Are you coming to Lisbon in the winter? You will love it! Blue skies, chilly weather, but not too cold, and very festive.
The city will be decorated with lots of floating light sculptures, Praça do Comércio will have its traditional gigantic Christmas tree, and let’s not forget the chestnut carts all over the city.
I love Tomar, and I highly recommend spending the night there.
Tomar is very different from Lisbon. It’s a small city, flat (making it easy to walk), has great places to visit, tons of history, and good food!
Tomar was an important city and the center for the Templars —the knights known for their military explorations, banking system, and more.
A visit to Tomar will complement your winter in Lisbon trip.
Make your rainy-day plans:
Is it sunny and cool? Go for a walk and lunch on one of the beaches in Caparica. Most restaurants on the beach may be closed during the winter months, plan to eat in a city center.
Winter walks on the beach are beautiful, and chances are that you will have the sand to yourself. I love going to the beach during the winter months.
Winter is the best time to enjoy comforting and warming food, so be sure to try Alentejo cuisine. The typical Alentejo menu will offer black pork, stews, smashed oil-drizzled baked potatoes, bacalhau, and all sorts of veggies.
A tasca is a small family-run restaurant. Tascas serve typical Portuguese food; they are loud and fun, and you must visit at least one during your winter Lisbon vacation.
I love to eat at markets, don’t you? It’s a fun way to participate in Lisbon life. Read my article:
My two favorite Italian restaurants in Campo de Ourique are Bottega di Gio and Fiammetta.
Check out my list of hidden gems for a delicious dinner in Lisbon.
If you are coming to Portugal in the winter, might as well come for Christmas and enjoy the holidays here. Stay at a hotel to enjoy a proper Christmas meal and spend the nights walking on Av. Liberdade, Chiado and Baixa to see the Christmas lights.
You may get sunny days during your trip, or it may rain. It’s difficult to plan what to wear based on the weather, as anything can happen during winter in Lisbon.
Plan on creating layers because it’s cold in the morning, it can get quite warm during the day, and it cools down significantly in the evenings.
Winter in Lisbon is excellent because you can spend most of your time outdoors without feeling too cold or too hot. Does this sound like a Dr. Seuss story?
Temperatures
Daytime: 15° C, 59°-61° F
Night time: 8-10° C, 46-50° F
Prepare for rainy days
If the weather is humid, it will seem colder than the actual temperature.
IPMA is the Portuguese weather site
Use your mobile weather app for information about the weather before packing.
Choose your color palette combination: Select three basic colors and work around them—for example, dark blue, light gray, and beige.
Basic clothes
2 trousers
1 winter sweater or a lightweight puffer jacket (to layer with your coat during cooler nights)
1 waterproof outerwear warm coat
Tops
2 White shirts
1 dark blue or charcoal button long-sleeve, button-down shirt
4 merino wool or cashmere light-weight turtle neck tops (basic colors: blue, gray, and beige). These are perfect for layering with your white shirts.
3 cotton long-sleeve T-shirts (for warm daytime days)
Under garments
Winter in Lisbon is mild but I always suggest bringing thermal underwear in case it does get colder than usual.
Accessories
Shoes
You don’t need an evening shoe, but if you want one, bring an ankle-length bootie.
Do you want a different color pallet for your trip? More tips on what to pack for winter in Lisbon
Winter in the city has its own rhythm. Slower mornings, cozy evenings, and fewer crowds. If you are planning your trip, these quick FAQ’s will help you.
Yes, absolutely! Lisbon feels safe, and welcoming.
My suggestion: Always be attentive with your belongings and bring copies of documents and credit cards. Keep them separate.
I have lived here for many years and I feel safe. I am careful about my surroundings and my camera! 🙂
Yes. The city is becoming increasingly popular during the winter season.
Best to reserve your restaurant table as well.
Everything runs as usual.
Yes. Most attractions in destination like Sintra, Cascais, Tomar will be open.
Always check websites to confirm the places you want to go to are open and buy your tickets online.
Most restaurants will be open during the winter.
Many restaurants and cafes close on December 24 and 25th.
Yes. Winter is Lisbons’s low season, so hotels and flights are affordable.
You may find that some restaurants may have a friendlier budget menu or dishes.
The Michelin recommended and star restaurants do not offer seasonal prices.
Most apartments have heating and I believe that all the hotels have heating nowadays.
Confirm this before making a reservation!
Lisbon is a safe city. Street life is calmer in the winter.
BUT: Be attentive with all your things!
Don’t take anything for granted when you travel.
I think you will love to visit the city as a single woman.
Tipping is not mandatory.
You can round up the bill at a cafe.
Give a 5% or 10% tip at restaurants.
Some restaurants will ask if you want to tip and they will include it in your bill. This is not the norm.
You will be fine during sunny days.
If it rains: It gets very slippery. Walk on the street. Wear waterproof sneakers with big grooves.
Do not walk fast.
Do not walk looking at your phone.
It’s a wonderful time to slow down, explore and see the city form a local’s point of view. Enjoy the holidays and bring your curiosity.
Marguerite Beaty is a photographer and illustrator, and founder of 50 and Rising. She lives in Lisbon and shares stories that inspire women over 50 to explore life deliciously.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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