Algarve Winter: Humidity & Mould Hacks That Actually Work (and When to Get Help)
Last updated: 28/01/26
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If you’re new to the Algarve, winter can surprise you. It’s not “cold” in the way many countries are—but it can feel damp, and that’s when humidity, condensation and mould show up in bedrooms, wardrobes, window corners, and anywhere air doesn’t move.
The good news: most cases improve fast with a few practical habits. The bad news: ignoring it usually makes it worse.
Why mould happens here (even in “nice” homes)
Algarve homes often have cooler indoor surfaces in winter (especially north-facing rooms), lots of closed windows + less airflow, laundry drying indoors, and older seals/windows or hidden moisture from small leaks. Mould is usually a moisture + airflow problem, not a cleaning problem.
Quick hacks that make the biggest difference
- Vent like you mean it: Do a short, strong airing morning and evening. Open opposite windows for cross-ventilation, especially bedrooms after sleeping and bathrooms after showers.
- Heat the air a little, consistently: Cold rooms + warm breath/shower steam = condensation. Keep problem rooms slightly warmer and avoid big temperature swings.
- Use a dehumidifier (the Algarve winter cheat code): Run it a few hours daily in winter, keep doors closed while it runs, and aim for comfortable humidity (not bone-dry air).
- Don’t dry laundry indoors without a plan: If indoors, use a dehumidifier in the same room with the door closed. Dry outside when possible.
- Let wardrobes breathe: Pull furniture slightly off walls, don’t pack clothes tightly in winter, and open wardrobe doors occasionally on dry days.
- Clean small mould early (and don’t mask it): Clean promptly and address moisture at the same time—otherwise it returns. If you keep re-cleaning weekly, the cause isn’t fixed.
Red flags: when it’s time to call a professional
Don’t DIY forever if you notice mould returning quickly after cleaning, a persistent musty smell, bubbling paint or damp patches, condensation every morning even with ventilation, or any suspicion of a leak (roof, windows, plumbing). At that point you want someone to check the cause, not just wipe the symptom.
How XpatHaven can help
If you want to solve it properly (or you’re managing a property remotely), XpatHaven can connect you with handpicked, expat-friendly technicians for humidity/mould checks, repairs, and maintenance—so you’re not guessing who to trust.
Author
Nathalie (XpatHaven)
Expat for life and Algarve expert. Nathalie personally selects every service provider listed on XpatHaven and can vouch for their quality of service and expat-friendliness.