Summer 2025 in the Algarve: The Hottest and Driest in 94 Years

This summer felt different. If you live in the Algarve, you probably noticed it too: the air was heavier, the sun stronger, and the nights warmer than usual. According to IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera), summer 2025 was officially the hottest and driest since records began in 1931.

I felt it every day. Walking my dogs early in the morning, it was already 25ºC. By lunchtime, the heat wrapped itself around us like a heavy blanket. And the evenings, usually a time for a cool breeze on the terrace, stayed warm well past midnight.

Algarve heatwave 2025 – record-breaking temperatures

The numbers confirm what we all felt. The average summer temperature was 23.5ºC, 1.55ºC above normal. The average maximum hit 30.8ºC – the highest in 94 years. Three separate heatwaves swept across Portugal. The longest lasted 16 days in August, and on June 29, Mora recorded a staggering 46.6ºC, setting a new June record.

Driest summer in the Algarve in nearly a century

It wasn’t just the heat. The Algarve also faced the driest summer since 1931. Rainfall averaged only 10.9 mm, about 24% of normal levels. Driving through the countryside, the fields were yellow and cracked. Reservoirs dropped to critical levels. Farmers worried about water for their crops. Tourists might have loved the endless blue skies, but for locals, the lack of rain was deeply concerning.

Life in the Algarve during extreme weather

Life in the Algarve adapted. Families avoided the midday sun and went to the beach early or just before sunset. Restaurants near the coast were buzzing well into the night, because staying inside felt too hot. Inland villages, usually lively in summer, were quieter – the heat made daily life harder there.

At the same time, you couldn’t ignore the beauty of it: long golden evenings, the Atlantic shimmering like silver, and skies so clear you could see the Milky Way. That’s the paradox of the Algarve – even in an extreme summer, it still feels magical.

Best time to visit the Algarve: spring and autumn

Not everyone enjoys 40ºC heat. The Algarve is just as attractive – maybe even more – in the spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November).

• In spring, daytime temperatures range between 20–26ºC, with cooler evenings. Perfect for hiking, golf, cycling, or city trips.
• In autumn, you’ll enjoy 23–28ºC during the day, and warm sea water after the summer heat. Evenings drop to around 16–19ºC, ideal for outdoor dining.

These seasons bring fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more relaxed vibe. For visitors, it means comfort. For locals and businesses, it’s a chance: longer tourist seasons and more opportunities to rent out homes, villas, and apartments beyond July and August.

The extreme summer of 2025 shows that spring and autumn are no longer “shoulder seasons” – they are becoming the new high season for many travelers.

Q&A: Summer 2025 in the Algarve

Q: Was summer 2025 really the hottest in Portugal’s history?
Yes. IPMA confirmed it was the hottest summer since 1931, with record-breaking average and maximum temperatures.

Q: How hot did it get in the Algarve?
Inland Algarve often reached 40ºC+, while coastal areas were slightly cooler thanks to the sea breeze.

Q: Did it rain at all in the Algarve in summer 2025?
Almost none. The Algarve had only 10.9 mm of rainfall – the driest summer in 94 years.

Q: Is the Algarve still safe to visit in such extreme heat?
Absolutely. Tourists are safe if they avoid the midday sun, stay hydrated, and plan activities for mornings or evenings.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Algarve if I don’t like extreme heat?
Spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Expect 20–28ºC during the day, cooler nights, and fewer crowds.

Q: What does this mean for tourism in the Algarve?
It’s a huge opportunity. The Algarve is increasingly a year-round destination, and spring and autumn are becoming prime months for holidays and rentals.

👉 Summer 2025 was unforgettable – both beautiful and challenging. For beach lovers, it was paradise. For locals, it was a warning sign. But whether you visit in the peak of summer or in the growing spring and autumn seasons, the Algarve continues to deliver its unique mix of sun, sea, food, and lifestyle.