Faro, with its rich heritage, friendly atmosphere and mild weather, is the perfect destination to explore in winter. You’ll discover the city in a calm , intimate atmosphere, far from the summer crowds. With its pleasant temperatures and often sunny days, it’s the ideal time to discover the heritage and history of the Algarve’s capital. And why not celebrate the festive season?
Here are our tips for discovering Faro in winter: activities, weather, temperatures… And also some information for spending Christmas or New Year’s Eve here.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Faro in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
Visiting Faro in winter is an enriching experience that allows you to discover this charming Portuguese city from a different angle. Far from the summer crowds, Faro reveals its authenticity and natural beauty in a peaceful atmosphere.
We think winter, with its mild temperatures and sunny days, offers ideal conditions for exploring its historic streets, the Ria Formosa Natural Park and walking along the beautiful Faro Beach. It’s the perfect time to enjoy local gastronomy in restaurants without the hustle and bustle of the summer months. Monuments such as Faro Cathedral, or La Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) are all the more enjoyable when less crowded. For the festive season, Faro lights up with fairy lights. It’s a chance to sample local specialities while admiring the festive atmosphere.
Book now your guided tour of Faro with food tour included!
WHERE TO STAY IN Faro
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Our selection coming soon
Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection coming soon
Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection coming soon
Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Faro (coming soon)
Benefits
- Fewer crowds in tourist areas
- Pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor walks
- Accommodation rates often reduced
- A festive atmosphere during the Christmas season
- An off-season visit allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and daily life of the inhabitants.
- Even in winter, you can enjoy a stroll along Faro beach on sunny days.
Disadvantages
- Some attractions may have reduced opening hours
- Risk of occasional rain
- Days are shorter, limiting exploration time
- Temperatures can be cool in the evenings, so bring warm clothing.
- Fewer outdoor events than during the summer season
- Some gardens and green spaces are less flowery than in spring
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- 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)
Weather, temperatures and conditions
Winter in Faro is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C. The days are often sunny, with clear skies highlighting the coastal landscape. Precipitation is relatively low, with a few days of rain per month. Nights can be cool, but rarely freezing. This mild weather allows us to enjoy outdoor activities and natural landscapes, while avoiding the oppressive heat of summer.
Things to do in Faro in winter
Here are a few suggestions for activities you won’t want to miss:
- Visit Sé Catedral De Faro
- Explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park – book your boat trip now
- Get lost in the narrow streets of the old town – book now your guided tour of Faro with food tour included
- Discover its museums, including the Paço Episcopal and the Regional Museum of the Algarve
- Walking along Faro Beach on a sunny day
To find out more, read our article on what to do in Faro!
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How to get to Faro
You can reach Faro by train from other major cities in Portugal and Spain, including Lisbon (3h30) and Sevilla (3h). You can book your tickets on the Combios website here. To get to Faro station from the city center, we recommend walking or taking the bus.
Faro airport is served by major European cities, including Paris, London, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Dublin.
Faro is easily accessible by car, with major highways such as the A22, N125 and N2.
Christmas in Faro
During Christmas, Faro lights up and takes on a warm, festive atmosphere. The Christmas market, located in the city center, offers a variety of local crafts and culinary specialties. Illuminations decorate the streets, creating an enchanting setting for visitors. Live nativity scenes and traditional music concerts add an authentic touch to the celebrations. We recommend you try the bolo-rei or empanadilhas while enjoying the warm atmosphere of the city.
After visiting the market, you can explore Faro’s emblematic monuments, such as Sé Catedral De Faro and Arco da Vila, just a few minutes’ walk away. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas while discovering the city’s rich historical heritage!
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
New Year’s Eve in Faro
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Faro is a memorable event that combines tradition and festivity. The evening often begins with a festive dinner in one of the many seaside restaurants. At midnight, it’s customary to taste 12 raisins to the rhythm of the 12 strokes of midnight to attract good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The main square becomes the focal point of the celebrations, where residents gather to celebrate together. After midnight, the party continues in the lively bars and clubs of the city center. The next day, we recommend a hot chocolate with Pastéis de Nata to get the New Year off to a good start.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages (coming soon)
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)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in the Algarve (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha (coming soon)
Things to do in Lagos (coming soon)
Things to do in Portimao (coming soon)
Things to do in Albufeira (coming soon)
Things to do in Faro (coming soon)
