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Ponta do Sol weather & best time to visit

Sun, sea & sand

Ponta do Sol at a glance

Best time
Jul – Sep
Warmest month
Aug · 26°
Warmest sea
Sep · 23.9°
Sunshine a year
2,600 h
Rain a year
511 mm
Climate
Mediterranean
Time zone
UTC+0 / UTC+1
Elevation
76 m

Climate in Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. August is the warmest month with average highs of 26 °C, while February is the coolest at 18 °C. With around 2,600 hours of sunshine a year, Ponta do Sol is sunny; July is the sunniest month with 9.7 hours a day.

Holiday weather through the year

Best time to visit

Best time to visit Ponta do Sol

The best time to visit Ponta do Sol is from July to September. For a beach holiday – sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry – go from June to October. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, the weather is pleasant all year round. The wettest month is December with 82 mm of precipitation.

Ponta do Sol through the seasons

How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.

Ponta do Sol in spring

Mar – May

38

Poor

  • 18–21 °C by day
  • Sea 19 °C
  • 7.4 h of sun a day
  • 28 rainy days in all

Ponta do Sol in summer

Jun – Aug

90

Excellent

  • 23–26 °C by day
  • Sea 22 °C
  • 9.4 h of sun a day
  • 8 rainy days in all

Ponta do Sol in autumn

Sep – Nov

66

Good

  • 20–25 °C by day
  • Sea 23 °C
  • 6.3 h of sun a day
  • 30 rainy days in all

Ponta do Sol in winter

Dec – Feb

28

Poor

  • 18–19 °C by day
  • Sea 19 °C
  • 5.3 h of sun a day
  • 28 rainy days in all

Which month for what?

Beach & swimming

Jun – Oct

Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry

Sightseeing & hiking

All year

15–28 °C and not too much rain

Find your perfect month

Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Ponta do Sol for you.

Swimming in the sea
Sunshine
Little rain

Your best months: July – August

Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.

Your holiday weather, at a glance

Weather in October

Weather in October

66

Holiday weather in October

Good

Best time to visit: July – September

Good forBeach & swimmingSightseeing & walks

A typical day in October

  1. Morning, 08:00: about 19°
  2. Midday, 13:00: about 22°
  3. Afternoon, 16:00: about 23°
  4. Evening, 20:00: about 21°
  5. Night, 23:00: about 20°

08:1119:37

Pleasant evenings; a light layer can help.

Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.

Light for photos in October

Golden hour
Morning 07:56–08:44 · evening 19:04–19:52
Blue hour
Morning 07:46–07:56 · evening 19:52–20:02

Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.

October in Ponta do Sol compared with home

Home:

Loading the climate at home …

Early or late October?

In October, daytime highs fall from about 24° at the start of the month to 22° at the end. The sea cools from 23° to 22°. The days get 0.9 h shorter.

Early or late October?
October1 Oct31 Oct
Daytime high24°22°
Night-time low19°17°
Sea23°22°
Daylight11.9 h11.0 h

What is the weather like in Ponta do Sol in October?

In October, Ponta do Sol is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 23.1 °C – pleasant for swimming. Expect around 6.2 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 62 mm in total. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

More details for October

Daylight
11 h 26 min08:11 – 19:37
UV index
6 · highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
Muggy days
2 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
Wind
14 km/haverage daily peakAll months
Cloud cover
61 %on averageAll months
Hot days
0 days30 °C or more
Time zone
UTC+1offset from UTC

How the score comes together

  • Temperatureweight 35 %68 %
  • Seaweight 25 %87 %
  • Sunshineweight 20 %53 %
  • Few rainy daysweight 20 %47 %

Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “Sun, sea & sand”.

What to pack in October

  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain jacket or umbrella

Compare two months in Ponta do Sol

Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.

vs

August has the better holiday weather in Ponta do Sol: score 98 against 66. In August, days are 3 °C warmer than in October. The sea is about as warm in both months. August has 8 fewer rainy days. The sun shines 3 hours longer a day in August.

October vs August, Ponta do Sol
MonthOctoberAugust
Holiday weather score6698better
Daytime high23°26°
Night-time low18°20°
Sea23.1°23.5°
Sunshine6.2 h9.1 hbetter
Rainy days113better
Rainfall62 mm7 mmbetter
Muggy days2better4

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

Ponta do Sol month by month

The typical weather for every month at a glance.

26January18° · Sea 19° · 5.0 h

In January, Ponta do Sol is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 19.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 58 mm in total. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in January
29February18° · Sea 18° · 5.8 h

In February, Ponta do Sol is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 18.4 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 5.8 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 55 mm. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in February
26March18° · Sea 18° · 6.7 h

In March, Ponta do Sol is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 18.2 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 6.7 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 60 mm in total. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in March
35April19° · Sea 19° · 7.2 h

In April, Ponta do Sol is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 18.7 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 49 mm in total. All in all, April is not an ideal month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in April
54May21° · Sea 20° · 8.4 h

In May, Ponta do Sol is mild: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 19.6 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 8.4 hours a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 28 mm. All in all, May is a so-so month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in May
78June23° · Sea 21° · 9.3 h

In June, Ponta do Sol is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 21.1 °C – refreshing for a swim. With around 9.3 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 4 days bring 16 mm in total. All in all, June is a good month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in June
95July25° · Sea 23° · 9.7 h

In July, Ponta do Sol is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 19 °C. The sea averages 22.5 °C – refreshing for a swim. With around 9.7 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. It hardly ever rains. All in all, July is an excellent month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in July
98August26° · Sea 24° · 9.1 h

In August, Ponta do Sol is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 20 °C. The sea averages 23.5 °C – pleasant for swimming. With around 9.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 7 mm in total. All in all, August is an excellent month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in August
89September25° · Sea 24° · 7.4 h

In September, Ponta do Sol is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 19 °C. The sea averages 23.9 °C – pleasant for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.4 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 25 mm. All in all, September is an excellent month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in September
66October23° · Sea 23° · 6.2 h

In October, Ponta do Sol is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 23.1 °C – pleasant for swimming. Expect around 6.2 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 62 mm in total. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in October
42November20° · Sea 22° · 5.3 h

In November, Ponta do Sol is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 21.6 °C – refreshing for a swim. Expect around 5.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 65 mm in total. All in all, November is a so-so month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in November
28December19° · Sea 20° · 5.1 h

In December, Ponta do Sol is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 20.1 °C – refreshing for a swim. Expect around 5.1 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 82 mm in total. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol in December

Climate in detail

Year & climate table

Climate through the year

Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.

Best time to visit

Nights and sleep in Ponta do Sol

How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.

  • Cool 8–15°
  • Pleasant 15–20°
  • Warm 20–24°

PleasantOctober: nights around 18°. Ideal for sleeping, often with the window open. Muggy on about 2 days (dew point 18 °C or more).

The coolest nights are in February (14°), the warmest in August (20°). Tropical nights of 20 °C and more are the rule in August; then air conditioning or a fan helps you sleep. Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) from May to July and from September to December.

Temperatures through the year

Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.

OctoberDay 23°Night 18°Sea 23°
DayNightSea
MonthScoreDayNightSeaSunRain daysRain mm
JanuaryJan2618°14°19.0°5.0 h1058
FebruaryFeb2918°14°18.4°5.8 h855
MarchMar2618°14°18.2°6.7 h1160
AprilApr3519°14°18.7°7.2 h949
MayMay5421°16°19.6°8.4 h728
JuneJun7823°17°21.1°9.3 h416
JulyJul9525°19°22.5°9.7 h24
AugustAug9826°20°23.5°9.1 h37
SeptemberSep8925°19°23.9°7.4 h825
OctoberOct6623°18°23.1°6.2 h1162
NovemberNov4220°16°21.6°5.3 h1165
DecemberDec2819°15°20.1°5.1 h1182

Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences

32.68° N, 17.10° W · 76 m · Atlantic/Madeira

Sea temperature
Swimming calendar

Sea temperature in Ponta do Sol

Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.

Sea in October23.1°Cpleasant

8 in 10 years: 22.6 – 23.6 °C

Swimming season: Jun – Dec

  • cold
  • fresh
  • refreshing
  • pleasant
  • warm
  • very warm
OctoberMean sea temperature 23.1°8 in 10 years 22.6° – 23.6°
20°
Mean sea temperature8 in 10 years20 °C – comfortable for swimming

The sea temperature in Ponta do Sol ranges from 18.2 °C in March to 23.9 °C in September. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from June to December.

The sea warms up slowly: it is warmest in September, while the air already peaks in August. From November to February the sea is even warmer than the afternoon air. The sea temperature varies from year to year: in September, eight out of ten years were between 23.4 and 24.6 °C.

Sea temperature by month
MonthAverageCool yearWarm yearFeels
JanuaryJan19.0°18.2°19.6°fresh
FebruaryFeb18.4°17.5°18.9°fresh
MarchMar18.2°17.5°18.9°fresh
AprilApr18.7°18.0°19.3°fresh
MayMay19.6°18.8°20.3°fresh
JuneJun21.1°20.4°22.1°refreshing
JulyJul22.5°21.8°23.2°refreshing
AugustAug23.5°22.7°24.1°pleasant
SeptemberSep23.9°23.4°24.6°pleasant
OctoberOct23.1°22.6°23.6°pleasant
NovemberNov21.6°20.9°22.4°refreshing
DecemberDec20.1°19.5°20.7°refreshing
Sunshine
Sunshine

Sunshine hours in Ponta do Sol

Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
2,600 hours
Sunniest month
Jul · 9.7 h a day
Least sunshine
Jan · 5.0 h a day
OctoberSunshine 6.2 hDaylight 11.4 hShare of daylight 54 %
SunshineDaylight

In October, the sun shines for about 6.2 of 11.4 hours of daylight in Ponta do Sol, 54 % of the daylight hours.

Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.

Rain
Rain

Rain in Ponta do Sol: rainy days and rainfall

A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
511 mm on 94 days
Wettest month
Dec · 82 mm
Driest month
Jul · 4 mm
OctoberRainy days 11Rainfall 62 mm

In October, Ponta do Sol has about 11 rainy days with 62 mm of rain in total.

UV index
Sun protection

UV index in Ponta do Sol

How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.

Clear-sky UV in October
6 · highSeek shade around midday; sunscreen SPF 30+, hat and sunglasses.

The sun is strongest in June (UV 11).

Minutes until sunburn in October

Very fair skin
about 25 min
Fair skin
about 30 min
Light brown skin
about 40 min
Olive skin
about 50 min

Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.

Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.

Wind & clouds
Wind & clouds

Wind and clouds in Ponta do Sol

How breezy and how cloudy Ponta do Sol is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.

Wind

Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.

Year average
14 km/h · gentle breeze
Windiest month
Mar · 16 km/h
Calmest month
Sep · 12 km/h
OctoberWind 14 km/hBeaufort 3
20
WindBeaufort 4

In October, the wind in Ponta do Sol typically peaks at 14 km/h during the day: Beaufort 3, gentle breeze.

Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting

The daily breeze rarely reaches Beaufort 4 (20 km/h), so wind sports depend on single windy days.

Clouds

Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.

Year average
56 % · variable cloud
Clearest month
Aug · 39 %
Cloudiest month
Dec · 65 %
OctoberCloud cover 61 %Sunshine 6.2 h

In October, cloud covers on average 61 % of the sky over Ponta do Sol: variable cloud, with about 6.2 hours of sunshine a day.

Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.

Planning a trip to Ponta do Sol

Weather for your travel dates

Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.

Ponta do Sol in the school holidays

How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.

Ponta do Sol has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 97) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 27).

  • Easter holidays

    Mar – Apr

    32

    Poor

    • 19 °C by day
    • Sea 19 °C
    • 7.1 h of sun a day
    • 10 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

  • May half-term

    May – Jun

    59

    Fair

    • 21 °C by day
    • Sea 20 °C
    • 8.6 h of sun a day
    • 7 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

  • Summer holidays

    Jul – Aug

    97

    ExcellentBest holidays

    • 26 °C by day
    • Sea 23 °C
    • 9.3 h of sun a day
    • 2 rainy days a month

    Good for: Beach & swimming, Sightseeing & walks

  • October half-term

    Oct

    66

    Good

    • 23 °C by day
    • Sea 23 °C
    • 6.2 h of sun a day
    • 11 rainy days a month

    Good for: Beach & swimming, Sightseeing & walks

  • Christmas holidays

    Dec – Jan

    27

    Poor

    • 18 °C by day
    • Sea 20 °C
    • 5.1 h of sun a day
    • 10 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

Getting there

Flying from

Nonstop flight
about 3 h 30 min
Distance
2,490 km
Time zone
UTC+1
Jet lag
Hardly any (under 3 h)

Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.

Good to know: Portugal

Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Portuguese
Sockets
Type C, F · 230 V
Traffic
Drives on the right
Dialling code
+351
Emergency number
112

UK plugs need a travel adapter

Sources: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0). Please check details before you travel.

Compare & alternatives

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Ponta do Sol compared

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Ponta do Sol vs Câmara de Lobos

In October the holiday weather in Ponta do Sol and Câmara de Lobos is about equally good (score 66 vs 66). During the day it is about as warm in Câmara de Lobos as in Ponta do Sol. The sea is about equally warm.

Ponta do Sol vs Câmara de Lobos, in October
in OctoberPonta do SolCâmara de Lobos
Holiday weather score6666
Daytime high23°23°
Sea23°23°
Sunshine6 h6 h
Rainy days1111
Best timeJul – SepJul – Sep

Through the year

OctoberPonta do Sol 23°Câmara de Lobos 23°
Ponta do SolCâmara de Lobos
Go to Câmara de Lobos
Best places in the country
Ranking

Portugal in October: the best places

In October, Ponta do Sol ranks 12 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.

  1. Silves25°86
  2. 2Loulé24°86
  3. 3Monchique23°85
  4. 4Curral das Freiras22°74
  5. 5Funchal23°23°74
  6. 6Machico24°23°72
  7. 7Carvoeiro25°20°72
  8. 8Portimão25°20°71
  9. 12Ponta do SolThis page23°23°66
All destinations: Portugal
Places nearby

Near Ponta do Sol

Other destinations close by.

Places with a similar climate

Places with a climate like Ponta do Sol

Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Ponta do Sol's – good alternatives.

  1. 76 % similar66Ponta Delgada, AzoresPortugal22°22°Best time: May – Aug
  2. 75 % similar47HortaPortugal22°21°Best time: Jul – Aug
  3. 75 % similar50Vila Franca do CampoPortugal22°22°Best time: Jul – Sep
  4. 74 % similar44Angra do HeroísmoPortugal22°21°Best time: Jul – Aug

Frequently asked questions about Ponta do Sol

When is the best time to visit Ponta do Sol?

The best time to visit Ponta do Sol is from July to September. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.

How warm is the sea in Ponta do Sol?

The sea temperature in Ponta do Sol ranges from 18.2 °C in March to 23.9 °C in September. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from June to December.

Can you swim in Ponta do Sol in October?

Yes. In October the sea averages 23.1 °C – pleasant for swimming.

What is the warmest month in Ponta do Sol?

August is the warmest month, with average highs of 26 °C and nights around 20 °C. February is the coolest month at 18 °C.

When does it rain most in Ponta do Sol?

The wettest month is December with 82 mm of precipitation. The driest month is July with 4 mm.

How many hours of sunshine does Ponta do Sol get?

Ponta do Sol gets around 2,600 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is July with 9.7 hours a day; in January there are 5.0 hours a day.

What time zone is Ponta do Sol in?

Ponta do Sol is on UTC+0 in January and UTC+1 in July.

How long is the flight from London to Ponta do Sol?

A nonstop flight from London to Ponta do Sol takes about 3 h 30 min, for a straight-line distance of about 2,490 km.

Which school holidays are best for Ponta do Sol?

Ponta do Sol has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 97) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 27). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 32, May half-term 59, summer holidays 97, October half-term 66, Christmas holidays 27.