Lagos, on Portugal’s southern Algarve coast, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, the town sees more sun than most European coastal destinations. The Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures, keeping summer highs around 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) rather than the 35°C+ found inland. Sea temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in February to 21°C (70°F) in August and September, making late summer the best time for swimming. Rainfall is concentrated between November and March, with July and August typically seeing zero to 2mm of rain each.
Lagos Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall and Sunshine
Each month in Lagos brings distinct conditions. Here is the breakdown with actual climate normals from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), based on data from the nearby Sagres and Faro stations.
January
Daily highs average 16°C (61°F), lows drop to 8°C (46°F), and the sea sits at 16°C (61°F). January is the second-wettest month with 78mm of rain over roughly 9 rainy days. You get about 5 hours of sunshine daily. Pack a waterproof jacket and a sweater. Many restaurants and boat tour operators close for part of the month, but hotel rates are at their annual low and you will have beaches like Meia Praia almost entirely to yourself.
February
Highs creep up to 16°C (61°F), lows to 9°C (48°F). The sea is at its coldest, 15°C (59°F). Rainfall averages 72mm across 8 rainy days. Sunshine increases to 6 hours a day. February is still quiet, with carnival celebrations in late February or early March bringing brief spikes in visitors. Surf conditions are excellent with consistent Atlantic swells.
March
Spring begins with highs of 18°C (64°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F). Rainfall drops to 48mm over 7 days, and sunshine climbs to 7 hours daily. The sea remains at 15°C (59°F). Wildflowers bloom along the cliff-top trails around Ponta da Piedade. Easter weekend brings the first major tourist wave, with hotel rates ticking upward.
April
Highs reach 19°C (66°F), lows 11°C (52°F). Rainfall falls sharply to 38mm over 6 days, and sunshine hits 8 hours per day. The sea warms slightly to 16°C (61°F). April 25 is Freedom Day, a national holiday with parades. Temperatures are comfortable for hiking the coastal trails and exploring the old town without summer crowds. Hotel rates remain moderate.
May
Highs climb to 22°C (72°F), lows to 13°C (55°F). Rain drops to 22mm over 4 days, and sunshine reaches 10 hours daily. The sea warms to 17°C (63°F), still cool for extended swimming but fine for quick dips. This is one of the best months for outdoor activities: kayaking through the Ponta da Piedade grottoes, hiking the Fishermen’s Trail, or cycling to Luz. Hotel rates are still pre-peak and restaurant reservations are not yet necessary.
June
Summer arrives with highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is negligible at 8mm over 2 days. Sunshine averages 11 hours per day. The sea reaches 18°C (64°F). The town comes alive with beachgoers, and all boat tour operators run full schedules. The Santos Populares festivals in the second and third weeks bring grilled sardines and street parties to the old town. Book hotels at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for June visits.
July
The hottest month: highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 18°C (64°F). Essentially zero rainfall (1mm). Sunshine peaks at 12 hours daily. The sea warms to 20°C (68°F), comfortable for swimming and watersports. All boat tours to Ponta da Piedade and the Benagil Cave run hourly from the marina. The town center is packed every evening, and beach parking fills by 10am at Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. Expect peak hotel rates and book at least 6 weeks ahead.
August
Highs hold at 28°C (82°F), lows at 18°C (64°F). Still essentially rain-free (2mm). The sea reaches its maximum of 21°C (70°F). Portuguese families take their own holidays in August, especially the first two weeks, so every beach, restaurant, and car park is at capacity. The Lagos dos Descobrimentos festival in mid-August fills the town with music, historical reenactments, and a large craft fair. Book everything at least 8 weeks ahead or expect to pay premium last-minute rates.
September
Highs ease to 26°C (79°F), lows to 17°C (63°F). Rainfall stays low at 15mm over 3 days. Sunshine is still 9 hours daily, and the sea remains at a warm 21°C (70°F). Many regular visitors consider September the ideal month: the weather is still summer-quality, the sea is at its warmest, but the August crowds thin out after the first week. Hotel rates drop 15 to 25% compared to August. The water is still warm enough for evening swims.
October
Autumn sets in with highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 15°C (59°F). Rainfall increases to 56mm over 7 days. Sunshine drops to 7 hours per day. The sea cools to 19°C (66°F). Early October can still deliver beautiful beach days, but by the end of the month rain becomes more frequent. Many seasonal restaurants and boat tour operators close after the third week. Hotel rates fall to early-spring levels, making this a good value window if you can accept some rain risk. For more details, see our where to stay in Lagos guide. For more details, see our Lagos travel tips guide.
November
Highs drop to 19°C (66°F), lows to 12°C (54°F). Rainfall spikes to 81mm over 9 days, making this the wettest month of the year. Sunshine falls to 6 hours daily. The sea cools to 18°C (64°F). November is the quietest month for tourism. Many hotels, especially smaller guesthouses, close for annual maintenance. The Sao Martinho festival on November 11 brings chestnut roasting and local wine to the streets. Surfers enjoy some of the year’s best swells with empty lineups. For more details, see our Lagos events and festivals guide. For more details, see our Lagos neighborhoods guide guide.
December
Highs average 17°C (63°F), lows 9°C (48°F). Rainfall stays high at 74mm over 10 days. Sunshine is just 5 hours daily. The sea drops to 17°C (63°F). Christmas markets appear in the old town squares from early December. New Year’s Eve brings fireworks over the marina and beachfront bars staying open late. Hotel rates are at their lowest except for the December 28 to January 2 period when they spike for holiday travelers. For more details, see our best time to visit Lagos guide. For more details, see our things to do in Lagos guide.
Lagos Monthly Weather at a Glance
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) | Sea (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16 / 61 | 8 / 46 | 78 | 9 | 5 | 16 / 61 |
| Feb | 16 / 61 | 9 / 48 | 72 | 8 | 6 | 15 / 59 |
| Mar | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 48 | 7 | 7 | 15 / 59 |
| Apr | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 38 | 6 | 8 | 16 / 61 |
| May | 22 / 72 | 13 / 55 | 22 | 4 | 10 | 17 / 63 |
| Jun | 25 / 77 | 16 / 61 | 8 | 2 | 11 | 18 / 64 |
| Jul | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 20 / 68 |
| Aug | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 21 / 70 |
| Sep | 26 / 79 | 17 / 63 | 15 | 3 | 9 | 21 / 70 |
| Oct | 23 / 73 | 15 / 59 | 56 | 7 | 7 | 19 / 66 |
| Nov | 19 / 66 | 12 / 54 | 81 | 9 | 6 | 18 / 64 |
| Dec | 17 / 63 | 9 / 48 | 74 | 10 | 5 | 17 / 63 |
