Mild Winter in the Algarve
Surf season, golf, whale watching, and the lowest prices
November – early January
Mild Winter at a glance
Averages across 2 months, computed from 1995-2024 climate data, accommodation pricing, and tourism records.
17° / 13°C
High / Low
8.5h
Sunshine / day
18°C
Sea temperature
81mm
Rainfall (8 days)
€94
Avg nightly rate
Quiet
Crowd level
10h
Daylight
72/100
Golf playability
Why visit in Mild Winter
- Best surf season on the west coast (big Atlantic swells)
- Comfortable golf weather (15–17°C, usually dry)
- Lowest prices of the year — 40–60% below summer
- Quiet old towns, Christmas markets, local atmosphere
Watch for
- Wettest months — November and December get the most rain
- Short days (sunset ~5:15pm in December)
- Many beach bars and seasonal services closed
- Sea too cold for most swimmers (16–17°C)
Top activities in Mild Winter
Surfing
Golf
Whale watching
Christmas markets
Hiking
Best bases for Mild Winter
Municipalities that suit this season's character.
Quietest beaches in Mild Winter
Based on estimated crowding data for November, December.
Praia da Carriagem
Wild Beach
3/100 crowds
Aljezur
View beach
Praia do Vale dos Homens
Wild Beach
4/100 crowds
Aljezur
View beach
Praia das Adegas
Wild Beach
4/100 crowds
Aljezur
View beach
Ilha da Culatra
Island Beach
5/100 crowds
Olhão
View beach
Praia da Barriga
Wild Beach
5/100 crowds
Vila do Bispo
View beach
Best sunset beaches in Mild Winter
Ranked by how directly the sunset hits the beach during November, December.
Praia do Tonel
94/100 alignment
Faces W (250°)
Surf Beach
View beach
Praia do Beliche
69/100 alignment
Faces SW (225°)
Surf Beach
View beach
Praia da Ponta Ruiva
60/100 alignment
Faces W (273°)
Surf Beach
View beach
Praia da Baleeira
58/100 alignment
Faces SW (225°)
Village Beach
View beach
Praia da Barriga
58/100 alignment
Faces W (274°)
Wild Beach
View beach
Month by month
How each month of Mild Winter compares — from 1995-2024 climate data.