Visiting the Algarve in Low Season: Pros, Cons & Is It Really Worth It?
- Francesca Frascona
- Dec 1, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 6
The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most loved destinations, famous for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and crystal-clear water. But while most people picture it packed with sunseekers during the summer months, visiting the Algarve in low season can be a completely different experience. Fewer crowds, lower prices and a slower pace of travel sound tempting — but is it really worth it? I visited the Algarve during low season and in this post I’m sharing the real pros and cons, what surprised me the most, and whether I’d recommend travelling here outside of peak summer months.
Pros
Travelling to the Algarve during low season comes with several advantages, especially if you’re on a budget or prefer quieter destinations.
Cheaper flights, accommodation and car rentals
As with most destinations around the world, one of the main reasons to travel during low season is the significantly lower prices. Flights from London can cost as little as £40–50 return if you travel light, and you can easily find great hotels for around £20–25 per night — prices that would easily double during peak summer months.
The Algarve is also a destination where having a rental car makes a huge difference. It gives you total freedom and allows you to explore the coastline properly. I paid just £60 for a 4-day rental including full insurance through Rentalcars — prices that are simply impossible to find during summer.
Fewer tourists and almost empty beaches
Lower prices also mean lower demand, and therefore far fewer tourists around the region — which, in my opinion, is one of the biggest advantages of visiting the Algarve in low season. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate being able to enjoy stunning landscapes without crowds, selfie sticks, or packed beaches.
During my trip, beaches were almost empty, allowing me to fully appreciate the Algarve’s raw beauty and dramatic coastline.
More flexibility with tours and activities
Not sure if you want to commit to a tour in advance? No problem. With fewer tourists around, it’s much easier to book activities last minute and still find availability.
A boat or kayaking tour around Benagil Cave is an absolute must when visiting the Algarve. Speedboat tours allow you to explore a longer stretch of coastline, while kayaking lets you enter caves and pass through narrow arches up close. In low season, you can usually decide on the day and still secure a spot — although booking ahead is still recommended for groups of 4–5 people or more.
Plenty of free or cheap parking
Fewer tourists also mean far less stress when it comes to parking. Finding parking spots is easy, and most are either free or very cheap from October to May.
During my four-day trip, I only paid for parking once — €1.50 for around three and a half hours in Lagos. A huge plus when you’re driving a rental car and want to avoid unnecessary stress.
If you are now 80% convinced that you should travel to the Algarve in the low season and are about to book your flight, wait a minute… First the Cons!
Cons
As amazing as low season travel can be, there are a few downsides you should consider before booking your trip.
Unpredictable weather
Let’s start with the biggest con: the weather. I visited the Algarve in mid-November and was quite lucky overall, apart from one day explained below. Low season runs from October to May, so you should expect more cloudy or rainy days compared to summer.
That said, not everything about the weather is negative. I wore short sleeves most days, and temperatures only dropped slightly after sunset. One major advantage? The weather is perfect for hiking. Walking the coastal trails in mild temperatures is far more enjoyable than doing so in 35–40°C summer heat.
Weather is one of those factors that can sit somewhere between a pro and a con, depending on your expectations and travel style.
Many shops and kiosks are closed
One downside of low season travel is that some areas can feel a bit abandoned. Many beach kiosks and seasonal businesses shut down completely for winter, and I sometimes struggled to find restaurants open late.
Locals also seemed to enjoy slower mornings — finding breakfast at 8:00 am was surprisingly difficult, with most places opening closer to 9:00 or 10:00. Choosing accommodation with breakfast included could help avoid this issue.
Cold sea temperatures
The Algarve sits on the Atlantic Ocean, so warm water isn’t guaranteed even in summer — and from October to May, the sea is definitely cold. Swimming might not be ideal unless you’re brave.
That said, I did kayak to Benagil Cave and got into the water without finding it unbearable at first. The next day, however, a simple beach walk and a quick dip with my feet changed my mind completely!
Boat tours can be risky in rough conditions
If you plan on doing a boat tour in low season, check sea conditions very carefully. I trusted the tour company’s judgement and ended up on a trip with rough seas, 2-metre waves, seasickness, and eventually heavy rain.
Although the crew was professional, the conditions were far from ideal and the tour should have been cancelled in my opinion. We all ended up completely soaked — even my waterproof jacket couldn’t save me.
Low season tours can still be amazing, but always double-check the forecast and don’t hesitate to cancel if conditions don’t feel right.
Is visiting the Algarve in low season worth it?
That said, I hope this post helps you decide whether low season is the right time for your Algarve trip. If you’re on a budget, love quiet places, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, low season is absolutely worth it. Just be flexible with weather expectations and choose activities wisely.
Happy travel everyone!
If you are travelling solo don't forget to have a look at the Pros and Cons of traveling solo here.
