What's the weather like in Alvor in October?
Temperature
Beautiful and warm October marks the beginning of a mild and temperate autumn on this site of the North Atlantic Ocean. The average temperature drops to 19°C (66°F), a shift felt most towards the third and fourth week of the month. The first couple of weeks will experience warmer high averages of 22°C, but the nights will also cool down to 16°C. It's not a steep drop, as the lower end will be reached throughout the second half of the month. Humidity will go up to 75% on average, but the dew points won't exceed 19°C, and thus it won't be uncomfortable.
Sunshine Hours
The days get shorter, but there is still up to 9 hours of sunshine expected per day and an encouraging 32% chance of sunny days to occur. Chances of cloudy days slowly increase to 14% on average, and chances of rain go up to 25%, which makes October seem like a balanced and predominantly sunny month for a holiday in Portugal's southernmost tip.
Rain
Rainfall is expected to reach about 64mm on average, spread over a total of 10 days throughout the month precipitation will thus be moderate towards reduced in the first part of October, and then slowly increasing as November draws near.
Wind
Wind speed is reduced to an average 3.5m/s, and chances of windy days are even lower at 18% on average, making October one of the least windy months of the year. Most will be north-eastern currents, coastal and Mediterranean influences which contribute to October's mild temper. Night time and the second half of the month will experience more of the northern chilly winds.
Sea Temperature
The magnificent Atlantic Ocean maintains a decent temperature of 20°C (68°F), which makes it perfectly fine for swimming on the hotter days of the month, particularly if you don't mind the after-chill.
Hotels in Alvor in October
Prainha Clube
Surrounded by 20 acres of splendid and lush gardens, the delightful Prainha Clube offers studios for just £37 per night for couples during this month. The units are fully furnished and feature air conditioning, flat screen TV and modern equipped kitchenettes. The balconies overlook the gardens and the ocean, and there is also an on-site supermarket for the guests' convenience.
The complex also holds a snack bar, 4 fine dining restaurants, a tennis court and a sauna, the latter which also features a traditional Turkish bath. So if you're looking to spoil yourself at great value for money, this is where you need to stay.
Cascade Wellness and Lifestyle Resort
The Cascade Wellness and Lifestyle Resort is another good place to try this month. This stunning property has with posh gardens and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its self-serviced apartments go for £108 per night, and they are stylishly decorated and fitted with air conditioning, plush lounge area, fully equipped kitchen and flat screen TV.
If you are going to catch some rain during October, you might as well have a great degree of comfort and entertainment to help pass the time. The resort inspired its room design from four different continents, inspired by explorations of the great Portuguese navigators of past centuries, and it also holds a restaurant which specializes in traditional dishes from the Algarve area.
Morgado Golf & Country Club
For £67 per night, you can book yourself into a lovely double room at the 4-star Morgado Golf & Country Club, a sumptuous complex which features four outdoor swimming pools, a fine dining restaurant and two 18-hole golf courses surrounding the property. The suites are fitted with air conditioning and flat screen TVs, and their spacious balconies overlook the superb Monchique Mountain. Two outdoor pools and a wide sun deck are perfect for the sunny days, and the Golf Academy offers both equipment rental and group lessons.
Beaches in Alvor in October
Meia Praia
While the days meant for sunbathing and swimming are substantially reduced, as opposed to previous months, you can still enjoy some very good times at the beach. In fact, the water is still warm enough and the tides bold, so you can also give surfing a shot. Meia Praia is an excellent beach, one of the best that Alvor has to offer. It starts from the Lagos Marina and it stretches in glorious dunes of golden sand all the way to the river's mouth. The peak hours are the best for water sports, and the shallow water entrance is perfect for amateur surfers and swimmers.
Bars and Restaurants
O Chefe Joao
Alvor has plenty of delicious Algarve specialities to offer, and it's hard to find a restaurant here that doesn't make great Portuguese food. A small but great place is O Chefe Joao, best known for the indoor grill, strategically placed in front of the restaurant window, for the whole world to see just how the meats and seafood are cooked in real time.
The menu is quite varied and filled with local flavours, and the wine list perfectly complements pretty much any dish that you may choose. The atmosphere is great and the service, above all, is known to be friendly and very professional.
Canico
You have to see it in order to believe just how wonderful Canico is. It's one of Alvor's most precious restaurants; a hidden gem nestled between cliffs, overlooking the ocean and taking the breath away from anyone who sets foot inside.
The menu is carefully put together by specialist chefs, compiled with locally sourced ingredients, sprinkled with Portuguese characters and flavours, and the wine list is also very impressive. You might want to try booking a table before going there, because it tends to get very busy even in the off-season.
Bar Havana
On top of a small bank on the ocean outskirts of Alvor, resting peacefully by the waters is Bar Havana (Sancho Panca). This is a buzzing little bar, perfect for that late afternoon drink. Grab a chair, sit back and relax while watching the world and fishing boats go by, and simply get immersed into the town's wonderful and peaceful atmosphere. Grab a beer or two, and don't be surprised if people will want to join you in conversation there's a lot to talk about just by looking out at the ocean.
Things to Do in Alvor in October
Tavira Saltpan Tours
October is the perfect time to go and explore the famous Tavira saltpans. This region of the Algarve is renowned worldwide for its fine and high quality salt production, and the culture developed around this trade and process is very much alive and active these days. Go on a Walking Tour through the Tavira Saltpans and learn more about the history of the "white gold", one of Portugal's most precious commodities.
You'll get to walk along the Ria Formosa and take in the abundance of stunning natural beauty, and you'll even get to observe some of the Algarve's rare and precious feathered residents, including the Kentish plover, the black-winged stilt and the famous flamingo.
Governor's Castle
With the weather so mild and generally dry, you can thoroughly enjoy trips around Alvor as well. You must visit the neighbouring town of Lagos, and explore its historical centre. Have a look at the Governor's Castle and the Slave Market, two of the region's most important pieces of cultural heritage a grim history, but one worth knowing. The Castle itself is situated near St Goncalo's Gate, and is a superb example of Arab architecture and craftsmanship, repeatedly rebuilt over the centuries for the purpose of conservation.
