October weather, the typical temperature range is 16C (60F) to 23C (73F). holiday-weather.com reports similar temperatures.

Weather in Algarve in October also tends to have more rain than peak travel months like June, July, August, and September. holiday-weather.com reports an average of 53mm (2in) of rain with 10 rainy days. That’s similar to timeanddate.com.
Compare that to 1 rainy day in July, 2 in August, and 5 in September.
I had rain about 4 out of 8 days in Albufeira in October. Despite some rain, the October weather in the Algarve provided plenty of sunshine and dry opportunities to enjoy the trip.
Algarve ocean conditions in October
Hitting the beach and playing in the ocean is still important when visiting Algarve Portugal in October. Let’s talk about that.
The cooling weather on Algarve in October precedes cooling water temperatures. Holiday Weather reports that the water is still around 20C (68F), similar to July.
During my visit, the water was cool but very refreshing. I loved swimming there but can see how some may find things a bit cold, especially with cooler air temperatures.
Anecdotally, the ocean had some non-trivial waves during my visit in October. Surf Atlas reports that swells tend to start building up from October through March.

If you’re doing things like ocean kayak tours, cave boat tours, etc., the trip may be a bit rougher than peak season or even impossible.
Our boat tour was choppy but great fun. We booked a kayaking trip that had to be canceled due to rough water. So those things are a bit less certain.
If you’re surfing and looking for more action, this could be a great time. Surf Atlas and Russo Surf both report that October is right on the boundary of more wave action for the winter season.
Algarve tourism in October
A great reason to visit the Algarve in October is that crowds tend to be significantly reduced. This means easier access to beaches, tours, hikes, etc. Restaurants are also less overwhelmed. You might also score some deals on Algarve places to stay.
I noticed that a few workers seemed tired and a bit curt after what I imagine was a long busy tourist season. That might also be attributed to me observing a different vibe compared to other parts of Portugal.
A few businesses were closed or soon to close for the season during my visit. So, I recommend checking schedules if you’ve got your heart set on a specific restaurant or attraction

Beyond that, things to do in the Algarve in October are pretty much the same usual great things to do in the Algarve. Just consider the caveats I’ve mentioned in this post!
Wrapping up
So that’s my take on what you might expect when you visit Algarve in October. I obviously can’t predict the future and guarantee your experience. However, I tried to base this info on my personal experience and general data to help your planning.
For me, the Algarve weather October brought was still excellent. My trip was fun and I didn’t feel like the change in season detracted.
That said, I prefer cooler weather. If you love the heat, then you may reach a different conclusion.
Taking holidays to the Algarve in October can be a great way to avoid crowds, enjoy cooler weather, and even save some money!
So what do you think? Are you considering visiting the Algarve in October? Have you already? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make purchases via links on this site. Thanks for supporting me in creating content like this! See the privacy policy.