The winter season can be a fantastic time of year for a holiday to Portugal.
The winter months are the off-peak season, which means the country is free from tourists and there can be bargains to be found for accommodation and flights. This is the perfect time of year for a sightseeing or activity holiday, or a relaxing break in one of the Algarve's charming coastal towns.

Visiting Portugal during winter does require some planning and a bit of flexibility - as there is always a chance of poor weather - but the many positives easily outweigh the risk of rain.

The Praia de Dona Ana beach, in the Algarve, on a sunny winter's day

Due to the unpredictable and possibly wet weather, it is advisable to visit the Algarve or the cities of Lisbon and Porto. The Algarve and the southern region generally have the best weather, while Lisbon and Porto offer a wide selection of indoor activities for inclement days. Travellers should be aware that during the winter, northern Portugal often experiences significant rainfall.

 

 

Winter is a fantastic season for an activity-focused holiday in southern Portugal, whether that's a round of golf in Vilamoura, improving your surfing skills at Sagres, hiking the Sete Vales Suspensos coastline footpath, or cycling in the Serra de Monchique hills.

The lack of tourists and mild weather also make the winter a wonderful season for a sightseeing or touring holiday, be that an in-depth trip to Lisbon and Porto or a multi-stop tour of the Algarve.

This article will provide a guide to visiting Portugal during winter and help you get the most from your holiday.

The winter weather in Portugal is best described as mild and unpredictable, however, it will definitely be better than in your home country.
The winter climate in Portugal can be divided into three regions:
• The Algarve – Mild and dry weather, with an equal number of bright sunny days and grey days; there is very little rain.
• Porto and northern Portugal – Cool days and chilly nights, with a high possibility of very heavy rain.
• Lisbon and central Portugal – An unpredictable mix of bright, sunny days and grey days; there will be some wet days.

As a generalisation, the weather gets better (drier and warmer) the further south and east you head. The southern Algarve coastline will always have the best weather, while the north will have the wettest and chilliest conditions.

During winter, moisture-laden winds blow in from the Atlantic Ocean, causing heavy rains to fall over northern Portugal and mountainous regions, such as Sintra.

It can be very wet in northern Portugal, and we would not recommend a holiday here during the winter. A short city break to Porto can be fine, as the city has many indoor activities.

The Algarve will have mostly dry and bright days, but temperatures will not be warm enough for sunbathing. This is the perfect season for a touring or activity-based holiday.

For a winter holiday to Portugal, it is best to be based in one of the larger towns of the Algarve (such as Lagos, Albufeira or Vilamoura) or in Lisbon.

The winter season is a fantastic time of year for a touring holiday of Portugal. The weather is ideal for exploring, the popular tourist destinations will be free of tourists, and there can be amazing bargains for accommodation.
Some of the best itineraries for the winter include:
1) A week in Lisbon - Three days exploring Lisbon and day trips to Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal, Sesimbra, Évora and Óbidos.
2) Lisbon and the Algarve - Three days in Lisbon (with a day trip to Sintra), then four days relaxing at Lagos or Albufeira (with day trips to Silves and Faro).
3) Lisbon to Porto - Three days in Lisbon (with Sintra day trip), overnight in Nazaré or Óbidos, one night in Tomar and Coimbra, and finish in Porto for two days. If the weather is dry in Porto, take a day trip to Guimarães or Braga.
4) Central and eastern Portugal – Lisbon (2 nights), Évora (1 night), Elvas (1 night), Marvão or Castelo de Vide (1 night), Monsanto and Almeida (2 nights) which includes the surrounding regions of Trancoso, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and Marialva. Then drive back to Lisbon, which could include Viseu and Coimbra.
5) Tour of the Algarve - Faro (1 night), Tavira (2 nights), Albufeira or Vilamoura (2 nights), and Lagos (3 nights, with a day trip to Silves). A rental car is not needed for this trip.

Below is an interactive map showing these itineraries. The green markers are the 1 week in Lisbon, the yellow line is the Lisbon to Porto tour, the red line is the Algarve tour and the blue line is the tour of eastern Portugal. (Note: zoom in to see all of the points).

Lisbon one week (green) 1) Lisbon 2) Sintra 3) Cascais 4) Setúbal 5) Sesimbra 6) Óbidos
Lisbon to Porto (yellow) 1) Lisbon 6) Óbidos 7) Nazaré 8) Tomar 9) Coimbra 10) Porto 11) Guimarães
East Portugal (blue) 1) Lisbon 12) Évora 13) Elvas 14) Marvão 15) Monsanto 16) Almeida
Algarve tour (red): 17) Faro 18) Tavira 19) Albufeira 20) Lagos 21) Silves

Insight: Portugal is a relatively small country and has an excellent express-train network. It only takes 2½ hours to travel from Lisbon to the Algarve or 3 hours from Lisbon to Porto. This means you can easily travel south if the weather turns poor or head to the north if it's a spell of dry weather. Having flexible plans is the best way to get the most from your winter holiday to Portugal.

Tavira is one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve

Having flexible plans is a very useful approach when visiting Portugal during the winter, as they can be easily adjusted depending on the weather.

The winter months are the low season, and there is simply no need to pre-book tours, tickets, or even accommodation. It is much better to have a range of ideas and places you would like to see that can vary depending on the weather. When sightseeing in cities, it is a good idea to have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities planned for each day. It is even better to have a flexible itinerary that can adapt to the weather conditions.

This idea of flexibility can also apply to your accommodation and places you plan to visit. With last-minute hotel bookings, you could easily change plans and move between Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve depending on the weather.

The one exception to this is during the Christmas holidays (23 December to 2 January) when tourism does pick up, and it is advisable to have accommodation booked in advance.

Christmas is a fantastic time of year to be in Portugal. The Portuguese adore the Christmas holidays, and the cities are alive with the build-up to the festivities, combining religious traditions with unique cultural elements.

The Christmas season officially begins on December 8th, with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is when the Christmas markets in Lisbon and Porto open, along with smaller markets in most large cities. Lisbon and Porto will have a real buzz about them, with busy shopping streets, vibrant nightlife, and festive decorations adorning the historic streets. The largest Christmas market is the Winter Wonderland in Lisbon, held in Eduardo VII Park.

On Christmas Eve, families gather for "Consoada," a special dinner often featuring bacalhau (salted cod) and traditional sweets like "bolo rei" (king cake). At midnight, many attend "Missa do Galo" (Rooster's Mass), while excited children often stay up till midnight to open their presents. Christmas Day is a public holiday, so most tourist activities and shops will be closed. It is useful to make restaurant reservations for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, as many restaurants may be shut and the ones open booked out. Boxing Day (December 26th) is not a holiday in Portugal, so businesses generally operate normally.

The holiday period from December 23rd to January 2nd sees tourism peak, with high demand for flights and accommodation. Flights are particularly crowded just before Christmas, as Portuguese expatriates return home to celebrate, and again on January 1st-3rd as they depart to their places of work.

The Christmas market in Rossio plaza in Lisbon

Portugal does not have beach weather during the winter. You may be lucky and have a couple of days of suitable weather in the Algarve, but it is highly unlikely through the rest of the country.

We typically define beach weather as temperatures above 22°C with clear, sunny skies. In the Algarve, you might experience 2 or 3 days like this per month. However, along Portugal's western coastline, such conditions are rare at this time of year.

During the winter, Lisbon is the better choice for a city break or as part of a tour of Portugal, and this is due to the weather. Lisbon typically has milder and drier weather, with average highs around 16°C (61°F), while Porto tends to be cooler and wetter, with average highs around 14°C (57°F). Lisbon also usually experiences fewer wet days during the winter.

If there is poor weather, Lisbon has many more indoor sights and activities than Porto. These include the Gulbenkian Museum, LxFactory, Jerónimos Monastery, the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and Museu Nacional dos Coches. For families, there is the Oceanário de Lisboa and Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Pavilion of Knowledge).

Porto can be great to visit if there is dry weather, which is why it is recommended to have flexible plans for any trip to Portugal in the winter.
Related articles: Lisbon guide – Porto guide

The Praça do Comércio in Lisbon with the city’s Christmas tree

The Algarve is a popular holiday destination during winter due to its mild and dry climate. In winter, the Algarve takes on a peaceful ambience, which is ideal for older visitors or families with young children. However, this quieter atmosphere may not appeal to younger couples or those looking for livelier holidays.

The Algarve coastline boasts over 25 beachside towns and villages. However, during the winter low season, many of the smaller towns effectively shut down, with only one or two cafes and shops staying open.

For a winter holiday, it's advisable to base yourself in one of the larger towns such as Lagos, Albufeira, or Vilamoura, which maintain a livelier atmosphere and offer more amenities year-round.

If you prefer a more authentic Portuguese experience, consider Tavira in the eastern Algarve, a historic town that retains its charm throughout the winter months.

For a full guide to where to go and what to do in the Algarve during winter, please read our guide, "Winter in the Algarve."

The Algarve will be peaceful and free of the summer time crowds during the winter

The Algarve can be an excellent choice for families with pre-school children or those able to travel outside school holidays. Winter brings milder temperatures without the intense summer heat, and you can often find great deals on accommodation.

The best family-friendly resorts are listed below, but be aware that some summer services and activities may not operate during the winter months.

Pestana Blue Alvor - This all-inclusive resort offers kids' clubs and multiple pools. Year-round activities keep all ages entertained.
Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - With its family entertainment programs and spacious rooms, this hotel ensures comfort for all seasons.
Pine Cliffs Resort - One of the smartest hotel complexes in the Algarve, this cliff-top resort features family suites, children's clubs, and direct beach access.
Aquashow Park Hotel - A hotel complex which is attached to a water park, which has a indoor water pool area for the winter months.
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa - A luxury resort balances grown-up indulgences with family amenities, including pools and diverse entertainment options.
Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort - This beachfront resort offers relaxation and fun. Kids' clubs and varied dining cater well to family needs throughout the year.

The winter months are the time of year to see the colossal waves at Nazaré. These waves can tower up to 30 meters (100 feet) high, attracting elite big wave surfers from around the globe.

During these extreme surfing and huge wave events, thousands of spectators watch from the 16th-century Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo and the headland above the Praia do Norte beach.

The waves are not a regular occurrence and only form a couple of times per year under certain weather conditions, when the waves are channelled up the undersea Nazaré Canyon.
A 10-day forecast of the waves of Nazaré can be seen here: worldbeachguide.com

The colossal winter waves at Nazaré

During winter, snow falls over the Serra da Estrela mountains, and there is a ski resort at Torre - the highest point in Portugal (1,997m). These are only a small set of ski slopes (5.9km of slopes and 3 chairlifts), and certainly not comparable to the Alps, but it is an enjoyable activity if you're based in Portugal. For further information and prices, see the Serra da Estrela skiing website: www.skiserradaestrela.com

There can be some real bargains for accommodation during the winter, as hotels slash their prices to attract the few visitors to the country.

One of the best methods for finding a bargain is to use hotel comparison websites and only book rooms with free cancelation. This allows you to continue looking for something better - or change your plans if the weather deteriorates.
Insight: There will be more bargains in the coastal towns, with fewer in Lisbon or Porto.

Personal opinion: We always recommended that visitors stay in locally-owned hotels, which employ local people and keeps tourist money within the country. Rental apartments may seem appealing, but are often owned by foreign investors and push up house prices for locals – this is a real problem in Lisbon, Porto and certain areas of the Algarve.

The narrow streets of the Alfama district of Lisbon, without the crowds of tourists

The Algarve is a fantastic destination during the winter, as long as you accept that the resort towns will be very quiet, and the weather is not warm enough to sunbathe.

Our advice is to stick to the larger resort towns, such as Albufeira, Lagos, or Vilamoura, which have large permanent populations and will have a decent selection of restaurants and bars open. To experience some Portuguese culture in your holiday, consider being based in the charming town of Tavira or having a day trip to Faro or Silves.

The western Algarve has lively resort towns and golden cliffs

The low season is the time to find a bargain hotel. Search websites can find you last-minute 5-star luxury for the price of 3-star mediocrity. We would strongly advise hiring a car so that you can explore the region, and are not just tied to your deserted hotel complex or quiet town.

The winter months are surfing season in the western Algarve, and the town of Sagres having a great surfing vibe along with some amazing surfing beaches.

Some good ideas for activities for the winter include hiking along the Praia do Vale de Centeanes trail, joining a boat tour from Albufeira or Vilamoura (when the seas are calm!), cycling the quiet roads around Burgau or Tavira.

Albufeira has the best New Years celebrations in Portugal, and all of the large resort towns are buzzing during the Christmas period.

If there is no wind (and the sea is calm!) join a boat tour of the Algarve coastline

Lisbon is a great option for a winter city-break, or for a longer holiday. There is a lot to see and do in Lisbon, and there are many interesting day trips, that can be reached via public transport.

If it does rain there are numerous museums and indoor activities, along with hundreds of trendy bars and stylish restaurants. There are numerous museums and indoor activities, along with hundreds of bars and stylish restaurants. There’s also the wonderful oceanarium, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Calouste Gulbenkian art museum. If it stays wet, head to the artisan area of LX Factory, sample Portugal's finest foods in the Timeout Market and end the day in the trendy bars of the Bairro Alto district.

Rossio Plaza in central Lisbon

If the sun does show itself, hop on the train to the magical town of Sintra, with it's whimsical Pena Palace and the ruins of the Moors castle. If it is warm, head to the characterful resort town of Cascais or the traditional beach town of Sesimbra.

In the low season, the main tourist attractions will be almost deserted, so you'll be able to visit at your own pace without enduring the summer crowds
Related articles: Our Lisbon guide

The Palácio Nacional da Pena is one of the highlights of the Lisbon region, and will be free from tourists during the winter

Porto in the winter is difficult to predict. The weather could be good, or it could be very wet. If it is raining, the city has significantly fewer indoor activities and sights to offer than Lisbon. The main indoor experience is Port wine tasting in the many cellars that line the banks of Douro River - and with over 14 different Port cellars, there's a lot of Port tasting!

If the weather is dry take a day trip to the pretty city of Guimarães or the religious centre of Braga. If the sun does come out hire a car and explore the Douro Valley.

Our advice: If you are thinking about visiting Porto during the winter, leave your planning to the last minute and base your decision on the long-term weather forecast. If it seems wet, head to Lisbon or the Algarve. If it’s dry, book Porto and get yourself a bargain trip!
Related articles: Porto guide

Porto sits on the northern banks of the Douro River