What's the weather like in Alvor in September?
Temperature
The last month of summer doesn't disappoint in these parts of Portugal. September brings nothing but sunshine and comfortable heat to Alvor, and the average temperature is a mild and wonderful 22⁰C (71⁰F), slightly lower than August but equally enjoyable. The nights are warm and still refreshing at a low average of 18⁰C, while the hotter days are expected to reach 26⁰C. Humidity goes up a little, steady at 70% with non-oppressive dew points, making in a pleasure to spend a late summer holiday in the breath-taking Algarve.
Sunshine Hours
The days are slightly shorter though, with up to 10 hours of sunshine, so you'll definitely want to take advantage of the day time and completely bask in the sunshine. Chances of full-on bright and sunny days are high at 50% on average, so you'll have plenty of it. However don't forget to pack some SPF lotion September may be slightly milder, but the sun will still affect the overexposed and unprotected skin.
Rain
Chances of rain are still significantly low at 11% on average, and chances of clouds hang at 5%, basically translating into yet another month with clear blue skies and summer heat. Rainfall is not expected to exceed 9mm on average, spread over a total of 3-4 days, and thus bringing nothing but 5-minute showers every other afternoon or so.
Wind
Wind speeds are low at 3.5m/s but still bold enough to stretch a sail and raise a tide here and there along the rocky coast line. Chances of windy days are still low at 10% on average, and most of these currents are still predominantly southern, from the North African territories, and south-eastern from the Mediterranean. However towards the third and fourth week of September, some cooler Atlantic winds will start making their presence felt from the west.
Sea Temperature
The ocean maintains an excellent temperature of 21⁰C (70⁰F), still perfect for swimming, snorkelling and many other aquatic activities.
Hotels in Alvor in September
Estrela Do Mar Low Cost
For £37 per night, you can get yourself a beachside studio at the lovely Estrela Do Mar Low Cost, a more than affordable accommodation complex, situated just 50 yards from the beach. The units are all self-serviced, and feature air conditioning, flat screen TV, a comfy lounge area and fully equipped kitchenette. They also come fitted with balconies which overlook the garden and the deep blue ocean. You're only 4 miles from the Marina of Portimao and just 2.6 miles away from the beautiful Vau Beach.
Vilamor Apartments
Vilamor Apartments offer modern apartments for just £41 per night for couples during September. All of the suites feature open-plan kitchens with all the cooking equipment you need to have a truly enjoyable holiday without the trouble of rumbling through restaurants for every meal of the day.
The complex is situated in the heart of Alvor, a 5-minute drive from the popular Tres Irmaos Beach, and it also offers a fine restaurant which specializes in Portuguese cuisine, including homemade bread, fresh grilled seafood and consistently spicy stew dishes ready to be served in a casual and comfortable ambience.
Villa Vita
Villa Vita still has twin and double rooms available to book for £301 per night for couples. Don't be surprised by the price, this is a sumptuous and blissfully luxurious 5-star hotel, set on top of a rocky clifftop which overlooks the ultramarine Atlantic Ocean in the charming neighbouring town of Armacao de Pera. This is a cluster of buildings boasting Moorish architecture, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, within walking distance of Vale Do Olival Beach. All of its exquisite and modern suites feature a balcony or a terrace which open up to stunning view of the whitewashed town and the ocean itself.
The outdoor pool is another sight to behold, and the hotel's own spa features four aromatic steam baths, a sauna and numerous massage treatments, as well as a fully equipped fitness centre. A mini golf course and a tennis court are also available on-site, and the 9 upscale restaurants and 5 sleek bars are definitely going to keep you delightfully busy and entertained during your stay.
Beaches in Alvor in September
Praia Do Vau
Further west from the beautiful Praia Do Vau, you can find equally stunning stretches of sand. Meia Praia and Dona Ana can be found in nearby Lagos, only a 20-minute drive from Alvor. Both are charming and clean, with sunbeds and natural shade provided by the rock formations which tower over the ocean itself.
Praia Da Luz, Zavial, and Ingrina
Little hidden gems like Praia Da Luz, Zavial and Ingrina are also worth mentioning little patches of soft sand hidden between giant boulders and opening out to a shallow water entrance in shades of blue and turquoise. The seabed is slightly rockier, making the outer edges great for snorkelling.
Bars and Restaurants
Pizzeria Miss Pasta
Nothing beats a hot afternoon at the beach like a slice of hot oven pizza and a big jug of fresh cold lemonade. Pizzeria Miss Pasta can be found in the splendid Prainha resort, hidden in the lush and manicured gardens near Alvor.
They specialize in rustic oven pizzas and pastas, bringing authentic dough and sauce recipes from across the Mediterranean, straight from the heart of the Italian peninsula. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, the service is excellent and friendly, making this little spot a great choice for both lunch and dinner.
Captain's Table
If you want to surprise your significant other with a romantic dinner out on a terrace, with a stunning view of the North Atlantic Ocean and a crimson sunset, you can head down to the Captain's Table, the top choice for a combination of great food, warm atmosphere and fine wines. This place is best known for its splendid views, which always accompany modern Portuguese dishes and fine local wines.
Canico
Although a lot more peaceful than the vibrant neighbouring Praia da Rocha, and generally more focused on good food and good glass of Porto in the evening, Alvor can still pull out a rabbit or two out of its nightlife hat. One good example is Canico, which can be found in the Prainha resort.
It's a hip and unique beach bar, open every day from 10am, serving delicious Portuguese cuisine with an original and aromatic twist. But at night the place comes into a whole new life, with backlighting from the cliffs and a more than capable DJ on the decks it's party time in Alvor and you definitely want to be a part of the insane fun which always ensues after a couple of well-priced drinks.
Things to Do in Alvor in September
Ria Formosa Natural Park Tour and Birdwatching
Take the Ria Formosa Natural Park Segway Tour and Birdwatching, since you're in Alvor during one of the best months of the year. You'll have the unique opportunity to see some of the Algarve's protected areas during a 1.5-hour Segway tour of this incredible natural park just outside of Faro.
You'll get to spend time watching rare and exotic birds at Ludo, a small reserve near Faro Beach, and it will be time well spent, as the area is a stopping point for hundreds of species of birds during the migratory autumn period. The guides will teach you how to ride your Segway, after which you'll be ready to take on the trails and man-made paths through the woodlands of Ria Formosa.
Thrilling 30-Minute Jet Boat Ride in the Algarve
Another great thing to do while the weather is still hot and the ocean waters warm, is the Thrilling 30-Minute Jet Boat Ride in the Algarve. Dream Wave World make a living out of providing tourists with exciting and adrenalin-packed jet boat rides along the Atlantic Coast of the Algarve. There is no greater feeling that rushing across the waves aboard a horse-powered toy that will give you a half-hour's worth of thrills and sheer excitement. On top of it all, the ride itself will take you far out, from where you'll be able to admire the golden sands and rocky clusters of Alvor's unique shoreline.
