Jan Weather

[chrisox]

Hi All

We are frequent visitors to Carvoeiro but normally come in May or September. We have decided for a change to come out on New Years Day as we have not been away before in winter. I guess my question is what is it like at that time of year weather wise and in terms of things being open?

I keep reading differently articles about weather being really nice and also people saying how cold it is! So any comments would be welcome.

Many Thanks

Chris

[laserblazer]

I keep reading differently articles about weather being really nice and also people saying how cold it is

An exact description. It can be dry and sunny, dry and cold, wet and warm, wet and cold. It's an Atlantic weather system, so impossible to forecast. Chances are, it will be warmer than the UK and it won't get dark as early.

[EMM]

Whatever the weather it will be better than the UK.
Southerly winds daytime temps can reach the low 20s.
Northerly winds , single figures at night,
When it rains it rains !!!
Check that where ever you are staying has good heating because you will need it at night,

But still much better than the UK.

[chrisox]

Thanks for the replies, I definitely take better than the UK!

[dennisg]

I come out to CVO most Januaries, and although the weather can be mixed we usually have some sunny spells, and these are warm enough to sit in the garden in shorts. The evenings can be cold though, but mild relative to the UK. This last January we didn't have any good weather in January, rain and quite cold. At the same time the UK had heavy snow and continuous frosts so we were better off.

[Farol]

As a rule of thumb I tend to find that all year round the temperature in the Algarve is approx 10 degrees centigrade warmer than south east England. The key to winter in the Algarve is to wear layers of clothes - take them off as the day warms up and put them back on as the sun starts dropping. Body warmer is often more suitable than a jacket but make sure you have something for when it rains.

[Lamby]

Strangely enough, I was asking the exact same question this time last year. Like you, I had visited in May and September but wanted to experience CVO in winter. We traveled over late December 2012 and flew back 2nd January 2013. The weather all the time we were there was lovely, early 20's and sunshine. Sat by the pool in shorts, notice "sat by the pool" - didn't dare to venture into the pool. It was warm, just not THAT warm.
Spent New Year's day on a very quiet Alvor Beach in glorious sunshine.
Plenty of choice regarding where to eat and drink in the evening, I was very pleasantly surprised by the amount of places open and we dined at O Gale and Oasis and had a great New Year's Eve meal at Ma~Ja's. Altogether it was a wonderful experience being in CVO over New Year and for anyone considering doing it I would say go!! But then again, anyone considering CVO must go, whatever time of year!!

[chrisox]

We were thinking of heading to Canaries but we have a 3 and 1 year old just couldn't face a 5 hour flight and it's twice the cost!! We are actually staying in Oasis Parque which has an indoor heated pool but we will be visiting Carvoeiro often as we have friends there.

Thanks again for all the information as said what will be will be, I have been in May and it was only 14 degrees one day! Fingers crossed for some sun in Jan!