| Portugal is unique in that it is the only European country to come within both the Atlantic and Mediterranean climatic zones. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly the Atlantic influence that is the stronger. Winters in the Algarve are somewhat less severe than in the north of Portugal and, on cloudless day, temperatures equivalent to a British spring may be expected. With about 6 hours of sunshine per day, temperatures during the winter months average 16ºC. By far the majority of the region's rainfall occurs in the period between October and March. |
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| Algarvian summers are long and very dry; indeed it is unusual to see a single shower of rain between mid-June and September. About 12 hours of sunshine per day is the norm and average temperatures are between 28-30ºC (the highest temperatures are well over 40ºC). But beware the Algarvian winds, noted for their sudden strength and unpredictability; many a sun umbrella has gone wheeling wickedly down a crowded beach, and many a parasol has upended the table attached to it spilling drinks and food all over the place - even on a calm day, these winds suddenly appear without warning and often completely disappear again almost as suddenly. |
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Evenings in the summer are generally warm, but can occasionally turn a bit chilly especially if you have spent the day in the sun. It is always a good idea to keep a sweatshirt or pullover handy. |
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