Repair facilities, with a few exceptions, are below the standards of neighbouring countries. The climate is mild and varies slightly, being cooler in the north and warmer in the south. The prevailing winds of summer are northerly. The Portuguese trades commence in about April and last until September. On the Algarve coast the northerly winds of summer are often replaced by land and sea breezes.
Most gales occur in winter, when the prevailing winds are westerly.
Due to their location some harbours are inaccessible in strong onshore winds. 2000-2001 Noonsite Ltd.