What's the weather like in the Algarve in November?
The hills behind Monchique smell of wet earth and wild mushrooms. Down on the coast, the cliffs have the beaches to themselves most mornings, and the light has that low, golden quality that makes the limestone glow. November is when the Algarve exhales after the long tourist season and becomes a quieter, greener, more local place.
You'll get days that feel like a mild October — jacket off by 11am, lunch on a sunny terrace, a walk along empty clifftop paths. You'll also get proper Atlantic rain, the kind that drums on the roof and fills the dry riverbeds overnight. The trick with November is accepting both: pack for the rain, plan for the sun, and you'll find a version of the Algarve most visitors never see.
Temperature
By late morning on a clear day, sheltered spots along the south coast still feel warm enough for a coffee outside without layering up. The sun sits lower than in October, which means shade is noticeably colder, and the difference between a south-facing terrace and a north-facing one is significant. After about 5pm the temperature drops quickly, and evenings need a proper jacket and a layer underneath.
The west coast around Sagres and Aljezur runs cooler with more wind exposure. Inland around Monchique, the altitude adds a proper chill: mornings can dip close to single figures, and frost is possible on the highest ground. The eastern Algarve around Tavira tends to be the mildest and most sheltered.
Sunshine and rainfall
On dry days, useful daylight runs from about 7:30am to 5:30pm. The mornings often start clear and crisp, and the quality of the light is excellent for photography and walking. You won't burn easily, but the sun can still catch you out if you spend a full day outside.
This is one of the wettest months, alongside December. The rain arrives as Atlantic fronts that blow through in a day or two, not as weeks of grey drizzle. A morning of heavy showers can give way to a vivid blue afternoon. Check the hourly forecast rather than writing off a day, and you'll usually find enough dry hours to get out.
Sea temperature and swimming
The water has dropped since October, and for most visitors this is no longer a swimming month. A quick dip on a sunny day is still possible on sheltered south coast beaches, but the experience is brisk rather than comfortable. You won't want to linger.
Surfers have the coast largely to themselves. The Atlantic swells are consistent and powerful, and the west coast breaks are firing. Praia do Amado picks up the most reliable swell, and Praia de Arrifana offers both a beach break and a quality right-hand point. A 4/3mm wetsuit is essential. Surf schools in Sagres and Aljezur run through the winter for anyone wanting to learn in uncrowded conditions.
Wind and conditions
Atlantic fronts dominate the weather pattern, arriving from the west every few days. These bring rain, gusty winds, and occasionally rough seas along the west coast. Between fronts, conditions can settle into calm, still days with barely a breeze.
The Nortada has shut down for the winter, and Levante episodes are uncommon. When it's not raining, the air tends to be still and mild. Coastal walks, golf, and cycling are comfortable on any dry day. Exposed clifftop paths on the west coast can be gusty when a front approaches, so check conditions before heading to Sagres or the Vicentine coast.
What to pack for November in the Algarve
- A waterproof coat that can handle genuine rain, not just a light shell
- Warm layers: fleece or jumper, long-sleeve shirts, a scarf for evenings
- Sturdy walking shoes with grip for wet trails
- Sunglasses for the low winter sun, which is brighter than you'd expect
- An umbrella for town (less useful on the coast where wind takes it)
- Light trousers and a mix of T-shirts for warmer midday hours
Events and seasonal highlights
The Feira de Santa Iria in Faro is one of the Algarve's oldest traditional fairs, typically running for around ten days in November. It fills the waterfront area with market stalls, amusement rides, and food vendors selling roasted chestnuts and local sweets. It's not a tourist event — it's the kind of fair that Portuguese families have been attending for generations.
Mushroom season peaks in the hills around Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirão. After the first rains, foragers head into the cork oak and chestnut woods for wild boletus and other species. Some restaurants in the area put seasonal mushroom dishes on the menu.
Birdwatching is excellent. Overwintering species arrive at the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Castro Marim salt pans, including flamingos, spoonbills, and waders. Early mornings on the lagoon trails are the most rewarding.
Why visit the Algarve in November?
November is for people who want the Algarve without the performance. Accommodation is at its cheapest, restaurants welcome walk-ins everywhere, and you'll have popular trails and beaches almost entirely to yourself. Golfers get the best deal of the year: green fees at a fraction of peak rates, courses in good condition after the first rains, and no waiting on the tee.
The honest downsides: days are short, the sea is cold, and rain will interrupt your plans at least a couple of times. Some seasonal beach restaurants and water sports operators close from November until spring. Evenings are cool enough that outdoor dining becomes a lunchtime activity rather than an evening one. If you need warm swimming and long sunny days, this is not your month.
For hikers, surfers, golfers, birdwatchers, and anyone who values quiet over sunshine, November is genuinely one of the best months. The countryside is coming back to life after the summer drought, the coastal trails are lush and uncrowded, and the Algarve feels like a place rather than a destination.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit the Algarve?
Yes, if you value quiet, low prices, and mild weather over beach days and guaranteed sunshine. It's one of the best months for hiking, golf, and surfing. Expect some rain, but also plenty of bright, pleasant days between the showers.
How warm is the Algarve in November?
Daytime temperatures typically reach the high teens on clear days. In direct sun and out of the wind, it feels warmer, and you can comfortably eat lunch outside on a south-facing terrace. Mornings and evenings are cool, usually around 12°C, so bring layers.
Does it rain much in November?
November is one of the wetter months, but the rain comes in distinct episodes rather than constant drizzle. A day or two of showers is typically followed by several dry, sunny days. A waterproof jacket is essential, but rain rarely ruins more than a few hours at a time.
Can I swim in the Algarve in November?
The sea is around 18°C, which most people find too cold for extended swimming. Quick dips on sunny days at sheltered south coast beaches are possible but brisk. Surfers in wetsuits have excellent conditions on the west coast.
Are restaurants and attractions open in November?
Most restaurants in towns like Faro, Lagos, and Tavira stay open year-round. Some seasonal beach bars and water sports operators close from November until spring. Major attractions remain open, often with quieter winter schedules.
Can I play golf in the Algarve in November?
November is one of the best value months for Algarve golf. Courses are in good shape after the first autumn rains, green fees are significantly reduced, and you'll rarely need to book far in advance. Rain may interrupt a round occasionally, but dry days are comfortable and pleasant.
Is November good for hiking in the Algarve?
Excellent. The cooler temperatures and reviving landscape make November one of the most comfortable months for walking. Coastal paths are uncrowded, and the inland hills around Monchique are particularly rewarding after the rains bring everything back to green.
What is the surf like in November?
The west coast receives consistent, powerful Atlantic swells throughout November. Breaks like Amado and Arrifana are at their best, with virtually empty line-ups. Water temperature requires a 4/3mm wetsuit. Several surf schools in Sagres and Aljezur operate year-round.
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