Portugal In Winter: Best Things To Do & Places To Visit [2024]

Portugal has a varied climate ranging from cold and humid in the north to warm and dry in the south. You could go from throwing snowballs atop Serra de Estrela to swimming in the ocean in the Algarve.

I visited Portugal on my monthly trip. I walked the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon via Porto to Caminha and explored the entire Algarve. I was intrigued by how Portugal is in the winter, so I asked two friends. One currently lives in the Algarve, and the other used to live in Portugal and experienced the country each season in different parts of Portugal.

So in this article, we’ll reveal how Portugal is in the wintertime, where you should go, and what you can do.

Is Portugal Worth Visiting In Winter?

Yes, Portugal is worth visiting in the winter as it’s one of the warmest countries in Europe. So if you want to escape snow and enjoy the sunshine and mild temperatures, visit Portugal in the wintertime.

Winter in Portugal is generally quite mild. The climate varies from the north, where temperatures range around 10°C/50°F, to the south (Algarve), where the average temperature in winter is about 16°C/61°F.

The coldest part of Portugal in the winter is its interior, but only in the interior, where temperatures range around 5°C/41°F. It can also snow, mostly in the Serra de Estrela mountains.

5 Reasons To Visit Portugal In The Winter

Here are my top reasons I recommend visiting Portugal, even in the wintertime.

👉 Fewer crowds
👉 Lower prices
👉 Warm weather & sunshine
👉 Learn Surfing
👉 Learn Skiing

👉 Fewer Crowds

Perhaps the most important reason is that you can enjoy Portugal without crowds. I only know people who would plan their holiday in the winter to Portugal.

It depends on what you want to do. But if you want to explore cities and enjoy local culture and history, Portugal is the perfect place. You’ll have everything almost for yourself.

👉 Lower Prices

The prices also decrease significantly. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly holiday yet with some luxury amenities, Portugal is a great place for your vacation. You can find cheap hotels, great prices for skiing, and enjoy nature.

👉 Warm Weather & Sunshine

Southern Portugal has over 300 days full of sunshine per year. So if you want to escape the cold winter, come to Portugal. You’ll have a lot of sunshine and mild temperatures and enjoy long beach walks.

👉 Learn Surfing/Go Surfing

Portugal is the perfect place to learn or go surfing. You can do so even in winter. Prepare for colder water, but there will be fewer surfers and lower prices to get a surfing lesson.

The best place to go surfing for beginners is Peniche, and if you’re an advanced surfer and want to enjoy big waves, visit Nazare.

👉 Learn Skiing

If you want a cheap skiing holiday as a beginner skier, go to Serra de Estrella. It has 9 slopes for beginner skiers and is the perfect destination for learning skiing.

The ski pass prices are also very low compared to those in the Dolomites, Austria, Switzerland, or the French Alps. So enjoy budget-friendly ski slopes.

Portugal In Winter: Weather & Temperature Month-By-Month

It rarely snows in Portugal, except at the highest mountain, Serra de Estrela, where it’s more common. The climate in the north is usually quite wet and windy, the interior is quite dry and cold, and the south is warm, with some humidity by the coast.

Porto (northern Portugal) has a temperate oceanic climate with mild, rainy winters. The city is located on the northern coast of Portugal, where the wind blows frequently. The average temperature is around 10°C/50°F.

The country’s interior, from December to February, is quite mild. Some sunny periods alternate with periods of bad weather, where the average temperature is around 5°C/41°F or lower.

In the Algarve, you’ll find a Mediterranean climate with mild, relatively sunny winters. The region has a mild and sunny microclimate. Therefore, the average temperature range around 16°C/60°F.

Portugal In December

December is generally the wettest month, so bring good waterproof gear.
The average temperature in northern Portugal in December is around 11°/50°F.

Inland in the center of the country, however, given the altitude and the distance from the sea, there may also be some cold periods, with temperatures of 7°C/45°F or lower.

The Algarve (southern Portugal) has temperatures of around 13.4°C/56°F. However, once I ran into the ocean around Christmas time, as the temperature was great and the water wasn’t too cold. So it also depends on the season.

Portugal In January

The climate in Portugal in January is generally the coldest, with the average north temperature being 8.7°C/47.7°F.

Inland, it gets much colder, with average temperatures of 5°C/41°F. January is also the best month to go skiing in Serra de Estrela. The slopes are mainly for beginners and slightly intermediate skiers and snowboarders. So don’t expect steep and advanced slopes.

Down south in the Algarve, it’s much warmer and more stable and has an average similar to December at 12.3°C/54°F.

Portugal In February

February isn’t much different than January in terms of temperature and rainfall.

Prepare for cold, wet weather in the north of Portugal and the interior. Temperatures range between 5°C/41°F in the interior to 10°C/50°F in the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

Algarve in February also have weather similar to January. It’s usually sunny with occasional rain, and temperatures range around 13°C/55°F.

Portugal In March

March is the month when the climate starts to warm up, with less rainfall until April.

In the north the average temperature is around 12.6°C/54 °F, the interior of the country is around 12.5 °C/54 °F, and the south averages at 14.8°C/58.7°F.

👉 READ ALSO: Portugal In October: Ultimate Guide With Things To Do & See

Where To Go In Portugal In Winter: Best Places To Visit

Portugal is well known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, which are most popular in spring, summer, or early autumn. Still, you shouldn’t overlook Portugal during the winter months, as it has some hidden and unique gems you can explore.

These are the places I recommend visiting in Portugal, even in the wintertime.

📍 Praia do Norte in Nazaré
📍 Uncanny Carnaval of Podence
📍 Algarve Beaches
📍 Sintra
📍 Porto
📍 Lisbon
📍 Praia da Comporta
📍 Parque Nacional Gerês
📍 Serra De Estrela

📍 Praia Do Norte In Nazaré

Catch the biggest waves in the world at Praia do Norte in the winter in Portugal. On October 29th, 2020, the Portuguese surfer António Laureano claimed to have ridden the biggest wave ever, at a staggering 101.4-foot (30.9 meters).

The optimal months to visit would be December and January, which produce larger swells.

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📍 Uncanny Carnaval Of Podence

Although popularised in Brazil, Europe started the festival as the last chance to eat meat (carne) before Lent. There are many wonderful places in Portugal to celebrate this festival.

My top pick is the small village of Podence, where they have one of the country’s oldest and most traditional celebrations. The performers called ‘Caretos,’ wear creepy masks and tease and make fun of people in the village.

📍 Algarve Beaches

Algarve and its beaches and rock formations are the best places to enjoy in the winter. The climate is mild, and it’s mostly sunny.

When it comes to beaches, your best bet is to rent a boat/kayak or paddle board and explore for yourself between the rocky cliffs on the coast.

There is one place that I personally love, Praia João de Arens. It’s situated in a charming cove on the fringes of Portimão; its secluded location and difficult accessibility make it a challenge but worth it.

📍 Sintra

If you like sightseeing in the winter, look no further than Sintra. Royal palaces with a history with the Knights Templar, ancient enchanted forests rumored to possess witches and other unusual events, and stunning cliffs of the Atlantic coast, there’s so much to explore.

Be sure to check out the Quinta da Regaleira palace and Cabo da Roca, the most western point in Europe.

One of the best ways to explore Sintra is to rent a car and stay for at least 2 days. Or join this organized excursion from Lisbon to explore it all within a day.

➡ Book this organized excursion to Sintra from Lisbon.

📍 Porto

Porto is my favorite city in Portugal. Even though it might rain a lot in the winter, it’s still worth visiting. You can explore various sights, enjoy its delicious cuisine, make day trips to the northern coast of Portugal, and taste delicious Portwine in the region.

Don’t forget to try Franceshina, which is a local delicacy.

📍 Lisbon

What would be a visit to Portugal without seeing its capital, right? Lisbon, similarly to Porto, has a rich history and culture. You can walk through its bustling streets, learn about the world’s expeditions, and taste traditional pastel de nata in the Belem district.

Make sure to stay a few more days and explore Sintra, too. Its palaces and castles are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen as a traveler.

📍 Praia Da Comporta

The capital city of Lisboa sits on the border of the warm and cold climate of the country. Praia da Comporta is situated just south of the peninsula and next to Setubal, famous for the sweet Muscatel wine that’s perfect after a meal.

I highly recommend going to the wine tasting and learning about the local production.

📍 Parque Nacional Gerês

Mention “Gerês” to a local, and they’ll happily tell you about their experience there. It’s the place many people go to during the summer holidays; however, if you’re lucky and the weather is good, this is an amazing place for hiking and exploring, even in the winter.

There are also thermal hot springs you can enjoy, which makes it even more enjoyable with the colder winter temperatures.

📍 Serra De Estrela

If you fancy colder temperatures in Portugal in the wintertime and even want to go skiing, visit Serra de Estrela. Even though the slopes are not as steep and advanced, I think it’s pretty cool that you can go skiing in Portugal.

The area has 9 ski slopes with a total of 7.7 km (5 miles). It’s a great skiing resort for those who want to learn skiing or snowboarding.

The closest town to the ski resort is Covilhã, so I recommend booking your accommdation in the city to enjoy the resort.

Warmest Places In Portugal In The Winter

The Algarve has the warmest winter climate in Portugal, which attracts many natives and tourists alike during the peak seasons. Winter is a great time to visit as there are no crowds, temperatures are mild, and it’s sunny.

The further you go east towards Spain, the warmer the climate gets, for example, Praia de Cabana or Praia da Terra Estreita. Still, it’s hard to go wrong when selecting a beach in this area, as they’re all amazing.

👉 READ ALSO: 27 Great Places To Visit In Europe In November

11 Best Things To Do In Portugal In The Winter

Outside of the main 2 cities of Lisboa and Porto, Portugal has some truly wonderful, down-to-earth, and traditional cities I highly recommend visiting.

Here is a list of 11 best things I recommend enjoying in the winter months in Portugal:

1. Explore Parque Nacional Gerês
2. Visit Sintra & Quinta da Regaleira
3. Learn To Surf In Peniche
4. Test Your Surfing Skills In Nazaré
5. Take A Boat Around Aveiro’s Waterways
6. Discover Monsanto Village
7. Go Skiing In Serra De Estrela
8. Relax On The Beach At Tavira
9. Explore Braga
10. Enjoy Medieval City Of Obidos
11. Hike Along The Fishermen’s Trail

1. Explore Parque Nacional Gerês

Parque Nacional Gerês is tucked away in the northeast corner of Portugal. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The water here is ice cold, even in the peak heat of summer.

Be careful when exploring the area, as losing your way is easy. Be sure to pack food, water, and sunscreen with you – even in winter, as the UV radiation levels can be strong.

There are thermal hot springs, but most of them are private now. To enjoy the natural thermals for free, you’ll have to cross the border into Spain.

2. Visit Sintra & Quinta Da Regaleira

Rumors say that strange rituals still exist after hundreds of years in the ancient and enchanted forest of Sintra.

The palace, constructed on the Moorish alcazar of Sintra site, dates from the early 15th and early 16th centuries and is rumored to have been used for initiation ceremonies for the Templar Knights.

Nowadays, you can explore Sintra National Park and its 4 impressive palaces and castles. Quinta da Regaleira is the most mysterious of all, so even if you don’t visit other palaces, check at least this out.

➡ Book skip-the-line tickets for Quinta Da Regaleira here.

3. Learn To Surf In Peniche

Peniche is the official surf city of Portugal. Its warm microclimate and reliable small – to medium-sized waves make it the perfect place to learn if you’re a beginner or to enjoy as a casual surfer.

I still haven’t tried surfing (it’s on my list), but I’ve spoken to some newbies, and they said they like it as their first surfing location. So give it a try, even in winter.

4. Test Your Surfing Skills In Nazaré

Nazaré and its Praia Do Norte beach are home to the largest waves in the world. So, this is the place to go if you want to test your surfing skills. But don’t take the waves here lightly, as Mother Nature can be brutal.

Veteran Brazilian surfer Marcio Freire died in January 2023, so be careful. However, as a spectator, there are many safe vantage points to watch these wonders crash into shore.

5. Take A Boat Around Aveiro’s Waterways

Aveiro, also known as “The Venice of Portugal,” is Portugal’s largest coastal lagoon. A few canals surround the center, and locals use traditional boats called “moliçeiro” to get through, just like in Venice.

Different tour guides can take you around by boat and offer various packages. I recommend the half-day trip, as there is plenty of time to see the various waterways.

It’s one of the most charming and romantic places and activities you can enjoy in Portugal.

➡ Book a traditional Moliceiro boat tour in Aveiro here.

6. Discover Monsanto Village

Monsanto was voted ‘the most Portuguese’ town in a 1938 national contest thanks to its ancient appearance. Luckily, locals restricted the area from building new houses, so it survived as a living museum.

Today, it’s one of 12 official historical villages in Portugal. You’ll feel like one of the Flintstones discovering these houses built into the massive boulders. It’s pretty impressive.

7. Go Skiing In Serra De Estrela

Serra de Estrela is one of the few places where you can find snow; due to the climate getting increasingly warmer, this is getting increasingly rare as the years go on. Yet, you can still go skiing in winter. It’s also one of the most affordable places to ski in Europe.

Even though it only has 9 slopes, which are more for beginner skiers and snowboarders, you can say you went skiing in Portugal.

8. Relax On The Beach At Tavira

Tavira has some nice attractions like The Roman Bridge and the Castelo de Tavira. The best thing is the warm sandy beaches.

Even in winter, the climate here is superb, and on a nice day, one can swim comfortably without running back to shore in the freezing cold.

9. Explore Braga

Braga is one of the few cities built with consciousness and respect for nature, which I love. Parque Da Ponte, Jardim de Santa Bárbara, and the Miradouro do Picoto perfectly capitulate how Braga coexists with nature.

Also, check out the Braga Municipal Stadium, Eduardo Souto de Moura. The home for the Sporting Clube de Braga, this stadium carves into the face of the adjacent Monte Castro quarry. You’ll get amazing views of Braga from here.

➡ Join this guided tour from Porto to Braga with a local guide.

10. Enjoy Medieval City Of Obidos

It’s the best example of a traditional Portuguese village, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval villages.

Obidos has a romantic atmosphere, and couples today often go on carriage rides around the town. The horse-drawn carriages lined up outside the walls throughout the year.

Otherwise, it’s really nice just to stroll through the town and enjoy its vibe.

11. Hike Along The Fishermen’s Trail

The Fisherman’s Trail is a Rota Vicentina network coastal route in southern Portugal. The trail crosses two provinces: Alentejo and Algarve.

It’s considered one of Europe’s most scenic coastal routes. If you enjoy hiking, the sea, beaches, and nature, you’ll fall in love with this area.

The official trail starts in Porto Covo and ends in Lagos. It’s 230 km/ 243 miles long and you can hike it in 11 stages. You can even complete it all and stay in hotels on the way, it’s possible. Or choose some section for a day or two and enjoy the breathtaking coastal views.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Portugal In Spain? Ultimate Guide

Practical Tips For Visiting Portugal In The Wintertime

I have some more tips for you to help you plan your visit to Portugal in the winter months.

What To Wear In The Wintertime In Portugal

Portugal has mostly pleasant temperatures in the winter, so you can hang around in a light sweater, which is my perfect type of clothing.

Be sure to bring a waterproof light jacket as it might rain in big cities like Porto and Lisbon. Bring long-sleeve clothes, but light. You can also bring short clothes, especially if you’re visiting the Algarve.

Here is a quick list of things I recommend packing to Portugal if you’re visiting in the winter:

🔅 Long & short trousers
🔅 T-Shirts
🔅 Long dress
🔅 Sweater
🔅 Waterproof light jacket
🔅 Good walking shoes
🔅 Swimming suit (if you want to swim despite cold water)
🔅 Sunscreen & hat
🔅 Waterproof shoes
🔅 40L backpack for excursions/trips

Where To Stay In Portugal In The Winter

I recommend making a base in bigger cities and exploring the area on day trips.

So first, choose the places you want to visit and activities you wish to do, then look for bigger cities, book your stay there, and explore the area.

I recommend basing yourself in the following cities:

✅ PORTO – to enjoy city life and Portuguese culture and learn about the history, make day trips to Braga, the Atlantic Coast (Esposende, Viana do Castelo), Aveiro, and Nazare

✅ LISBON – enjoy the city, culture, and history of Portugal, taste traditional Pastel de Nata, and make day trips to Sintra, Fatima, and the Atlantic Coast

✅ NAZARE & PENICHE – to learn surfing or enjoy the biggest waves as an advanced surfer, make a day trip to Fatima

✅ COVILLHA – go skiing in Serra De Estrella mountain resort and make a day trip to Monsanto village

✅ ALGARVE – Portimao (for long and beautiful beaches), Faro (for culture, delicious food, local life), Tavira (beautiful beaches, less-crowded)

Best Hotels In Porto

I recommend the following hotels in Porto:

➡ Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira – book here
➡ White Box Boutique House – book here
➡ ABC Hotel Porto – Boavista – book here

Best Hotels In Lisbon

These are the hotels and apartments I suggest booking in Lisbon:

➡ Inn Chiado Prime Suites – book here
➡ 54 Sao Paulo – book here
➡ The Emerald House Lisbon – book here

Best Hotels In Nazare

I recommend these hotels in Nazare:

➡ Nazare Sweet Dreams – beachfront – book here
➡ Feeel Nazare Abegoarias 62 – beachfront – book here
➡ Nazare Oases And Suites Retreats – amazing apartment – book here
➡ Hotel Mar Bravo – beachfront hotel – book here

Best Hotels In Covillha

These are the hotels and apartments I recommend booking in Covillha to go skiing in Serra de Estrella:

➡ Casa Das Muralhas – apartments – book here
➡ Sport Hotel Gym & Spa – book here
➡ Royal Collection Covilha – luxury hotel but also cheap – book here

Best Hotels In Algarve

I recommend the following hotels and apartments in Portimao (Algarve):

➡ Concorde Sea View – budget-friendly apartment – book here
➡ AP Oriental Beach – mid-range hotel – book here
➡ Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – luxury hotel – book here

These are the hotels and apartments I suggest booking in Faro (Algarve):

➡ Ria Formosa Guest House – book here
➡ Lemon Tree Stay – book here
➡ Roots Hotel – book here

BONUS: Portugal In The Winter Itinerary For 10 Days

If you want to explore many places in Portugal within 10 days, from the north to the south, follow the Portuguese itinerary I designed from my experience traveling around.

You’ll explore all the highlights this beautiful country offers, from big cities with culture and history and wine-tasting in Douro Valley to the pilgrimage sites, the Atlantic Coast, and stunning beaches in the Algarve.

Click on the image below, get my itinerary for free, skip the planning process, and explore Portugal:

FAQs

I’ve also answered some frequently asked questions about Portugal in the wintertime. So check my answers below:

How Cold Does Portugal Get In The Winter?

Winter temperatures in Portugal range between 5°C/41°F up to 16°C/60°F.

The northern part is humid and rainy alongside the coast, with average temperatures of about 10°C/50°F.

In winter, the coldest part of Portugal is its interior and Serra de Estrela mountain, where temperatures range between 2°C/35°F to 6°C/43°F.

The warmest part of Portugal is the Algarve, where temperatures can reach up to 16°C/60°F even in winter.

Which Part Of Portugal Is Warmest In Winter?

The Algarve (southern part of Portugal) is the warmest in winter. The weather is sunny, and temperatures range between 12°C/53°F and 16°C/60°F throughout the winter. You can also go swimming in some parts.

Is Lisboa Good In Winter?

Yes, Lisbon is a great city to visit in winter. It’s usually sunny, and the best part is there are not as many tourists as during the seasons.

It’s also the least busy time of year, so queues are shorter, and prices can be lower, though some places close earlier than peak times.

Does Portugal Have Christmas Markets?

Yes, Lisbon has many Christmas markets, such as Alvalade, on Avenida da Igreja, and Natalis, located indoors on Rua do Bojador. My favorite is the one at Park Eduardo VII. Here, you’ll find an artificial ice rink to skate around.

They have delicious Gluehwein, fractures (Portuguese churros), and Portuguese cakes. It has a really nice Christmas atmosphere in the center of the city.

WRAP-UP: Portugal In The Wintertime

This is how Portugal is in winter, as reported based on my friend’s experiences. It’s one of the countries in Europe I would visit in winter if I want to escape the cold winter and enjoy empty beaches with a lot of sunshine.

While the water might be cold, walking on the vast beaches in the Algarve or even skiing as a beginner skier in Serra De Estrela and enjoying less crowded cities like Lisbon and Porto will make a great trip to Portugal.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!