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.
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.
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.
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. It 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
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.
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 15th and 16th 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.
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 18th 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.
