Portugal in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Lisbon, Portugal: 60°F High • 48°F Low

Portugal’s winter weather is pleasant, as temperatures rarely drop below 48°F, and sunshine is often forecast during the season. In Lisbon, the temperatures are warm enough to comfortably navigate the city, and the Algarve is blessed with abundant clear skies for beach vacations.

The consistent climate in most popular parts of Portugal in December, January, and February means travelers can confidently plan a winter vacation to the best places to visit in Portugal with fewer concerns about the cold than in other parts of Europe.

From tasting award-winning vintages and blends on Portugal wine tours when the skies are clear and the sun is shining to escaping to cultural corners of Lisbon in winter on couples’ tours of Portugal, you can enjoy favorable weather conditions in most parts of the country.

The Algarve • Best Place for Great Weather

The Algarve remains a favorite for beach vacations in Portugal and winter in the region provides a fantastic time of the year for visiting as the area enjoys dry weather, with typically few days of rainfall.

Portugal’s winter sun floods the region’s best beaches and you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes, build sandcastles as a family, or experience more of the top things to do in Portugal in the Algarve in winter. While temperatures are cooler than in summer, they hover around 60°F, making it pleasant to spend days relaxing and exploring the coastline.

Lisbon • Best Place for Families with Children

Lisbon in winter boasts mild temperatures that, while cooler than summer, are warmer than winter in other parts of Europe. As one of the best places to visit in Portugal with kids, you can enjoy family vacations that focus on entertaining travelers of all ages during Lisbon tours and vacations.

On a clear day, you can comfortably walk up and down Lisbon’s iconic hills in search of hidden culinary treasures or national landmarks. And if the skies are gray, you and your kids can participate in tile-making workshops, after which you receive your own colorful creation to take home, or explore the indoor heritage sites.

Learn more: Portugal Family Vacations & Tours

Alentejo • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Off the beaten path and away from the crowds, Alentejo in winter welcomes travelers eager to escape the city bustle and taste the fine wines of one of Portugal’s best wine regions, or cycle across the countryside on a peaceful afternoon when the temperatures are cool.

Slightly closer to the equator than Lisbon, Alentejo’s average temperatures may be one or two degrees warmer than the capital, creating the perfect environment for outdoor activities. Whether walking through the vineyards or retreating to the coastline, you can embrace the moderate conditions when exploring Alentejo’s quieter parts in winter.

Porto • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Porto lies to the north of Lisbon and is further from the equator, bringing conditions that, although chillier than other parts of the country, are perfect for couples or honeymooners embracing the winter charms of a fado show around the fire or sipping port during a romantic sunset dinner.

Porto explodes with Portuguese character in art galleries and museums that express the city’s European heritage and endless creativity. Streets covered in artwork, colorful buildings that paint the skyline, and the tranquil waters of the Douro River reward romantic travelers eager to experience the allure of Portugal’s famous city.

Learn more: Portugal Tours for Couples • Portugal Honeymoon Packages

Azores Islands • Best Portuguese Islands to Visit

The Azores Islands offer something different for travelers escaping to Europe in the winter with dreams of spending their vacations on secret beaches or relishing laidback island lifestyles. Easy to reach, quieter than other parts of the country, and pleasant even with limited sunshine, the Azores Islands' mild temperatures and mix of sunny and rainy days provide plenty of opportunities for a dream winter island vacation.

You can indulge in the local delicacies that, though reminiscent and taking inspiration from classic Mediterranean dishes, offer a fresh spin on seafood and stews. You can also, even on a cloudy day, enjoy island hopping when the seas are calm or relax in your luxurious villa and appreciate the peace and quiet of the off-season.

Learn more: Azores Islands Vacation Packages • Azores Islands Travel Guide

Explore Portuguese History at Heritage Sites

The history of Portugal comes to life on tours in winter that take travelers to heritage sites, architectural monuments, Portugal’s best castles, and art galleries representing the country’s culture. With many famous landmarks offering an escape from the occasional rainy day, you can enjoy an immersive look at Portuguese heritage whenever you would like to.

As winter crowds are few and far between, you can enjoy unraveling the country’s close connection to its past without navigating overwhelmingly busy sites or having to wait in long queues to see iconic landmarks.

Enjoy the Bold Flavors of Portuguese Wine

As Portugal is famous for its winter sun, wine enthusiasts can escape to popular wine regions, including the Douro Valley and Alentejo, on winter trips for sensational wine-tasting experiences in some of the most picturesque wine destinations in Europe.

Whether sampling Port in Porto or relishing the award-winning vintages following the end of the harvest season, you can embrace the beauty of the winter season with a warm glass of red or  chilled white on a sunny day.

Bask in Portugal’s Winter Sun on the Best Beaches

Portugal’s winter sun makes it one of the best destinations in Europe to visit in the winter for beach vacations and, boasting some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, travelers can take advantage of Portugal’s average of 300 days of sun for great days spent soaking it up.

Whether retreating to the Algarve or discovering the hidden coastal gems of Alentejo, senior travelers in Portugal, couples, families, solo travelers, and more can appreciate the great weather in winter on a beach vacation in December, January, or February.

Tuck Into Classic Portuguese Winter Dishes

While Portugal’s winter weather is far warmer than other European countries, winter dishes do stand out for locals and travelers eager to experience the seasonal flavors in December, January, or February.

Winter food tours in Portugal may bring out the best of vibrant classics like arroz de pato, duck rice, heartwarming staples like caldo verde, cabbage soup, or seafood specialties like prawn açorda, shrimp and bread stew.

Portugal is a sensational winter destination in Europe that offers something different from the colder parts of the continent during the chilly season. Known for its winter sun, Portugal’s conditions create the perfect environment for beach vacations, sightseeing, food tours, and more classic experiences on Portugal tours and vacations.

As you consider your Portugal trip and plans for your custom tour, explore more ideas, advice, and recommendations for your dream vacation in our Portugal travel guide.