The December weather in Lisbon is mild, with some sunny days, but a bit colder and wetter than other months.
However, you’ll get to experience the Christmas season in the Portuguese capital.
Winter is also great to save money. Except for the few days around New Year’s Eve, hotels provide good deals in December. Still, you should book a few weeks in advance for the best rooms and rates.
Weather in December: What to Pack, What to Wear
December is one of the winter months when the temperature is most likely to drop to freezing (by Lisbon’s standards, at least), especially towards the end of the month.
- Average High: 15ºC / 59ºF
- Average Low: 9ºC / 48ºF
- Average Rainfall: 127 millimetres / 5 inches
December is on average the second wettest month in Lisbon (after November), but total rainfall for the month may vary from year to year.
Make sure to bring some warm clothes. Pack a jacket or coat – a light windbreaker might not be enough. Add a sweater underneath and a scarf, and you’ll be ready for the Lisbon weather. Wear boots or sneakers – you’ll need comfortable shoes to walk on Lisbon’s steep paved streets. Include a raincoat or a fold-up umbrella to be safe when out sightseeing.
Events in December
- Christmas markets: there are several across Lisbon, such as the Rossio Christmas Market or the one in Praça do Município (both in the Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown area). Perfect to pick up gifts, these Christmas markets also include live music performances, showcooking and entertainment for kids.
- Christmas concerts: churches throughout Lisbon present their repertoire of mostly sacred music.
- Corrida São Silvestre de Lisboa: the 10k city race is always a popular event. With start and finish line in Praça dos Restauradores, runners get to see the river and Lisbon’s main streets still sparkling with Christmas lights. It takes place on the last Saturday of the year at 5.30pm. Registration and fee required.
- New Year’s Eve: here are some great NYE ideas ranging from a free fireworks display in Terreiro do Paço to intimate dinners to fado shows to river cruises.
Public Holidays in December
- 1 December: Restoration of Independence
- 8 December: Immaculate Conception
- 25 December: Christmas Day
Fun in December
Bolo Rei – Confeitaria Nacional
During this month, Lisbon sparkles with Christmas lights and decorations. Explore the shopping streets in the Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods, discover the magical lights and giant Christmas tree in Terreiro do Paço, and enjoy the festive season.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Lisbon in December, make sure you sample the mouth-watering selection of Portuguese Christmas cakes and sweets at Confeitaria Nacional, one of the oldest and most traditional Lisbon patisseries.
Bolo Rei (King Cake) is the most traditional Christmas cake in Portugal – sold whole or by the slice. Not everyone likes the fruit in Bolo Rei, so for those there’s the Bolo Rainha (Queen Cake) – essentially the same cake except that fruits are replaced with nuts.
Also popular are deep fried sweets made especially at Christmas time. These include “filhós” (deep fried dough powdered with sugar and cinnamon), “sonhos” (deep fried pumpkin-based dough), and “rabanadas” (a kind of French toast).
There are plenty of things to do in Lisbon on New Year’s Eve across the capital. You could celebrate on board of a River Tejo dinner cruise, or at one of the many special New Year gala dinners.
Most museums and monuments are closed on the first day of the new year. Get some ideas for things to do on New Year’s Day in Lisbon.
Be Prepared
The weather averages help you get an idea, but things may be different when you visit. Lisbon weather tends to be stable, but occasionally temperatures drop below the average. Check Lisbon’s weather forecast before you leave home.
