This is why you should visit Portugal in winter! Tips & fun things to do

Did you know that Portugal is a great travel destination for the winter months? These are the best tips for an unforgettable vacation in Portugal in winter.

Table of contents hide

1 Portugal in winter: the pros and cons

2 Climate in Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve in winter

3 What to pack for Portugal in winter?

4 Fun things to do in Portugal during winter

5 What to do on rainy days

6 Book a trip to Portugal

7 Read more about Portugal

When it comes to travel destinations in winter, most people probably don’t immediately think of Portugal. But trust me, visiting Portugal in winter has its charm and offers a unique experience you don’t want to miss. I spend one or more months in Portugal almost every winter and I find it a wonderful time of year to discover the country.

In this blog post, I will show you why Portugal is so much fun in winter and give tips on what to do and visit, even on rainy days.

Portugal in winter: the pros and cons

Visiting Portugal in the winter months has many advantages, but unfortunately also a few disadvantages. To give you a complete picture, I list them below:

The pros of visiting Portugal in winter

There are several advantages to Portugal in winter:

Accommodations, flights, and activities are often a lot cheaper in the winter months. That can make it easier to enjoy more luxurious experiences without the high price tags.
In most places, it is nice and quiet. At times, you have the most beautiful sights all to yourself.
Temperatures are generally mild in Portugal during the winter, especially in the southern regions such as the Algarve. It may not be beach weather, but it’s perfect for exploring cities or hiking in nature.
In December, Portugal is all about Christmas. There are beautiful lights and decorations everywhere, as well as many Christmas markets. Visiting cities like Lisbon or Porto become an enchanting experience, but also the smaller cities and villages have a cozy Christmas atmosphere.
During the winter months, it’s easier to get in touch with locals. You encounter locals more often in the winter months than in the other months, and they usually love to have a chat. It is helpful to learn a few words of Portuguese such as “Bom dia” (good day) and “obrigado” (thank you), most people really like that and it breaks the ice.

The cons of visiting Portugal in winter

There are also some drawbacks when visiting Portugal in winter.

Because it is so quiet, some hotels and restaurants are closed. This is particularly the case in the Algarve, which is known as a beach destination.
You have less daylight, so the days are much shorter than in spring and summer. As a result, you can do fewer outdoor activities.
Although usually mild, some days can be cold and rainy, especially in the north. The weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for different weather conditions.
Houses are built to keep out as much heat as possible and not all have heating. It can be quite chilly in some accommodations. These are mostly the somewhat older houses and flats. It is therefore wise to bring a thick sweater.

Despite the drawbacks, a trip to Portugal in winter is highly recommended, especially if you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, authentic experience.

Climate in Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve in winter

If you are going to visit Portugal in the winter, you are no doubt curious about the weather in the winter months. Portugal is known for its mild winters, especially along the coastal areas.

In Porto, a beautiful city in northern Portugal, you can expect temperatures between 10-15 degrees Celsius during the day and around 5-10 degrees Celsius at night. It can sometimes rain in Porto, but generally there are plenty of sunny days to enjoy.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has similar temperatures to Porto during the winter months. Temperatures fluctuate between 12-17 degrees Celsius during the day and between 7-12 degrees Celsius at night. Rainfall is slightly less frequent than in Porto.

If you go to the Algarve in southern Portugal, you can expect even milder winters. Temperatures can reach as high as 18-20 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to about 8-12 degrees Celsius at night. The Algarve also has the least number of rainy days in winter, making it an ideal destination for sun seekers.

Only at Ponta da Piedade in Lagos — In the summer months, it is always very crowded here at Ponta da Piedade but in winter you are alone at the famous rock formation. And the weather is often great, with a lot of sunshine.

What to pack for Portugal in winter?

Should you pack extra (warm) clothes when traveling to Portugal in winter? I suggest bringing many layers. During the day, it’s fine to wear a thin sweater. If it’s sunny, you might even try wearing a T-shirt.

When the sun goes down, it usually gets a little chillier, in which case it is helpful to put on a thick sweater or jacket over your clothes. But you can leave a thick winter coat, gloves, and a hat at home when you travel to Portugal in winter.

Fun things to do in Portugal during winter

You probably won’t spend long lazy days at the beach during the winter months in Portugal, but there are more than enough other fun things to do in Portugal in winter.

Explore historic cities

Portugal has a rich history and beautiful architecture. Visit cities like Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, or Faro and lose yourself in their charming streets and centuries-old buildings.

The advantage of visiting a Portuguese city in winter is that it is never too hot to explore beautiful places outside, and if it rains you can just pop into a store or museum.

In winter you can visit Portuguese cities just fine

Taste the culinary delights

Portuguese cuisine is world-famous for its delicious dishes. Enjoy traditional dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), and grilled sardines. Most of the time it’s warm enough to sit outside on the terrace with a cup of coffee and enjoy the beautiful views.

Discover natural beauty

Although it may not be warm enough to sunbathe on the beach, you can still enjoy beautiful walks along the coastline or through national parks such as Peneda-Gerês or Ria Formosa.

I myself hike especially a lot in winter in Portugal. Throughout the country, you can find several beautiful hiking trails and I discover new beautiful trails in the Algarve every time. Especially the Fishermen’s Trail along the coastline from Alentejo to the Algarve is amazingly beautiful in winter. And a lot less crowded than in the other months!

Winter is the perfect time for hiking in Portugal.

Go to the beach

Would you like to spend some time on the gorgeous beaches in Portugal? On sunny days, you can even go to the beach in southern Portugal. I have spent several days on the beach in the Algarve in November, December, and January. If you lie among the golden cliffs, you are usually not bothered by the wind and then it is really lovely!

Visit local markets

Dive into the local culture by visiting colorful markets where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. A visit to Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon is highly recommended.

Go wine tasting

Portugal is known for its excellent wines. Visit the Douro Valley or Alentejo wine regions and enjoy tastings in picturesque vineyards.

Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets

Because the days are not so long, you can admire a beautiful sunrise or sunset almost every day. And they are incredibly beautiful in Portugal, especially on the coast!

What to do on rainy days

Of course, it can also rain in Portugal during the winter months. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of fun things to do, even on rainy days:

Visit museums

Portugal has plenty of interesting museums where you can learn more about the country’s history, art, and culture. The National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon and the Serralves Museum of Modern Art in Porto are both recommended.

Take a relaxing spa day

Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and book a spa treatment at one of the many luxury spa resorts Portugal has to offer.

Go shopping

Discover great shopping opportunities in cities like Porto or Lisbon. From boutiques to large department stores, there is something for everyone.

Taste local delicacies

Delve into Portugal’s culinary world by exploring local markets, bakeries, and restaurants. Sample different types of cheese, ham, and other delicacies.

Portugal is not only a great destination for summer vacations but also for winter getaways. With mild temperatures, beautiful landscapes, and countless activities to do and places to visit, Portugal in winter offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Portugal and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer!

Book a trip to Portugal

Do you like visiting Portugal in winter? Then book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Portugal has several international airports. You can book flights to Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.

🛏️ Accommodations – There are many beautiful accommodations in Portugal, such as fun hostels, cozy boutique hotels, or special rural accommodations. Check Booking.com for all the options, availability, and prices.

🚘 Rental car – Although it’s possible to get from one city to another by public transport, buses and trains are not frequent and the smaller towns and villages are less easily accessible. It is useful to have a rental car during your holiday in Portugal, so you can get to the really special places even more easily. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

Would you rather travel by public transport? Check Omio for the possibilities and prices.

💊 Travel insurance

Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🎡 Tours & Activities – There is so much to do in Portugal! Check out Get Your Guide for all options, from interesting historic tours with a guide to adventurous boat trips.

This is why you should visit Portugal in winter! Tips & fun things to do