Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Maryam Siddiqui
Curious about winter in Portugal? To live in the country, knowing how to live throughout the year and the temperature variations is necessary. While summertime is extremely famous, Portugal does have other equally excellent seasons.
Follow the article to discover the coldest months of the year in Portugal, with tips on how to stay warm, what to do, and how to make the most of the season. Happy reading!
What to expect about winter in Portugal
Winter in Portugal, as in the entire northern hemisphere, runs from December 21st to March 20th. But, unlike most northern European countries, temperatures in Portugal are not so dramatically cold.
Winter in Portugal is pleasantly calm, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures that rarely fall below 10°C. In fact, the country enjoys an average of about 300 sunny days each year.
Hence it can seem more like the spring season during this period. Many places have their charm in this special season. You can find tons of entertaining activities here to enrich this time for yourself further.
Even so, prepare your coat, umbrella, and a hot drink. Portugal may be a dream summer destination in southern Europe, but it gets wet and chilly in winter.
What’s the weather like in winter in Portugal?
In most regions of Portugal, the winter months mean lots of rain and low temperatures. It snows only in some mountainous regions, mainly in the north of the country, in the Serra da Estrela region.
Temperatures in Portugal remain fairly pleasant, and winters are far from extreme. The central regions are mild, the coastal areas stay relatively warm, and the north experiences cooler conditions, typically ranging between 5°C and 9°C.
When dusk hits, temperatures sometimes fall to 0°C; however, snow is very rare. Moreover, moist gusty breezes near the ocean create great waves, causing temperatures to fall more, creating a more cold climate.
And yes, although Portugal is a small country, there are substantial variations depending on location. Check the temperature variations in the winter months in different Portuguese regions in the tables below, according to Climate Data.
What is the weather like in winter in Lisbon
Winter in Lisbon can get quite cold and wet, really not the tourists’ favorite time of the year. Even so, it is no colder than most European capitals.
| December | January | February | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 12.3 °C (54.2 °F) | 11.5 °C (52.7 °F) | 11.8 °C (53.2 °F) | 13.5 °C (56.4 °F) |
| Rainfall | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
How is the weather in Porto in winter
The northern region of Portugal, where Porto is located, is the coldest in the country. Here is where it rains the most and where there is more chance of snowing at high altitudes, as well as the central region.
| December | January | February | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 10 °C (50.1 °F) | 9.3 °C (48.7 °F) | 9.7 °C (49.5 °F) | 11.8 °C (53.2 °F) |
| Rainfall | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
How is the weather in winter in the Algarve
The Algarve is known for a mild winter and dry weather, despite the cold. However, you can still find many people sunbathing on some beaches sheltered from the wind in December and March. This is one of the reasons why this is one of the best places to spend retirement in the world.
| December | January | February | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 14 °C (57.2 °F) | 13 °C (55.4 °F) | 13.2 °C (55.7 °F) | 14.6 °C (58.2 °F) |
| Rainfall | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 50 mm (2 in) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
What is the weather like in winter in Madeira
Temperatures on the island of Madeira, in the middle of the North Atlantic, are also mild. Winter here is marked by more rain, but nothing too cold. An excellent destination for those who wish to escape cold weather.
| December | January | February | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. temperature | 14.6 °C (58.2 °F) | 13.6 °C (56.4 °F) | 13 °C (55.4 °F) | 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) |
| Rainfall | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Prepare your home for the cold in advance
All expats who live here and experience winter in Portugal know that the Portuguese people suffer from the cold at home. Unlike Northern European countries, for example, where it gets really cold, and the buildings are prepared to withstand low temperatures, in Portugal, this doesn’t usually happen.
In Portugal, most houses are not well insulated, so the cold from outside often seeps through the walls. This means that even with heating, it can still feel quite cold indoors.
Also, here the electricity bill is quite expensive, and using the heater too much can hurt your budget.
In fact, the combination of poor insulation and high energy costs makes Portugal one of the countries where 19% of the population cannot afford to keep their homes adequately warm, according to Eurostat data.
So the tip is to make sure that your apartment or house is well insulated to get through the cold before winter comes. And don’t underestimate the importance of warm blankets, teas, and a good fireplace.
Best things to do during the winter in Portugal
Even though it’s cold outside and indoors too, there’s always something to do to warm your heart. Discover the greatest winter attractions in Portugal.
Go skiing in Serra da Estrela
The Serra da Estrela Natural Park region, located in the center-north of Portugal, is the main winter holiday destination in the country.
Here is the only ski resort in Portugal, generally open from mid-December to the end of March. During this period, Portuguese and Spanish families usually take advantage of the season to practice winter sports.
In addition, the region has many hiking trails, lakes, and peaks. The Serra da Estrela mountain is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal at 1.993 m altitude. A great winter holiday destination, especially for those living in Porto and northern Portugal.
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Enjoy the sunny days on the Algarve coast and on the islands
Although it also gets cold in winter in these regions, the Algarve and the archipelagoes of Azores and Madeira are known for having many sunny days even at this time of year. Those who live here like to enjoy the empty beaches and nature parks for walks and picnics, of course, when it’s not raining.
Those who live in the Algarve like to enjoy the empty beaches and nature parks for walks in coats. Next, what never fails, is to have a coffee on a terrace in the sun. It is even possible to wear shorts and miniskirts in February there. This is enough to explain how much milder the weather is than in Lisbon and Porto, for example.
Visit empty tourist attractions
Unlike the summer months, when tourists are everywhere, and in line at attractions and museums, winter is a much calmer season in Portugal. Ideal for those who prefer to avoid queues and discover monuments and history calmly and with more privacy, despite the cold.
If you live in Lisbon, take advantage of the colder months to explore some of the city’s top attractions such as Pena Palace, Belém Tower, the Lisbon Oceanarium, and Jerónimos Monastery, among others.
Read also: Summer in Portugal: know what it’s like to live under the sun
Go Hiking Through the Peneda-Gerês National Park
If you love nature and don’t mind a little chill in the air, winter is the perfect time to explore the Peneda-Gerês National Park up north. The landscape transforms into a misty wonderland with quiet trails, rushing waterfalls, and ancient stone villages tucked between mountains.
You can hike without the summer heat, spot wild ponies, and even enjoy a cozy meal at a local mountain inn afterward. For expats craving peace and a touch of wilderness, Gerês offers a refreshing escape from city life, it’s Portugal’s best-kept natural secret waiting to be explored this winter.
Visit the best golf courses
Another exciting activity to do in wintertime is to play some good old golf. The Portuguese are a big fan of this sport and tend to play it frequently when the weather gets pleasant in this season. The country provides a lovely environment to play gold, especially on the Algarve and Estoril coast.
These coasts are almost always entirely booked in the winter season. They have been regarded as the best golfing destinations not only in the European region, but in the world on plenty of occasions. Make sure not to miss out on a delightful game of golf facing the region’s beautiful coastline.
Go on boat trips
Whether it’s the traditional landscape of the River Douro or the eminent horizon of Lisbon from the Tagus, a boat trip is always a pleasurable way to make lifelong memories with loved ones that you can cherish forever.
The vast blue waves crashing against each other beneath the sunlit horizon create a soul-soothing experience, one that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime.
Moreover, boat trips along the coast are not too costly and have frequent offers on them as well, at whatever point the climate and ocean conditions are favorable. Make sure to carry warm clothes as it tends to get chilly out in the sea. Keep an eye out for birds, whales, and different types of flora and fauna!
Enjoy wine tours
For many wine enthusiasts, winter is the perfect season to travel to Portugal and delve into the exquisite realm of wine tasting. Portugal is home to the most earthy wines curated using the freshest fermented grapes and processing them into a divine flavor.
Portugal is famous for its winter wine tours, offering a perfect seasonal getaway. These tours bring together some of the country’s finest wine estates, where the best wines are crafted.
Such tours usually take place in Lisbon, Douro Valley, Alentejo, and Peninsula de Setubal. On tour, not only do you taste the best wine, but you also admire the beautiful landscape adorned in the region.
Take a Thermal Spa Retreat in Central Portugal
When the weather cools down, nothing beats a warm soak in Portugal’s natural hot springs. Central Portugal is dotted with thermal spa towns like São Pedro do Sul and Caldas da Rainha, where healing mineral waters have been enjoyed for centuries.
Spend a weekend pampering yourself, massages, thermal pools, and steamy saunas make it the ultimate winter reset. Many spa resorts also sit near charming villages and vineyards, making it easy to combine relaxation with exploration.
It’s the kind of slow, rejuvenating adventure every expat deserves before the busy year ahead.
Read also: Living in Central Portugal: An expat’s guide
Book a Private Multi-Day Tour Across Portugal
And if you really want to wrap up your winter adventure in style, book a private multi-day tour across Portugal.
It’s the perfect way to tie everything together, from sipping wine in the Douro Valley to exploring Lisbon’s cozy corners and wandering Algarve’s peaceful beaches without the summer buzz.
You get to travel at your own pace, discover local gems, and enjoy hearty Portuguese meals by the fire. With fewer crowds and plenty of charm, a private tour lets you experience the best of Portugal in comfort and warmth, the ideal ending to your winter journey.
Portuguese winter holidays traditions
Winter is the time of two of the most important holidays in Portuguese culture. These holiday traditions are celebrated with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. Learn a little more about them before moving to Portugal.
Christmas in Portugal
Christmas in Portugal is taken very seriously. As the country is predominantly Catholic, even though many people do not practice it, Portuguese culture is closely linked to Christian traditions.
The celebrations begin on December 24th, Christmas Eve, with mass, supper, family gatherings, and gift exchanges. On the 25th, families come together again for lunch where food remains at the heart of the festivities.
And no, white Christmas doesn’t exist in Portugal, but it’s cold and usually rains.
New Year’s Eve in Portugal
New Year’s Eve is also a national holiday with Portuguese traditions. Generally, families get together to eat seafood at home or at hotel parties.
Young people usually spend the date with friends, with lots of champagne and other alcoholic beverages. At midnight, the custom is to eat 12 raisins and see a fireworks display.
Next Read: New Year’s Eve in Portugal: How do we celebrate?
Dress code for the season
There is no big secret to the winter dress code in Portugal. But, for those who are not used to living in cold climates, it’s always good to have some tips on what to wear. Remember to have in your wardrobe:
- Sweaters and insulating inner shirts;
- Warm socks;
- Winter coats;
- Hats, gloves, and face protection;
- Waterproof closed shoes;
- Rain covers and umbrellas;
And of course, wear whatever makes you comfortable. In some regions, you might not even need a coat by midday, but don’t forget to use moisturizer, as the air can get quite dry.
Also, remember that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong outfit for the occasion.
Want to keep up with the expat community in Portugal?
Moving abroad is a great adventure. Wherever you go, it’s very important that you surround yourself with people with similar backgrounds to create a support network. Join the community. Winter in Portugal can be a magical experience if you have the right company!
We also have a Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats that you might be interested in. It’s always good to have a few virtual friends you can connect to whenever you visit the country. We hope you have a great adaptation process, be it winter or summer.
Just remember to warm up well and keep your loved ones close by. Feel free to reach out to our experts at Viv Europe whenever you need help with your relocation journey.
