Lisbon Weather in December 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 8 rainy days across the month, on average.
December brings Lisbon's mild winter with 15.8C/60.4F highs, 10.3C/50.5F lows, 76mm rain across 7.5 wet days, and 7.4 sunshine hours daily. Atlantic fronts arrive in defined 2-3 day cycles rather than continuous drizzle, so 20 dry days remain in the month. Nights feel colder than the number suggests because unheated pensao apartments and old azulejo-tiled cafes retain damp Tagus air.
On the ground November-February brings Atlantic fronts; hillside calcada limestone pavements become ice rinks, tram 28 slows to walking pace on Graca climbs, and ginjinha cherry liquor at A Ginjinha Rossio hits peak seasonal demand with locals downing shots between fado sets in Alfama's tavernas. Bacalhau (cod) with 365 recipes reaches its winter classics at Belcanto and Cantinho do Aziz.
Ten-year trends show December warming 0.5C with rainfall holding steady; 2026 forecast leans slightly drier at 70mm following an early positive North Atlantic Oscillation pattern. Christmas market at Praca do Comercio runs December 6-January 3, twice the length of the 2020 season.
For 2026 travelers December delivers Lisbon's most authentic ritual month: fado houses fill nightly with Portuguese audiences rather than tour groups, Christmas market at Praca do Comercio runs to January 3, and hotel rates sit 45% below June's Santo Antonio peak. Book Belcanto tasting menu (bacalhau winter courses) and fado at Mesa de Frades Alfama before December 15.
Bairro Alto is loud tourist bar strip; locals drink at LX Factory in Alcantara or Cais do Sodre pink street. Real ginjinha cherry liquor is at A Ginjinha in Rossio, one shot 1.5 euro since 1840. Pasteis de Belem is the original custard tart (recipe from 1837 Jeronimos monks); Manteigaria in Chiado is the modern rival. Tram 28 pickpockets work Alfama corners. Cod (bacalhau) has 365 recipes; Portuguese say one per day.
What to pack for Lisbon in December
Damp mild winter kit; rainproof shoes matter more than heavy insulation. Bring:
- Waterproof jacket with hood for Atlantic fronts
- Wool sweater and long-sleeve base layers
- Grippy rubber soles for wet calcada limestone
- Scarf and light gloves for evening miradouros
- Compact umbrella that survives Tagus wind gusts
What to pack for Lisbon in December
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Where to stay in Lisbon
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Lisbon
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Delayed flight to Lisbon?
Flights to Lisbon in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Christmas market Praca do Comercio Dec 6-Jan 3, fado at Mesa de Frades Alfama nightly, bacalhau winter tasting at Belcanto, ginjinha rounds at A Ginjinha Rossio, Sintra day trip on dry-day gaps between fronts.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Lisbon. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Lisbon
While December has its own character in Lisbon, the data-backed best months to visit Lisbon are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for LisbonOther places with a similar climate right now
Lisbon in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Lisbon in December?
Should I visit Lisbon in December?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In December, Lisbon averages a high of 16°C (60°F) and a low of 10°C (51°F), with 76mm of rainfall across roughly 8 rainy days. April-May jacaranda bloom in Praca do Principe Real; June 12-13 Santo Antonio festival grills sardines on every Alfama street.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Lisbon during December?
What temperatures should I expect in Lisbon during December?
The average high temperature in Lisbon during December is 16°C (60°F), with an average low of 10°C (51°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January 8C rain with wind off the Tagus; unheated pensao apartments feel colder than actual temp, and fado houses in Alfama fill nightly.
Q03Is December a rainy month in Lisbon?
Is December a rainy month in Lisbon?
Lisbon averages approximately 8 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 76mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Lisbon in December?
How should I dress for Lisbon in December?
For Lisbon in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Grippy rubber-soled shoes for calcada portuguesa pavements which turn glass-slick in any drizzle on Alfama's 30% grades.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for Lisbon?
Is December a busy travel month for Lisbon?
Tourist crowds in Lisbon during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Bairro Alto is loud tourist bar strip; locals drink at LX Factory in Alcantara or Cais do Sodre pink street. Real ginjinha cherry liquor is at A Ginjinha in Rossio, one shot 1.5 euro since 1840. Pasteis de Belem is the original custard tart (recipe from 1837 Jeronimos monks); Manteigaria in Chiado is the modern rival. Tram 28 pickpockets work Alfama corners. Cod (bacalhau) has 365 recipes; Portuguese say one per day.