What's the Weather like in Algarve in September
September is a good time of year to visit the Algarve region for reliably dry sunny weather and warm sea temperatures, minus the intense heat that sometimes characterises the summer months. The average daytime temperature at the capital of the Algarve, Faro, is 27°C, and the temperature falls to 18°C on average overnight. However, heatwaves still crop up occasionally and temperatures above 35°C are occasionally reported early in the month.
Temperature
The warm season in the Algarve usually lasts from June 23rd until September 14th where average temperatures can reach a hot 26°C. The overall average temperature in September at this time of year is around 23°C. However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 30°C at this time of year. September is often a quieter month for tourists compared to July and August as it is out of the peak season.
Rain
Rainfall is rare during September, particularly near the coast, but it is less rare than during July and August, and when it does crop up it is often heavy, thundery and short-lived. At Faro there are 3 days with measurable rain per September on average, with an average monthly total of 23mm.
Precipitation at this time of year is higher compared to July and August, where rainfall is least likely out of the whole year during these two months. Throughout September the most common forms of precipitation are moderate rain, light rain and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms may occur but this is only 4% likely and is most likely to occur around September 30th, leading into October. But bare in mind precipitation at this time of year is only 15% to 20% likely so you are pretty much guaranteed sunny weather if you choose to stay in the Algarve during September.
Humidity
During September the relative humidity ranges from a comfortable 48% to a very humid 93%. Over the course of the month the humidity levels rarely drop below 31%. Humidity levels are usually lowest when the temperatures rise, so generally at this time of year they are more comfortable. The air is driest around September 1st at which time the relative humidity can drop below 58%. The most humid day is usually around September 28th where humidity levels can rise above a very humid 88%.
The dew point is often a better way to measure how comfortable you will find the weather at this time of year than relative humidity because it directly relates to whether perspiration will evaporate from the skin. Overall, lower dew points feel a lot drier and higher dew points may feel more humid. Throughout September, the dew point generally ranges from a very comfortable 12°C to a muggy 19°C.
Wind
During September typical wind speeds vary from 0 m/s to 6 m/s, which is a calm to moderate breeze, rarely exceeding 9 m/s. The highest average wind speed at this time of year occurs on September 16th at just 3 m/s. At this time of year the wind is most likely coming from a westerly direction. Usually, the windiest month of the year is April, where wind speeds can reach 8 m/s on a bad day.
Throughout the month of September the sky is relatively clear. A median cloud cover ranges from a mostly clear 11% to 26%. The clearest day of the month is September 1st which is clear to partly cloudy 79% of the time. However, the cloudiest day of the month is September 30th which is clear at least 31% of the time.
Sunshine
September boasts an average of 273 hours of bright sunshine at Faro which amounts to just over nine hours per day. However, the length of day is gradually starting to decrease in September compared to July and August. From the start to the end of the month the length of day in total decreases by 1:07 hours. Furthermore, the shortest day of the month is September 30th with just under 12 hours of daylight, however the longest day of the month if September 1st with 12:57 hours of daylight.
Sea Temperatures
The sea temperature off the coastline is at its warmest during August and September, peaking at around 21°C on average, compared to February where average sea temperatures stay at a cool 14°C throughout the month, so this is a great time of year to try swimming or diving off the Atlantic coastline.
Hotels for Algarve in September
Alfagar II Aparthotel
There is a wide choice of good accommodation in the Algarve. The Alfagar II Aparthotel, at Santa Eulalia, Albufeira, is a good family-friendly option, and it contains a water slide (particularly good for keeping children entertained) and swimming pools and restaurants.
Romantik Hotel Vivenda Miranda
Couples interested in a romantic retreat can consider the Romantik Hotel Vivenda Miranda, situated at Porto de Mos, Lagos, which is also just five minutes' walk away from the nearest beach.
Beaches for September for Algarve
September is a good time of year to visit the Algarve's many beaches, for the weather is still generally reliable, and the region is less crammed with tourists at this time of year than it is during July and August.
Praia la Luz
Praia la Luz is a pleasant beach for relaxing and sunbathing, while it also enjoys close proximity to supermarkets and restaurants, making it ideal for a prolonged stay.
Praia Dona Ana
Praia Dona Ana, near Lagos, is good for walking and hiking around as it contains spectacular scenery and some good routes, though beware of walking too close to the edge of the cliffs, as they are in the process of eroding and occasionally crumble.
Arrifana Beach
Arrifana Beachis another popular option for September. This is a Blue Flag beach protected by large cliffs, which gives it some protection from the Atlantic Ocean.
Praia Gale
Also, if you are here on a family holiday you may want to spend the day at Praia Gale which is a small golden sand beach that offers soft sands and calm waters, suitable for young children.
Restaurants and Bars for Algarve in September
The Algarve boasts numerous good restaurants, and most tastes are well catered for.
Oiliveira Dourada
The Oiliveira Dourada restaurant at Sitio de Conseguinte, Vilamoura, is a family-run restaurant which serves mainly local Portuguese cuisine, although some international options are also served.
Kiss Discoclub
A good nightclub is Kiss Club at rua Vasco da Gama, Albufeira, which has a good disco and is ideal for dancing and partying to music in through the night.
Things to Do in Algarve in September
Alvor Boat Trips
Since the weather is generally reliable during September, and not as hot as in July and August, September is a good time to try a sailing trip. At the resort of Alvor, they offer a wide range of boat trips and fishing trips, free transport is provided from your choice of hotel.
Another good option is Trignana Sailing Adventures, also based at Alvor Harbour, and these trips also offer opportunities for fishing.
Boat tours Ria Formkoisa
Those who would like to sail to islands off the coastline can try Boat Tours Ria Formkoisa, which offer regular afternoon tours to three islands off the coastline, and bird watching, fishing and snorkelling opportunities are offered.
Vilamoura Old Course
September is also a good time to try out one of the Algarve's many and varied golf courses, and the Vilamoura area is particularly well served. Many of the region's best golf courses are provided by Oceanico of which one of the best-received is theVilamoura Old Course at Vilamoura, regarded as challenging and well-maintained. The company offers deals on club and buggy hire.
San Lorenzo Golf Course
San Lorenzo Golf Course at Vale Do Lobo, Le Meridien Hotel, Almancil, which has won awards for its quality and provides options for renting buggies and golf clubs, a driving range, putting and chipping greens, and a fully-featured 18-hole golf course.
Lesters Golf
For those who would rather get some training in order to help them to become better golfers, and then try out their improved skills on the above golf courses, Lesters Golf at Vilamoura offers numerous good training courses.
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