Faro in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Faro

29°C (84°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Ocean temperature peaks at 23°C (73°F) - warmest swimming of the year with minimal crowds since Portuguese school holidays ended
September marks the start of prime surfing season at Praia de Faro with consistent 1-2m (3-6ft) swells but before October's tourist influx
Perfect hiking weather in Serra do Caldeirão with temperatures 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than summer and wildflowers beginning autumn bloom
Peak bird migration season through Ria Formosa - over 200 species including flamingos, spoonbills, and rare purple herons not visible other months

Considerations

Afternoon Atlantic winds pick up to 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph) by 3pm daily, making beach umbrellas useless and small boat trips choppy
Many beach bars and seasonal restaurants close after September 15th, reducing dining options on barrier islands by 60%
Tourist train to Praia de Faro reduces frequency from every 30 minutes to hourly after September 20th, extending wait times significantly

Best Activities in September

Ria Formosa Natural Park Wildlife Tours

September is peak bird migration season through this protected lagoon system. Water levels are optimal at 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) depth, and morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) create perfect conditions for spotting flamingos, spoonbills, and rare purple herons. Tourist boats run half-empty compared to summer, meaning better wildlife viewing angles and quieter experiences that don't disturb nesting birds.

Booking Tip: Book catamaran or kayak tours 5-7 days ahead for €35-50 per person. Morning departures (8am-10am) offer best wildlife viewing before afternoon winds. Look for operators offering marine biologist guides and waterproof bird identification cards.

Atlantic Coast Surfing Lessons

September marks the beginning of Algarve's prime surf season with consistent 1-2m (3-6ft) swells and water temperature at 23°C (73°F). Praia de Faro and nearby breaks have perfect learning conditions before October crowds arrive. Offshore winds in morning create clean wave faces, while afternoon onshore winds are ideal for beginners learning wave timing.

Booking Tip: Surf schools offer September discounts of 20-30% with lesson packages typically €40-60 for 2-hour sessions. Book 3-day packages for better rates. All equipment included, but bring your own wetsuit if staying longer than a week.

Serra do Caldeirão Hiking Trails

September temperatures in the inland mountains run 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than coast, perfect for the 12km (7.5-mile) Uruguay da Pena trail or 8km (5-mile) Alte village circuit. Early autumn wildflowers bloom, and cork oak harvesting creates opportunities to witness traditional Portuguese rural practices. Clear skies offer 40km (25-mile) views to the ocean.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking costs nothing beyond transport. Guided eco-tours with local botanists run €25-35 per person and include traditional lunch in mountain villages. Book through Faro tourism office or rural tourism operators 3-5 days ahead.

Traditional Portuguese Cooking Classes

September brings peak season for Portuguese ingredients - fresh sardines, early olive oil harvest, and peak tomato season perfect for authentic cataplana dishes. Local markets overflow with seasonal produce, and cooking schools run at 50% capacity compared to summer, meaning more personalized attention and better ingredient selection.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking experiences typically cost €65-85 including market visit, cooking instruction, and meal. Book 10-14 days ahead for English-language classes. Look for experiences including wine pairings from Algarve DOC regions.

Benagil Cave Boat Tours

September offers the last month of reliable calm seas for accessing Benagil Cave, 45km (28 miles) west of Faro. Ocean conditions are optimal with 0.5-1m (1.6-3.3ft) waves and excellent visibility for photography. Tourist numbers drop 40% after Portuguese holidays end, meaning less crowded cave experiences and better photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Small boat tours cost €35-50 per person for half-day trips. Kayak tours run €45-65 with guide. Book 7-10 days ahead as September weather can create last-minute cancellations. Morning tours offer best lighting for cave photography.

Tavira Island Day Trips

September marks perfect conditions for this barrier island 30km (18.6 miles) east of Faro. Ferry rides are comfortable with minimal waves, beaches maintain summer warmth without crowds, and the 11km (6.8-mile) stretch of sand offers solitude impossible in peak season. Water temperature at 22-23°C (72-73°F) ideal for extended swimming.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost €2-3 each way, running every 30 minutes until September 20th, then hourly. Pack lunch as island restaurants close early season. Rent bikes in Tavira for €8-12/day to explore coastal paths. No advance booking needed for ferries.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Festival de Marisco (Seafood Festival)

Annual celebration featuring fresh Ria Formosa oysters, clams, and local fish preparations. Local restaurants set up stalls in Faro's Bratislava with dishes €3-8, live fado music, and traditional boat displays. Peak harvest season makes this the year's best seafood quality.

Late September

Algarve Birding Festival

International birdwatching event coinciding with peak migration through Ria Formosa. Guided tours, photography workshops, and evening lectures by European ornithologists. Free participation in most events, with specialized tours €15-25.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light windbreaker for afternoon Atlantic breezes reaching 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph) - essential for boat trips and coastal dining

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestone streets in Bratislava become slippery with morning dew and occasional light rain

Long sleeves for evenings when temperature drops to 20°C (68°F) - restaurants don't heat outdoor terraces until October

Waterproof phone case for boat trips and kayaking - September swells create more spray than summer calm conditions

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 still requires protection, especially with reflection off water during island visits

Layers for inland hiking where temperature difference reaches 7°C (13°F) between coast and Serra do Caldeirão mountains

Cash in small bills - many seasonal beach bars only accept cash and don't always have change for €50 notes

Reef-safe sunscreen - required by law in protected Ria Formosa areas with €150 fines for non-compliance

Binoculars if interested in birding - peak migration season offers once-yearly viewing opportunities for rare species

Comfortable day pack for hiking - trails require 2-3 liters of water per person due to dry conditions despite cooler temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Local 'maré viva' (spring tides) in mid-September create the year's lowest tides, exposing normally underwater Ria Formosa mudflats perfect for clamming with locals - join fishermen at 6am near Culatra Island

September cork harvest in nearby Serra creates opportunities to witness 9-year cycle cork stripping - drive inland roads around Monchique for free viewing of this UNESCO traditional practice

Faro's municipal market reduces prices 30-40% after September 15th as vendors clear summer stock - best time for bulk buying of local honey, olive oil, and preserved fish

Airport transfer costs drop significantly in September - negotiate fixed rates with taxi drivers for €15-18 vs metered €22-25, as competition decreases with fewer flights

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all beach restaurants stay open - 60% of barrier island establishments close after September 15th, leaving limited dining options on day trips

Booking accommodation in beach towns like Ilha de Faro - most hotels close for maintenance, and remaining options triple prices due to limited supply

Planning boat trips after 2pm - afternoon winds make small vessel trips uncomfortable and some operators cancel departures after 3pm daily