Winter in Lisbon feels a lot milder than in most other European capitals. You’ll find average daytime temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F), and nights usually dip to about 8–9°C (46–48°F). That’s honestly pretty comfortable—no need to break out the heavy winter gear.
Snow basically never happens here, and freezing weather is rare. Locals usually leave their thick coats packed away.
Rain shows up more often in daily life during these months. Showers pop up frequently, but they’re often short-lived. Most of the city’s annual rainfall comes now. Humidity stays high, but you’ll still catch breaks of sunshine that brighten the city and make outdoor walks surprisingly pleasant.
With shorter days and breezier air near the coast, the whole vibe in Lisbon shifts compared to those hot, dry summers. You’ll really feel the Atlantic’s presence when you walk along the waterfront or take day trips outside the city. That mix of mild air, rain, and sudden sun shapes winter here.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Lisbon
Lisbon’s winters are mild compared to most of Europe. Daytime temperatures feel cool, but nothing harsh, and nights almost never drop below freezing.
The weather settles into a steady pattern from December through February, with only small changes month to month.
Average Highs and Lows
During winter, daytime highs usually stay between 58°F and 61°F (14–16°C). Sometimes, the warmest afternoons push into the upper 60s, but that’s not the norm.
At night, lows average 47°F to 50°F (8–10°C). It’s rare to see anything below 40°F, so frost hardly ever happens. Lisbon really stands out as one of the few European capitals where you can spend winter outdoors without piling on layers.
On the chilliest days in January, highs might only reach 58°F, and nights can dip to 47°F. Still, you won’t get the biting cold you’d find up north.
Temperature Trends by Month
December kicks off winter with highs near 60°F and lows close to 49°F. Rain shows up more often early in the month, but temperatures stay steady.
January cools down a bit more, with highs around 58°F and lows near 47°F. It’s the coldest month, but honestly, it’s still mild by European standards.
February starts to warm up. Highs creep toward 61°F, and lows move closer to 50°F. By the end of February, you’ll notice about two extra hours of daylight compared to December, which makes evenings feel a bit less gloomy.
Comparing Winter to Other Seasons
Winter in Lisbon feels cool but never extreme. In summer, highs average 80–83°F (27–28°C), and nights sit around 66°F. The gap between the coldest and warmest months is just about 25°F, which is pretty modest compared to cities further inland.
Spring and autumn act as gentle transitions, with temperatures shifting gradually but always staying comfortable. For example, April brings highs near 68°F, and October usually mirrors spring’s mildness.
Since winters are mild and frost-free, Lisbon remains great for outdoor activities all year. Unlike those hot summer days when the sun can be a bit much, winter gives you stable and manageable weather for sightseeing and daily life.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Lisbon’s winters bring more rain and higher humidity than the rest of the year. You’ll notice wetter weather from November through February, both in the amount of rain and the number of rainy days.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rainfall here in winter is moderate but steady. November usually tops the charts, averaging around 80–85 mm of rain. December and January come close, and then February starts to dry out a bit.
Compared to the bone-dry summer months—when rain can dip below 5 mm—winter feels a lot wetter. Still, Lisbon’s annual average sits around 587 mm, so even in its rainiest months, it doesn’t feel extreme next to other European cities.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| November | ~84 mm |
| December | ~80 mm |
| January | ~78 mm |
| February | ~70 mm |
Rain usually falls as steady showers, not wild downpours, so it’s pretty manageable for getting around.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days ramp up in winter. November brings about 13 days with measurable rain. December and January usually have 11–12, and February drops to around 10.
So, you’ll probably see rain about one out of every three days. Showers tend to be scattered, so rain might last only a few hours before the skies clear.
| Month | Rainy Days (avg.) |
|---|---|
| November | 13 |
| December | 12 |
| January | 11 |
| February | 10 |
With rain spread out, you’ll also get plenty of sunny breaks between showers. That’s pretty typical for Lisbon’s winter climate.
Humidity Averages
Humidity jumps up in winter, averaging 78–80%. That’s a lot higher than in summer, when it can drop below 65%. The extra moisture makes the cooler air feel damp, especially in the mornings and evenings.
You might notice that high humidity mixed with mild temps, around 10–12°C (50–54°F), can actually feel pretty chilly. Indoors, older buildings without central heating sometimes feel colder because of the dampness.
Fog doesn’t show up every day, though. Winds from the Atlantic usually keep the air moving and prevent long stretches of heavy dampness.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Lisbon means shorter days and less sunshine than summer. Still, you get a fair amount of daylight, though clouds and rain can cut down the hours of direct sun.
Average Daily Sunlight
Lisbon averages about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day in winter. December and January usually bring around 5 hours, while February bumps up to about 6.
Even though daylight technically lasts longer, clouds and showers often limit the actual sunshine you see. Most days are a mix—some sun, some overcast.
Compared to northern Europe, Lisbon still wins with more winter sunshine. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, you’re not likely to get stuck in endless gray days. Still, some days can pass without much sun, so it’s good to expect a bit of everything.
Quick reference for average sunshine in winter:
- December: ~5 hours per day
- January: ~5 hours per day
- February: ~6 hours per day
Length of Days in Winter
Day length in Lisbon stretches out slowly as winter goes on. In late December, the shortest days give you about 9.5 hours of daylight. By late February, you’re up to nearly 11 hours.
Sunrise in mid-winter happens around 7:50–8:00 AM, and sunset falls near 5:15 PM. As weeks go by, sunset shifts later, so you get a bit more usable daylight.
Lisbon’s latitude keeps days longer than in northern Europe, even in winter. That makes it easier to plan outdoor stuff, even during the shortest days.
Approximate daylight by month:
- December: 9.5–9.8 hours
- January: 10 hours
- February: 11 hours
Wind and Weather Conditions
Lisbon’s winter brings mild temps, but you’ll also notice the frequent Atlantic winds. Expect steady breezes, some strong gusts, and the occasional patch of unsettled weather from ocean systems.
Most days are easy to handle, but some conditions stand out and are worth mentioning.
Prevailing Winds
Westerly and northwesterly winds rule Lisbon’s winter. These winds blow in moist air from the Atlantic, which explains the uptick in rain from December through February.
Average wind speeds usually land between 12–15 kph, though gustier days aren’t rare.
Near the coast and on higher ground, winds feel stronger. The Tagus River estuary can funnel breezes too, making open areas feel cooler than the thermometer says. This effect stands out in the evenings and early mornings.
When the Azores High shifts toward Portugal, winds calm down. You’ll get lighter breezes, clearer skies, and cooler nights. Fog sometimes creeps in during these stable spells, especially by the river.
Storms and Extreme Events
Atlantic weather systems bring most of Lisbon’s winter storms. These can mean heavy rain, gusty winds, and short squalls. Rainfall gets intense at times, especially in November and December, when totals often top 100 mm in a month.
Strong winds don’t happen every week, but when they do, gusts above 60–70 kph can hit during passing storms, especially along the coast.
Damaging storms are pretty rare, but it’s smart to check weather alerts if you’re planning to be outside.
Snow almost never falls in Lisbon, though there were odd events in the 1950s and once in 2006. The main winter hazards are localized flooding, slippery streets, and sudden strong winds from Atlantic fronts.
Sea and Coastal Weather in Winter
Along Lisbon’s coast, winter brings cooler sea temperatures and lots of Atlantic breezes. The weather stays mild compared to northern Europe, but the ocean definitely shapes how it feels at the shore.
Average Sea Temperatures
The Atlantic cools off through winter. In December, the sea sits at about 59–60°F (15–16°C). January drops to 58°F (14°C), and February hits the low point around 57°F (14°C).
That’s too chilly for most people to swim without a wetsuit. Surfers usually wear full suits this time of year since the water feels brisk, even on a sunny day.
The cooler ocean also chills the air near the coast. You might notice evenings feel colder by the water than inland, especially when the wind picks up.
The sea keeps things from getting too extreme, so it rarely feels freezing, but you probably won’t want to swim for fun in winter.
Coastal Fog and Mist
Fog and mist show up pretty often along Lisbon’s waterfront in winter. When the cool sea meets warmer air, you get low cloud layers, especially in the early morning.
Fog likes to form near the Tagus River mouth and can drift inland. Usually, it clears by midday once the sun gets going, but it can make morning walks or drives a bit tricky.
Mist is more common on calm days. When the Atlantic winds blow, they clear it out fast.
While fog and mist don’t usually mess up travel plans, they can dull coastal views or make photos less sharp.
They also add a damp chill to the air. Even if the thermometer says upper 50s or low 60s °F, fog can make it feel cooler until the sun burns through.
Impact on Daily Life and Activities
Lisbon’s winter brings mild days and cooler evenings, mixed with some rain. This shapes what you wear, how you plan your days, and what you’ll want to do around the city.
Clothing and Packing Tips
Pack layers. Daytime highs often hit around 15°C (59°F), but nights can drop to 8–9°C (46–48°F). A light sweater or long-sleeve shirt works for the day, but you’ll want a warmer jacket after dark.
Rain is common, so bring a water-resistant jacket or a small umbrella. Streets get slippery when wet, so comfortable shoes with good grip are a must. Skip sandals—nights are just too chilly for open shoes.
If you’re heading indoors to restaurants or museums, casual but neat clothes are fine. Lisbon doesn’t demand heavy winter gear, but you’ll thank yourself for layered outfits that let you adjust as the weather shifts.
For a short trip, pack:
- 1–2 sweaters or cardigans
- A medium-weight jacket
- Waterproof shoes or boots
- Umbrella or raincoat
- Light scarf for cooler evenings
Outdoor Activities in Winter
Winter weather lets you get outside without sweating through the heat of summer. You can easily walk around neighborhoods like Alfama or stroll by the Tagus River since temperatures almost never dip below freezing.
If it rains, you might skip long hikes, but parks and gardens stay green and open. On clear days, you’ll catch amazing views from spots like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte—the city really pops when the sky’s blue.
Outdoor cafés keep running in winter, and most set up heaters. You can grab a coffee or pastry outside, even if it’s a bit chilly.
Short ferry rides across the river still feel nice, since the wind usually doesn’t get too wild.
If you’re up for a quick day trip, Sintra or Cascais are both easy to reach. Just keep in mind, those spots tend to be a little colder and wetter than Lisbon, so it’s smart to pack accordingly.