Lagos ranks among the premier tourist destinations of southern Portugal, situated on a dramatic coastline sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean. This geographical position grants the town a sublime Mediterranean climate featuring hot, dry summers with refreshing ocean breezes, and mild winters with occasional rainfall.

Peak season occurs in July and August, when temperatures typically reach 32°C (90°F). During this period, Lagos reaches maximum capacity; visitors should expect crowded beaches, fully booked hotels, and the need for advance reservations at popular restaurants.

The optimal time to visit Lagos is June or September, offering an ideal balance of warm sunny weather and significantly fewer tourists.

During the shoulder seasons of April-May and October, Lagos adopts a more relaxed atmosphere. The heat subsides, leaving warm days perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or golf.

Winter brings a quieter Lagos, though its substantial permanent population ensures the city remains lively, unlike smaller Algarve resorts that virtually close. The weather becomes less predictable, with a mixture of sunny and cloudy days and a moderate chance of showers.

This guide identifies the ideal time for your visit, provides detailed weather information, and explains what to expect from each season. Related articles: Introduction to Lagos - Sights and activities
Related articles: Introduction to Lagos - Sights and activities

Lagos benefits from the Algarve's Mediterranean climate, boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually and pleasant year-round temperatures. Summer months (June-August) deliver reliable heat, with July and August temperatures typically reaching 29-32°C (84-90°F) during the day, softened by refreshing Atlantic breezes that provide welcome relief from the intensity.

Spring arrives early in Lagos, with March seeing temperatures climb to 18°C (64°F) and April warming to 20°C (68°F). May brings increasingly consistent warmth, reaching around 22°C (72°F), making it ideal for exploring before the summer crowds arrive.

Autumn extends the summer ambience well into October. September offers particularly appealing conditions at around 27°C (81°F), characterised by warm days and comfortable evenings. By November, temperatures settle to a pleasant 18°C (64°F).

Winter in Lagos brings mild daytime temperatures of 16°C (61°F), though nights can feel chilly, dropping to around 8°C (46°F). December through February constitute the rainy season, with occasional heavy showers interspersed with bright, sunny periods. Despite being the wettest period of the year, the rain typically falls in short bursts rather than lasting all day, with clear skies often returning quicklyflavour.flavour

The average daytime maximum and the nighttime minimum temperature for Lagos

The average hours of sunshine per day

The monthly rainfall and number of wet days

Before planning your holiday to Lagos, it is helpful to know how many beach days to expect, especially during the low and shoulder seasons.

A "beach day" is defined as one with at least 3 consecutive hours of full sunshine and a temperature over 23°C (73°F) during this period. These are conditions that most visitors would consider pleasant for a day on the beach.

Summer provides the most reliable beach weather, with nearly every day in July and August suitable for visiting the beach. In contrast, the winter months of December through February rarely offer conditions that meet these beach day criteria, with temperatures typically remaining below the 23°C threshold even on sunny days.

The following chart illustrates the average number of beach days expected for each month in Lagos:

Lagos is one of the Algarve's finest resort towns, and its combination of beautiful beaches and Portuguese atmosphere ensures it is always a favourite with tourists. During the summer months, accommodation in the town often sells out; it is advisable to book accommodation and flights as soon as possible to secure the lowest prices.

The map below shows available accommodation options in Lagos. Simply adjust the dates to your planned holiday period to see current prices and availability.

First-time visitors to Lagos and the western Algarve are often surprised by how cold the sea temperatures are, especially at the height of the summer.

Unlike the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Lagos beaches face the Atlantic Ocean. These naturally cool sea waters are further chilled by the North Atlantic Current, which brings cooler waters southward along Portugal's coastline.

The winter months (December through March) see the coldest waters, typically ranging between 13-15°C (55-59°F). Spring brings gradual warming, with May reaching about 18°C (64°F).

By summer, the seawaters reach their peak at just 21°C (70°F). This creates a striking contrast between the hot air temperatures and the chilly ocean. If you intend to swim in the sea for extended periods (such as when surfing), wearing a wetsuit is recommended.

The tourist seasons in Lagos can be divided into four distinct periods, each offering a different experience for visitors to this historic coastal town. Understanding these seasonal variations can help you plan the ideal holiday that matches your preferences for atmosphere, crowds, and activities.

Peak Season (July-August) - Lagos truly comes alive during these months, drawing families restricted by school holidays and work shutdowns. Accommodation reaches full capacity with prices at their peak, making advance bookings essential for hotels and flights. The small beaches become noticeably crowded, particularly the picturesque coves south of Lagos. Reservations are essential for popular restaurants, and boat tours often require booking several days in advance.

High Season (June and September) - These months strike the perfect balance with warm conditions yet significantly fewer crowds than peak season. Most facilities operate at full capacity, but you will find it easier to secure restaurant tables and quality accommodation. The town maintains its lively atmosphere while offering a more relaxed experience, perfect for visitors with flexibility to travel outside school holidays.

Shoulder Season (April, May and October) - Lagos adopts a gentler pace during these months, offering an excellent balance of good weather and manageable visitor numbers. Beach days are still plentiful, especially in May and October, though sea temperatures remain brisk. Restaurants operate without the need for reservations, and accommodation prices drop significantly from their summer peaks.

During these months, Lagos attracts a more mature crowd and welcomes longer-stay visitors who have escaped the chill of northern Europe. This season is ideal for activities beyond the beach, such as hiking the coastal trails, cycling the rural roads or enjoying a round of golf.

Low Season (November-March) - Unlike smaller Algarve resorts, Lagos maintains a steady vitality year-round due to its substantial permanent population. While some tourist-focused businesses close, the historic centre stays pleasantly activeflavour,flavour with local cafés, restaurantsflavour,flavour and shops continuing to serve residents and visitors alike. Accommodation reaches its most affordable rates, and visitors can experience a genuinely authentic Portuguese atmosphere.

The wettest period in Lagos occurs during winter, with December typically being the rainiest month, followed closely by November and January. During December, Lagos receives an average of 94mm (3.7 inches) of rainfall, usually concentrated in short but sometimes heavy downpours rather than continuous rain.

Despite being the wettest time of year, these winter months still offer many clear, sunny days between rain showers. Even in December, Lagos typically experiences around 5-6 hours of sunshine daily, and it's rare for rain to persist throughout an entire day. When compared to northern European destinations, Lagos remains relatively dry even during its wettest months, with the Algarve region receiving significantly less annual rainfall than many other European coastal areas.

Late spring (May-June) is the best time of year to visit Lagos. In spring, temperatures begin to rise (often ranging from 20-25°C), and days are sunny with occasional cloud cover. Rain is rare, and the offshore breeze ensures walking is comfortable.

This consistent weather pattern is excellent for enjoying the region's offerings without the packed beaches and crowded restaurants. The springtime daylight hours (9-10 hours on average) also ensure that tourists can combine beach trips with local sightseeing, water-based activitiesflavour,flavour or day trips to other Algarve highlights.

The beaches and natural sights are welcoming for sunbathing from May onwards, yet they remain uncrowded, allowing visitors to choose a different location each day. The moderate temperatures also make hiking, bikingflavour,flavour and coastal walks highly enjoyable.

Overall, springtime offers the charm, sightsflavour,flavour and entertainment of summer without the intense heat.

Lagos is an excellent Algarve destination for families in most seasons (except winter), as the resort features a vibrant atmosphere, entertainmentflavour,flavour and excellent beach amenities.

However, the spring weather in Lagos is particularly suitable for families with young children. The climate is sunny and warm without the soaring heat of the summer, which can be exhausting for younger visitors.

In springflavour,flavour the town centre is lively but much quieter and safer for children. The nearby beaches of Praia da Batata and Meia Praia are also much calmer but are still patrolled by lifeguards.

For families with teenagers, there are excellent day trips to other local popular destinations, such as Sagresflavour,flavour where adolescents can take a water sport lesson. The waterparks are open from Easter onwards and are far more enjoyable without the summer queues.

The autumn weather in Lagos is typically mildflavour,flavour and daylight hours remain relatively long (9-10 hours). This creates ideal conditions for day tripsflavour,flavour and Lagos serves as a wonderful base to explore the popular Western Algarve.

Visitors in autumn will experience a distinctly Portuguese Lagosflavour,flavour as locals are no longer overwhelmed by tourists. Restaurants, historical sites, and cultural attractions remain open but do not require advance planning or booking.

Exploring the centre and estuary (down to the Bandeira Fort) feels relaxedflavour,flavour and the sun provides a pleasant warmth rather than scorching heat.

The beaches are also quieter but remain very comfortable for relaxation, and some of the walkable beaches feel peaceful and secluded. Boat trips continue to runflavour,flavour but highlights such as the Benagil Caves are less crowded. For those interested in golf, the Algarve offers excellent coursesflavour,flavour and the facility closest to Lagos is exceptional.