Fancy a trip to the Algarve in May?
Find out if this is the right destination for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, attractions and events.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Going to the Algarve in May: quick answers
Is the weather nice in the Algarve in May? Is this a good time to visit?
We particularly recommend the Algarve in May, as the weather is summery with warm temperatures between 19°C and 23°C. You’ll enjoy around 10h of sunshine a day and only 2 days of rain on average. The sea is warming up, the beaches are getting livelier but still pleasant, and prices are still moderate before the high season. This is one of the most pleasant times to visit the region.
But the water is not as warm as in summer.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Algarve
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in the Algarve
- Our favorite: Hotel Palmares Signature Apartments
Select by hotel type:
- Best hotels
- 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Best boutique hotels (coming soon)
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Lagos
- Best hotels in Portimao
- Best hotels in Albufeira
- Best hotels in Faro
- Best hotels in Tavira (coming soon)
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Algarve
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in the Algarve
- Our favorite: Hotel Palmares Signature Apartments
Select by hotel type:
- Best hotels
- 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Best boutique hotels (coming soon)
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Lagos
- Best hotels in Portimao
- Best hotels in Albufeira
- Best hotels in Faro
- Best hotels in Tavira (coming soon)
Travelling to the Algarve in May: summary of conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are very pleasant. The thermometer displays an average of 19°C (66°F) to 23°C (73°F). Days are warm and sunny, with mild evenings perfect for al fresco dining.
Water temperatures
At this time of year, the water temperature in the Algarve varies between 18°C (64°F) and 19°C (66°F). The ocean becomes more inviting and swimming is pleasant.
Crowds and prizes
May marks the end of the mid-season. Tourists are more numerous, but the atmosphere remains pleasant. Prices are gradually rising, but remain below summer levels.
Opening conditions
All tourist infrastructures are fully operational. The beaches are fully equipped, and the restaurants and beach bars are all open.
Day
Daylight hours are long, with around 14h between sunrise and sunset (between 7am and 9pm).
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Portugal a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you would like to be informed when our guide to Portugal is published, please register:
Best attractions in the Algarve in May
May is the perfect time to enjoy a wide range of activities:
- Warming beaches like Praia da Marinha
- Take a boat trip along the coast: Rio Formosa, Caves, Dolphins…
- Visit historic cities such as Lagos and Tavira
- Hike the coastal paths before the hot weather sets in
- Discover Faro’s old town
- Birdwatching in the Ria Formosa
- Playing golf in perfect conditions
- Explore the hinterland and its typical villages
- Kayaking along the cliffs
See our list of the best attractions in the Algarve.
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
Climate in the Algarve in May – weather forecast
The climate becomes summery with very stable conditions.
On the coast
Along the coast, from Lagos to Tavira, the climate is warm and sunny. Precipitation is very rare, with around 2 days of rain a month. Temperatures are perfect for beach and water activities.
Inland
Inland, temperatures are slightly higher, but still pleasant. Conditions are ideal for exploring and hiking before the intense heat of summer.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
May temperatures in the Algarve
Temperature in Lagos
- 22°C (72°F) on average
- Maximum: 23°C (73°F)
- Minimum: 15°C (59°F)
Temperature in Portimão
- 22°C (72°F) on average
- Maximum: 23°C (73°F)
- Minimum: 15°C (59°F)
Weather in Albufeira
- 22°C (72°F) on average
- Maximum: 23°C (73°F)
- Minimum: 16°C (61°F)
Temperature in Faro
- 23°C (73°F) on average
- Maximum: 24°C (75°F)
- Minimum: 16°C (61°F)
Temperature in Tavira
- 22°C (72°F) on average
- Maximum: 23°C (73°F)
- Minimum: 15°C (59°F)
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Portugal a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you would like to be informed when our guide to Portugal is published, please register:
Rain and Wind
Precipitation is very low in May:
- Rainfall in Lagos: 20mm
(on average 2 days) - Amount of rain in Portimão: 15mm
(on average 2 days) - Amount of rain in Albufeira: 15mm
(over 1-2 days on average) - Amount of rain in Faro: 15mm
(over 1-2 days on average) - Amount of rain in Tavira: 20mm
(on average 2 days)
Winds are light to moderate, creating perfect conditions for nautical activities.
Sunshine
May offers around 10h of sunshine a day. The skies are generally clear and bright. The days are long and sunny.
Water temperature – swimming in the Algarve in May
The ocean is becoming more welcoming, but not yet warm:
- Lagos water temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Water temperature in Portimão: 18°C (64°F)
- Water temperature in Albufeira: 18°C (64°F)
- Water temperature in Faro: 19°C (66°F)
- Water temperature in Tavira: 18°C (64°F)
Crowds and other conditions
May sees a gradual increase in the number of visitors:
- Busier but still pleasant tourist sites
- Prices up but still reasonable
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants
- Lively atmosphere in coastal towns
- Beaches starting to come alive
- Perfect conditions for all activities
May events in the Algarve
May is a little less eventful
- Rally Portugal: Leg of the World Rally Championship
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Prix au mois de mai
Les prix augmentent mais restent attractifs:
- Cheaper flights than in summer, even if prices rise during long weekends and public holidays in Europe
- Mid-priced accommodation (-10 to -20%)
Other months
When to go to the Algarve, other months…
- Algarve in January (coming soon)
- Algarve in February (coming soon)
- Algarve in March (coming soon)
- Algarve in April (coming soon)
- Algarve in May (coming soon)
- Algarve in June (coming soon)
- Algarve in July (coming soon)
- Algarve in August (coming soon)
- Algarve in September (coming soon)
- Algarve in October (coming soon)
- Algarve in November (coming soon)
- Algarve in December (coming soon)
And our full article: when to go to the Algarve.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
How many days?
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
How many days?
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Claire
