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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Portugal October half term

46 replies

WTDress · 22/08/2025 17:27

As every year that I say we are not going abroad this year, after another disappointing UK holiday, weather wise, I’m now desperate for some sunshine.

Anyone been to the Algarve at October half term? I know nowhere is guaranteed the weather, but do I have any chance of a sunny week in late October ? And if not Portugal, where else for good weather at a similar price point? I’ve found a good option for approx £2500 for 4* AI for 4 of us which is why I’m drawn there….

OP posts:
Mynewnameis · 22/08/2025 17:28

Yes. 50% rain / cold and 50% sun!

WTDress · 22/08/2025 17:30

I’m not down with those odds

OP posts:
Mynewnameis · 22/08/2025 17:36

Ive not done it again :)
The warm days were lovely.

One day was cold rather than rainy, but very cold. One day rained 12 hours straight

TheFlis · 22/08/2025 17:39

The Canaries would give you much better odds, and Seville is still hot in October.

TheChosenTwo · 22/08/2025 17:40

We had a family holiday there in August, south coast, last year, the days were beautiful as expected but I was not prepared for the cool windy evenings!! We were halfway up a mountain but it was still a shock.

I also went a few years ago in October and honestly can’t remember the evenings being cool but we were in the centre of Lisbon which is obviously more sheltered. And the days were beautiful again, no rain.

I think I’d go for it op, At least you stand a fighting chance of good weather there rather than October half term here!

WTDress · 22/08/2025 17:40

Back to the drawing board. Looks like it’ll have to be canaries. Was really trying to keep costs as low as possible and they were all a grand dearer at least.

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babasaclover · 22/08/2025 17:42

Antalya would be hot I’ve been first week in November and late 20’s as it’s so far east.

went to Albufeira first week in September and it wasn’t warm enough to sunbathe 😬

WTDress · 22/08/2025 17:43

TheChosenTwo · 22/08/2025 17:40

We had a family holiday there in August, south coast, last year, the days were beautiful as expected but I was not prepared for the cool windy evenings!! We were halfway up a mountain but it was still a shock.

I also went a few years ago in October and honestly can’t remember the evenings being cool but we were in the centre of Lisbon which is obviously more sheltered. And the days were beautiful again, no rain.

I think I’d go for it op, At least you stand a fighting chance of good weather there rather than October half term here!

Ah well that’s positive. I suppose the alternative would be another caravan in the uk and we have our fair share of doing that in shit weather this year.

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Whenindoubthugitout · 22/08/2025 17:43

We have had a blazingly hot summer in the uk, with 4 heatwaves…….
what have you not expected in this?

WTDress · 22/08/2025 17:43

babasaclover · 22/08/2025 17:42

Antalya would be hot I’ve been first week in November and late 20’s as it’s so far east.

went to Albufeira first week in September and it wasn’t warm enough to sunbathe 😬

Don’t really fancy Turkey. Although I know it’s more likely to get better weather

OP posts:
HollyhockDays · 22/08/2025 17:44

Try Malaga / Cartagena, Cyprus?

Bigpinkslippers · 22/08/2025 17:44

We were in Kos last year at the beginning of October, it was hot, late 20s. The pool was freezing but ok once you were swimming.

Reignonyourparade · 22/08/2025 17:50

It’s weather, it’s close to the Atlantic, the odds are betting odds, not a sure thing.

Lulu1919 · 22/08/2025 17:51

Malta

Youcallisimportant · 22/08/2025 17:55

Whenindoubthugitout · 22/08/2025 17:43

We have had a blazingly hot summer in the uk, with 4 heatwaves…….
what have you not expected in this?

I’m in the north west and would not describe it as a blazingly hot summer!

Cephalaria · 22/08/2025 17:56

If you want hot, beach, pool type of holiday then October in Portugal is risky. You might be lucky, just as you might be lucky in the UK at the seaside in June.

You need to be much further south for guaranteed good weather.

Maybeitllneverhappen · 22/08/2025 18:05

Morocco? If you just want sun and pool it's an option and often not too expensive.
Also did Luxor with easyJet in March and that was hot and sunny and not too dear.

Wanderlustholidaybug · 22/08/2025 18:11

The Algarve have 300 days of sun shine a year. The water near Tavira is warmer.

We were there last year in October half term and had nice weather; however there is no guarantees.

TeamGeriatric · 22/08/2025 18:15

I think Cyprus and Malta are better options if you want warmth, but Malta lacks sand. I've not been to Cyprus, not sure what the beaches are like.

user2848502016 · 22/08/2025 18:18

I’ve been to Lisbon in November and had beautiful weather- definitely warm enough for walking around in summer clothes with no jacket.
The only thing is you could get rain, and a lot of hotels don’t heat their outdoor pools so they’re too cold by October, so look for one with an indoor heated pool.

I agree The Canaries are more guaranteed sunshine, and rain is mostly overnight there too.

boredwfh · 22/08/2025 18:19

We’re doing Morocco in Oct half term. 28c weather pretty much guaranteed. Or the other one we considered was Cape Verde. I go to Portugal often & we went in April and has rubbish weather so wouldn’t risk it outside of summer now if I want guaranteed sunshine.

XelaM · 22/08/2025 18:23

Dubai would have guaranteed sunshine in October

Whenindoubthugitout · 22/08/2025 18:24

Youcallisimportant · 22/08/2025 17:55

I’m in the north west and would not describe it as a blazingly hot summer!

I’m east coast Scotland, and it’s been really hot here all summer.

indoorplantqueen · 22/08/2025 18:25

Been to Portugal at October half term twice. Both times around 22-24 degrees. Lovely to sunbathe but pools were freezing. Sea was warmer.
im going again this October. Canaries would be a better bet though.

Userengage · 22/08/2025 18:26

Paphos, Cyprus. Great beaches.