Portugal in January: Weather, Prices and Where to Go

January is Portugal’s quietest month: the Christmas decorations come down, prices drop to their lowest, and you’ll have viewpoints, palaces and beaches almost to yourself. It’s cool and can be wet, but there are plenty of crisp, sunny days, especially in the south. Here’s what to expect.

Quick answer: expect highs of about 14–15°C in Lisbon, 16°C in the Algarve and around 19°C in Madeira. January is the wettest month in the Algarve, so pack a waterproof. It’s ideal for city breaks, museums, food, golf and winter sun in Madeira. Late in the month, the almond blossom begins in the Algarve.

Weather

• Lisbon: highs around 14–15°C, nights around 8°C.
• Porto: around 14°C, often rainy.
• The Algarve: around 16°C, with sunny spells between showers.
• Madeira: around 19°C.
• Serra da Estrela: snow and skiing. See Serra da Estrela.

What’s on

• New Year celebrations on 1 January.
• Christmas villages close in early January.
• Almond blossom starts late in the month in the Algarve hills.
• Nazaré’s big waves are at their peak. See Nazaré.
• Skiing in Serra da Estrela, snow permitting.

Where to go

• Madeira: the warmest and sunniest option. See the Madeira itinerary.
• Lisbon and Porto: museums, cafés and fado. See Lisbon on a rainy day.
• The Algarve: golf and cliff walks on sunny days. See the Algarve in winter.
• Sintra: misty, magical and empty.

Tips

• Cheapest month for hotels and flights.
• Pack: a warm jacket, waterproof and warm sleepwear.
• Closures: water parks, Zoomarine and some beach restaurants are closed.
• Daylight: about 10 hours, so plan sightseeing earlier.

More: December, February and Portugal in winter.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.