Lisbon Weather December Averages, Portugal

What's The Weather Like In Lisbon In December?

December is one of the coolest months of the year in Lisbon, Portugal, but it's still mild and relatively sunny compared with the same time of year in the UK or northern Europe.

What's Christmas Like In Lisbon?

In 2019 the average temperature for Christmas Day was 14°C, and the previous two years were both 11°C - all previous three years were sunny.  With four hours of average daily sunshine, you'll have enough daylight to explore the Christmas markets and surrounding attractions.

Is Lisbon Cold In December?

The average temperature highs are 15°C and at night these can dip as low as 9°C.

Can You Swim In The Sea In Lisbon In December?

The average sea temperature is about 17°C and combined with the cooler temperatures and the likelihood of rain, it is not recommended that you go swimming. But die-hard surfers might get some good rides with the wind blowing to the southeast most days and average wind speeds of 10 mph.

Rain and Fog In Lisbon In December

The average monthly rain for December ranges around 120 mm with over half the days in the month seeing some rain. Fog is likely 18 days out of 31. 

Lisbon Hotels in December

Lawrence Hotel

In Sintra the luxury Lawrence Hotel is very close to the Sao Martinho Church and Moorish Castle. A 5-star property, there is a small restaurant and bar along with a free full breakfast.

Amazonia Jamor Hotel

The Amazonia Jamor Hotel has a large outdoor pool. A five minute walk to the national stadium, it is a smoke-free hotel and has free parking.

Amazonia Hotel

The Amazonia Hotel chain has another hotel, the Amazonia Lisboa, only one block from the Rato Subway Station. There is also a pool and bar at the property and you can have a free in-room continental breakfast each morning. The west side of the Parque Eduardo VII is three blocks away.

MiraParque Hotel

The 3-star MiraParque Hotel is on the opposite side of Parque Eduardo VII from the Amazonia Lisboa. Another smoke-free hotel, the self-parking is free and you can be at the Sant Justa Elevator within 20 minutes if on foot.

Vivamarinha Hotel Suites

In Cascais, a few blocks inland from the sea, you will find the Vivamarinha Hotel Suites. A full-service spa is available here and they have a large outdoor pool. Self-parking is also free here.

Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa

Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa is another Cascais favorite. The rooms are large and there is a free huge breakfast for guests. Right by the sea, the main square in Cascais is very close by.

The Vila Gale Opera

The Vila Gale Opera in Santo Amaro is very close to the Jeronimos Monastery by the 25^th of April Bridge. Restaurant, pool, spa facility and health club are available to quests.

Charm of Cascais

A beautiful guesthouse very appropriate for couples is the Charm of Cascais. Smoke-free, there is an outdoor pool and barbecue area, poolside snack bar, and other amenities usually found in a 5-star hotel. They also have their own private sailboat that you can book for personal tours and there is a port wine tasting bar called the Vinoteca.

Chalet Saudade 

A nice Sintra hotel is the Chalet Saudade right in the centre of the town. The views are very scenic and the location is very quiet. The Sintra Train Station is only 100 metres away and the airport a 20-30 minute drive.

Chalet Relogio

Chalet Relogio is outside the city in a quiet neighbourhood overlooking the Moorish Castle. The rooms are "old world" style with lots of wood and are quite spacious. The train station is a five minute drive from the hotel.

Lisbon Beaches for December

The Santa Rita North and South Beaches

The Santa Rita North and South Beaches have unusual currents that make it dangerous to swim. The beaches however are good for sunbathing with white sand and plenty of it.

Sao Julia

The beaches in Ericeira are a favourite with the surfing crowd. Sao Julia sees 6-foot waves at times and is a good place for beginning surfers to learn the sport.

Fox do Lizandro

Fox do Lizandro has consistent waves with a great sandy beach for sun worshippers to soak up the rays while watching the surfers. The water is too cold for swimming in December but in the summer months it's luxurious.

Sao Lourenco 

Sao Lourenco to the north of Ericeira is another good beach to learn how to surf. The waves are relatively small but slow and regular.

Bars and Restaurants

The Sushic Fusao

There are lots of great sushi places to eat in Lisbon. The Sushic Fusao in Almada has good service and great atmosphere. It is open for lunch and dinner.

Art Sushi

Art Sushi is a small place with a friendly and helpful staff. The chef, if they are not too busy, will take special requests that are not listed on the menu.

Restaurante Galia

You can find great local food prepared in the traditional Portuguese manner at the Restaurante Galia. The portions are large and they have a reputation of making you feel right at home.

Ponto Final 

Ponto Final in Almada is set right on the bank of the Tejo River. Fish and meat dishes are served. It is a very popular lunch establishment.

Restaurante Solar Beirao

Restaurante Solar Beirao is another place by the river in Almada. The cuisine is local and the clientele a mixture of locals and tourists. Mostly seafood, they also serve some meat dishes.

The Fonte da Pipa

Traditional fish fare is what is served at The Fonte da Pipa. Prices are very reasonable. It is within a few blocks of where the ferry drops passengers in Almada.

Things to do in Lisbon in December

Many people who enjoy running head to Lisbon in December for the Lisbon Marathon.

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga on the Rua das Janelas Verdes houses their collection in a former palace. Paintings, textiles and metalwork from primarily the 15^th and 16^th centuries make up the majority of the items one can view here.

Museu da Electricidade

There are so many other museums to see and experience one could spend weeks in Lisbon wondering through collections. The Museu da Electricidade highlights the history of electricity and energy and the profound effect advances in energy production had on civilization. You will find it in central Tejo on Av. De Brasilia.

Arpad Sxenes Vieira da Silva Museum

The Arpad Sxenes Vieira da Silva Museum is dedicated to the works of Arpad Szenes and Maria Da Silva. Landscape painting was there specialty. The building housing the museum is an old silk factory.

Central Mosque of Lisbon

The Central Mosque of Lisbon is the main mosque of the Muslim community in the capital. Built in 1985, it has become a very popular tourist attraction. Make sure you dress appropriately, especially women, due to religious sensibilities.

Castelo de Almourol

It is worth the trip by small boat across the River Tijo to view the Castelo de Almourol. Built on a small island, the foundation dates back to Roman times. It is a favourite with photographers due to its location and architecture.

Museu Nactional de Etnologia

The Museu Nactional de Etnologia is very child-friendly with exhibits tailored to children's interests. Various cultural displays such as shrunken heads and other oddities make it a favourite for families looking for a museum experience that won't bore the children.

Aquas Livres Aqueduct

The Aquas Livres Aqueduct has fantastic views of the city. Built in the 18^th century, it is still possible to walk along the length of the aqueduct for about 1 kilometre. These walkways used to be used by people from the countryside to access the city of Lisbon. It is located along the southern roadway network that leads to the 25 April Bridge.