Portugal in Winter: Where to Go
Portugal in winter: the weather in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and Madeira from December to February, where to go, events, snow and what to pack.
January 6, 2026 • 5 min read
Portugal in Winter: Where to Go
Winter Weather by Region
Averages from Portugal's weather institute, IPMA (1991 to 2020). Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm of rain.
Figures show the average daily high and low. In Fahrenheit, 20°C is 68°F, 16°C is 61°F and 14°C is 57°F.
Where to Go in Portugal in Winter
Madeira: The Warmest
Madeira has the mildest winter in Portugal, with average highs of 20 to 21°C (68 to 70°F) and average lows of 14 to 15.5°C (57 to 60°F). It is a good time for levada walks and gardens, and Funchal is decorated for Christmas through December. On New Year's Eve, Madeira's fireworks over Funchal Bay were recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's biggest fireworks display in 2006.
The Algarve: Winter Sun on the Mainland
The Algarve is the driest part of mainland Portugal in winter, with about five to seven rainy days a month in Faro and highs of 16 to 17°C (61 to 63°F). It is too cool for most people to swim, but good for coastal walks, golf and long stays, and the beaches and towns are quiet compared with summer.
Lisbon: A Mild City Break
Lisbon averages 15 to 16°C (59 to 61°F) in winter, with rain on about one day in three. It is a good season for museums, food, fado and viewpoints without the summer crowds. The city switches on its Christmas lights in late November, with a giant tree in Praça do Comércio, and Wonderland Lisboa, its biggest Christmas market, opens in Parque Eduardo VII.
Porto and the North: Cozy and Wet
Porto is the coolest and wettest of Portugal's main destinations in winter, with highs of 14 to 15°C (57 to 59°F) and rain on ten to thirteen days a month. Plan around the weather with port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, tiled churches and long lunches, and keep outdoor plans flexible.
Serra da Estrela: Snow
Mainland Portugal's highest mountains, in the center of the country, get snow in winter. The small Serra da Estrela ski resort, at around 1,850 to 1,980 meters, usually opens from December to April, with snow cannons to help, and the region is known for its Serra da Estrela cheese.
Winter Events in Portugal
Dates change every year, so check the program for your travel dates.
What to Know Before You Go
- Pack for rain. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes with good grip, as stone pavements get slippery when wet, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
- Bring layers. Days can be mild in the sun, but mornings and evenings are cool.
- Book New Year's Eve early. Madeira is the busiest destination at the end of December.
- Expect quieter beaches. The Algarve and the coast are calm in winter, which suits walkers, golfers and long stays.
Portugal or Spain in December?
Both are mild compared with the rest of Europe. Lisbon and the Algarve are milder than inland Spain, including Madrid, while southern Spain is similar to the Algarve. For the warmest winter weather in either country, Madeira and Spain's Canary Islands are the best options.
