Weather in Faro

About Faro

Faro is the Algarve's charming capital—the old town walls enclose azulejo-tiled buildings and narrow streets; the lagoon beyond creates a natural barrier. Palm trees line the waterfront; the Atlantic is always nearby. This is where Portugal meets Africa across the water.

Country

Portugal

Best months to visit

May, June, July, August, September, October

Currency

EUR

Language

Portuguese

Things to do in Faro

Walk the old town walls for lagoon views Explore the Cathedral and Bishop's Palace inside the walls Take a boat through the Ria Formosa lagoon and islands Beach at nearby islands or Faro town beach Browse the waterfront fish restaurants Visit the Saturday market for local produce

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

18C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

April

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

May

23C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

23C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

December

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Faro is the Algarve's gateway and, for most visitors, a quick stop on the way to the beaches — but its walled old town, with orange trees and storks nesting on rooftops, deserves a slow afternoon of its own. Just offshore, the Ria Formosa lagoon's barrier islands hide some of Portugal's most beautiful, boat-access-only beaches.

Best areas to stay in Faro

Cidade Velha (Old Town)

The walled historic centre, with the cathedral, cobbled squares and the Arco da Vila gate.

Marina & Harbourfront

The waterfront promenade with restaurants, cafes and boat trips out to the Ria Formosa islands.

Ria Formosa Islands

Barrier island beaches like Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra, reachable by boat and known for their wild, undeveloped feel.

New Town (Baixa)

The modern commercial centre, with shops, the train station and onward bus connections across the Algarve.

Getting to Faro

✈

Flights

Faro Airport is the main gateway to the Algarve, with extensive flights from across Europe.

⏱

From London

~3 hours by air from London.

🚕

Getting around

The old town is walkable from the centre; buses and trains connect Faro to other Algarve towns, and boats run to the Ria Formosa islands.

Frequently asked questions

Is Faro just an airport, or worth visiting itself?

While many fly into Faro and head straight to resort towns, the old town's walled centre, cathedral and harbourfront are worth a few hours, and the Ria Formosa is a major draw in its own right.

What is the Ria Formosa?

A lagoon system of barrier islands and channels along the Algarve coast, home to beaches like Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra, reachable only by boat.

When is the best time to visit Faro and the Algarve?

May, June and September offer warm weather without peak-summer crowds; July and August are hottest and busiest.

Is Faro a good base for exploring the Algarve?

It can be, with good transport links and lower prices than resort towns, though those wanting to be directly on a beach may prefer towns like Tavira or Albufeira.

What food should I try in Faro?

Fresh seafood is the highlight, particularly cataplana stews and grilled fish, best enjoyed at harbourside restaurants.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Spent a morning in Faro before heading to the islands by boat — the old town was a pleasant surprise, quiet and pretty with the storks on the rooftops.

Pete S. · July 2024

★★★★★

Ilha Deserta was the best beach we found anywhere in the Algarve, and it's only accessible by boat from Faro — felt like a different world from the resort towns.

Mariana V. · June 2023

★★★★☆

Used Faro as a base for a few days and it worked well — central for trains to other towns and cheaper than staying right on the coast further west.

Liz N. · September 2024