What's the weather like in Alvor in November?
Temperature
The end of autumn brings along a little bit of cold, a little bit more precipitation but also a significant amount of sunshine. The average temperature is 16°C (60°F), which is a significant drop from the previous month of October, but the high averages are still expected to reach 19°C on the sunnier days of the month. The nights are quite crisp at 13°C, and the humidity is a bit high at 80% with non-oppressive dew points.
Sunshine Hours
The days get even shorter, with up 8 hours of sunshine, and chances of full-on sunny days are constant at 33% on average.
Rain
Chances of rain are also significant at 28% and chances of cloudy days are still non-intrusive at 16% on average, which overall translates into yet another mild and moderate autumn month, with a balanced display of chilly sunshine, some clouds here and there and a healthy amount of precipitation. Rainfall reaches 85mm on average, spread over the course of 12 days be warned this is the wettest month of the year, so check the forecast!
Wind
Chances of windy days are quite low at 19% but the wind speeds pick up the pace, reaching averages of 4.2m/s. Most of them are now mild north-eastern Mediterranean winds and colder northern gusts from the mountain sides. The tides are high and the waters will tend to get choppy towards the third and fourth week of the month, keeping the fishing and leisure boats busy while manoeuvring across the North Atlantic Ocean.
Sea Temperature
The water temperature is still quite bearable, although significantly cooler at 19°C (67°F). While we do not recommend swimming with the weather no longer hot and summery, surf aficionados can still take advantage of the high waves and have some fun, provided that the water isn't too cold at this temperature, and that neoprene is involved as well.
Hotels in Alvor in November
Apartamento Prime Mar
Apartamento Prime Mar offers delightful suites for just £36 per night for couples during the month of November, and it's only a 15-minute drive from Portimao and its bustling marina. Each unit features a bedroom and en suite bathroom, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV and a balcony overlooking the splendid Atlantic Ocean. The complex is surrounded by great restaurants and shops to browse through, and it's a 10-minute drive from the popular and superb Rocha Beach.
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort has beautiful self-serviced studios for £83 per night for couples. This 3-star accommodation overlooks the splendid sandy beaches of Porto de Mos, and it features a very trendy spa, as well as an outdoor pool. The bright and stylish units feature a fully equipped kitchenette, a plush sofa lounge, flat screen TV and stunning views of the ocean or gardens. All you need to do is check in and simply enjoy the wide variety of beauty and spa treatments, the Turkish bath, the sauna and the wicked fitness centre available on site.
Hotel Marina Rio's
Hotel Marina Rio's splendid double and twin rooms go for £51 per night in November, and it's a very good deal, considering this is a 4-star resort which certainly enjoys spoiling its guests. The complex features a heated rooftop pool with views of the marina, framed by luscious palm trees. The modern rooms are fitted with air conditioning, flat screen TV and en suite bathroom. Aside from the breakfast, which is included in the price, you will also have access to a sumptuous TV lounge and games room, both equally delightful to use when the weather isn't at its very best.
Beaches in Alvor in November
Alvor's Main Beach
November is not the best time for beach activities in Alvor, as the weather turns slightly continental and not warm enough to entertain more tropical endeavours. But you can still go out to Alvor's main beach for a very long walk along the shoreline, and marvel at the fine sandy blanket at your feet, or the rock giants rumbling out onto the ocean and towering over the beach. The winds are quite strong, and the tides are high, so you'll also get a chance to admire waves crashing against the rocks, with foamy edges and a promise of winter. When the sun is out, you can easily settle on a blanket and enjoy a picnic out in the fresh air.
Bars and Restaurants
Barca De Alvor
A great little local place to try out is Barca De Alvor, a delightful little Portuguese café hidden between two modern venues. The décor is simple and has a homely feel to it, with chair and tables setting a traditional tone. The food is absolutely delicious, and it gets incredibly busy at breakfast time, as they offer a wonderful selection of hot sandwiches, omelettes and Portuguese pastries to go with your smooth coffee or tea.
Silmar Cafe & Restaurant
The Silmar Café & Restaurant stands calm and serene in the square, watching the world go by every day. There's live music playing here every evening, when touring musicians setup in the corner and start fiddling with their instruments. You can sit back and enjoy a snack or a drink, or you can simply immerse yourself into the authentic Portuguese cuisine by going for a full meal. The menu will not disappoint you and the staff are very friendly and professional.
Paddy's Bar
Paddy's Bar is one of the first pubs to open up in the Algarve, and certainly a pioneer of the genre in Alvor. As expected from a respectable bar, Paddy's loves to treat its customers with draught ales and stouts, delicious homemade food and plenty of sports to watch on TV, when there isn't live music playing anyway. The atmosphere is wonderful and the place welcomes both locals and tourists with much warmth and hospitality.
Things to Do in Alvor in November
Bus Tour around Albufeira
One of the best ways to see the whole of the beautiful Albufeira is by taking the 24/96 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. The tickets have an option of validity for either 24 hours or 4 days, giving you great flexibility when planning your tours and excursions around Alvor, and all the bus stops are strategically placed in close vicinity to some of the best landmarks of the Algarve.
Fisherman's Beach
Albufeira has much to offer in terms of history, culture and beaches, and the shops are a pleasure to browse through. You'll definitely get to wander through the popular tunnel and see the Bell Tower, and you can even go through the old castle and make your way down to Fisherman's Beach. The bus will take you to the old town, and from there you can go exploring wherever your map takes you.
Quinta Dos Vales
Late autumn is still warm and mild, and thus a perfect time to visit some of the local wine makers. Quinta Dos Vales can be found near Lagos, and is one of Portugal's leading wine producers, bearing many awards under the belt. The vineyards unravel gracefully over 18 hectares, the youngest saplings dating back to the late 1990s.
You can take a walk around its splendid gardens, and admire its unique and quirky sculpture collection, or you can visit the farm animals and get a taste of the countryside life. You most certainly have to take one of the guided wine tasting tours, as they also include delicious tapas, and even an option for lunch or dinner, taking place in charming rustic parts of the wine maker's venue.
