Algarve vs Costa Brava: which is better and when?

Algarve and Costa Brava are both strong holiday picks — but their weather differs through the year. Here's how they compare on temperature, sunshine and rain, using twenty years of climate data.

Algarve is the warmer choice overall across the year.

For a midsummer beach week, Algarve has the edge in July.

For winter sun (Nov–Feb), Algarve stays more reliably warm and bright.

If avoiding rain matters most, Algarve is the safer bet.

Choose Algarve if you want the warmer, sunnier option.

Choose Costa Brava if you'd rather have the driest possible week.

Is Algarve or Costa Brava warmer?

Algarve is the warmer of the two across the year, based on twenty years of climate averages.

Which has better weather for a summer holiday, Algarve or Costa Brava?

For a July beach trip, Algarve scores higher on our warm-and-dry profile; Algarve is best around June, July, August and Costa Brava around June, July, August.

Which is drier, Algarve or Costa Brava?

Algarve has fewer rainy days a week on average across the year.