If you are planning a holiday in the Algarve, you will have come across the town of Carvoeiro. It’s one of the main tourist destinations in the Algarve region of Portugal, and it draws in thousands of tourists each year. This is because Carvoeiro has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful beaches, local restaurants, accommodation and attractions. However, you might find yourself debating when to visit Carvoeiro. Though a lot of people assume summer to be the best time to visit Carvoeiro, there are certainly benefits that come with going outside of peak season. Below, we take a look at the differences between visiting Carvoeiro in the summer and winter months.
Visiting Carvoeiro in the Summer Months
You don’t need to be an expert on Carvoeiro to understand why summer is the most popular time to visit the area. With sunshine and blue skies pretty much guaranteed from May to September, a lot of tourists choose to visit Carvoeiro as a summer holiday. It’s a destination that promises beautiful beach days, afternoons swimming in the pool and warm evenings dining outside.
July is the hottest month in Carvoeiro, with average temperatures reaching 24 degrees celsius. Of course, this does mean that this area of the Algarve can see even warmer temperatures. You will also be able to enjoy 11 hours of sunshine in July, and close to this any time during the summer. This means you can enjoy long days out and make the most of your time in Carvoeiro, without worrying about dark nights drawing in.
One thing to remember if you are visiting Carvoeiro during the summer, is that it’s peak tourist season. This means that accommodation tends to book up ahead of time, restaurants are busy and attractions are packed with holidaymakers. Luckily, as Carvoeiro has a lot to offer and it’s easy to visit other areas of the Algarve from the town, it rarely feels as though the region is crowded. Though it’s busy in the summer, Carvoeiro rarely feels busy and overwhelmed.
If you visit Carvoeiro in the summer, you won’t find yourself short of things to see and do. Everything Carvoeiro has to offer is up and running in the summer, and it’s when many attractions are at their best. For example, it’s when beaches are packed with activities and sunbathers. It’s also a great time to explore the rest of the Algarve, which you might not be so keen to do on a cold and wet winter’s day.
Can You Visit Carvoeiro in the Winter?
A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that you can only visit Carvoeiro in the summer, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A lot of tourists head to Carvoeiro in the winter, and there are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, Carvoeiro is not as busy in the winter. Between September and April, the number of holidaymakers in Carvoeiro is significantly less than during the warmer months. This is because it’s colder in the winter and families are often unable to travel outside of school holidays. So, as a result, you will find Carvoeiro to be quieter and more tranquil.
The coldest month in Carvoeiro is January, when you can expect temperatures of around 12 degrees celsius. Though this is considerably cooler than the high temperatures of July and August, it’s still warmer than a lot of other places in Europe. This is why a number of holidaymakers head to Carvoeiro in the winter, as it provides an escape from the frost and ice found elsewhere.
It’s important to remember that Carvoeiro does experience more rain in the winter, compared to the amount it experiences during the summer months. December is the wettest month in Carvoeiro, with an average of 94mm of rain throughout the month. This could be enough to prevent hikes and strolls along the beach, but it’s unlikely to keep you inside for the duration of your stay.
Deciding When to Visit Carvoeiro
There are a few things to consider when it comes to deciding when to visit Carvoeiro. For example, you need to think about the weather and temperature. If you are craving a holiday that’s full of sunshine and days at the beach, it’s probably best to visit Carvoeiro during the summer. However, if you are more focused on seeing what the region has to offer in terms of museums and attractions, Carvoeiro in the winter could be exactly what you are looking for.
You also need to think about the type of accommodation you plan to stay in. There is no shortage of options in Carvoeiro, but they are obviously a lot busier in the summer months. This could mean that you have fewer options, as popular hotels and villas tend to book up ahead of time. If you visit during the winter, you are likely to have a little bit more flexibility on where you stay.
Though there are benefits to visiting Carvoeiro in the winter, there is no getting away from the fact that the summer months have a bit more to offer. It’s when it’s warm enough to spend hours in the swimming pool, to dine outside of a local restaurant and to explore the surrounding areas without worrying about being cold. It’s where you will experience the warmest weather, the least chances of rainfall and it’s when a lot of attractions are at their best. For example, museums are equally enjoyable at any time of the year. However, water parks and beaches are undeniably better in the summer.
The Verdict
There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ time to visit Carvoeiro, as the town has something for everyone throughout the year. However, there is a reason as to why the majority of holidaymakers opt for a summer holiday in the region. With glorious sunshine and a lot of outdoor activities, summer in the Carvoeiro is the perfect destination for couples, families and solo travellers.