Lagos is one of the finest tourist destinations of southern Portugal, and sits on a dramatic coastline that has been carved by the Atlantic Ocean. This geographical position blesses the town with a glorious Mediterranean climate featuring hot, dry summers with refreshing ocean breezes, and mild winters with occasional rainfall.

The peak season is July and August when temperatures typically reach 32°C (90°F). This is when Lagos is at its busiest; expect crowded beaches, hotels at near capacity, and the need for advance reservations at popular restaurants.

The best months to visit Lagos are June and September, which offer the perfect balance of glorious sunny weather and significantly fewer tourists.

In the shoulder seasons of April-May and October, Lagos takes on a more relaxed atmosphere. The heat lessens, leaving warm days that are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as 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 will help you identify the ideal time for your visit, provide detailed weather information, and explain what to expect from each of the different seasons.
Related articles: Introduction to Lagos – Sights and activities

Lagos basks in 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 feeling well into October, with September offering particularly appealing conditions at around 27°C (81°F)—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 quickly

The average day time 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 could be useful to know how many beach days to expect, especially during the low and shoulder seasons.

We define a "beach day" 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 our 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 you can expect for each month in Lagos:

Lagos is one of the Algarve's finest resort towns, and its combination of beautiful beaches and Portuguese atmosphere means it is always a favourite with tourists. During the summer months the town will sell out, and 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.

Booking.com

Many visitors who are new to Lagos and the western Algarve are surprised at how cold the sea temperatures are, especially at the height of the summer.

Unlike the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Lagos's 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 tied to 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 needed for popular restaurants, while boat tours and activities may need reserving several days ahead.

High Season (June and September) - These months strike the perfect balance with wonderfully warm conditions yet significantly fewer crowds than peak season. Most facilities operate at full capacity, but you'll 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 compromise between 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 thanks to its substantial permanent population. While some tourist-focused businesses close, the historic centre stays pleasantly active with local cafés, restaurants and shops continuing to serve residents and visitors alike. Accommodation reaches its most affordable rates, and you'll 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 are starting to warm up (often ranging from 20-25 degrees Celsius) and days are sunny with some clouds. Rain is rare, and the offshore breeze makes walking comfortable.

This consistent weather pattern is great for making the most of everything Lagos has to offer without the packed beaches and crowded restaurants. The springtime daylight hours (9-10 hours on average) also make sure that tourists can combine beach trips with local sightseeing, water-based activities or day trips to other Algarve highlights.

The beaches and natural sights are welcoming and comfortable to sunbathe on from May onwards, yet they are not packed so visitors can choose a different location each day. The relatively cool weather also makes hiking, biking and coastal wanders really comfortable and easy-going.

Overall, springtime offers all of the charm, sights and fun of summer without the sizzling heat.

Lagos is a great Algarve destination for families in most seasons (except winter) as the resort has lots of life, entertainment and great beach amenities.

However, Lagos' weather in spring is particularly good for families with young children. The weather is sunny and warm without the soaring heat of the summer, which can be exhausting for little ones.

In spring the town centre is alive but much quieter and safer with little explorers in tow. The nearby beaches of Praia da Batata and Meia Praia are also much quieter but still attended by lifeguards.

For families with teenagers, there are good day trips to other local 'cool' destinations, such as Sagres where youngsters can take a water sport lesson. The waterparks are open from Easter onwards and are much more fun without the summer queues.

Lagos' weather in Autumn is typically mild and daylight hours are still relatively long (9-10): This makes it ideal weather for day trips and Lagos is a wonderful base to explore the popular Western Algarve.

Visitors in Autumn will experience a distinctly Portuguese Lagos as locals are no longer swamped by tourists. Restaurants, historical and cultural sights are still open but do not need to be planned or booked in advance.

Roaming the centre and Estuary (down to the Bandeira fort) feels relaxed and the sun is warming rather than baking.

The beaches are also quieter but still very comfortable to relax on and some of the walkable beaches can almost feel peaceful and secluded again. Boat trips also still run but highlights, such as the Benagil Caves, are less crowded. For those interested in golfing the Algarve offers great courses and the closest course to Lagos is sublime.