Winter in Portugal

Portugal is a relatively small country with its 10 million people and 92,212 square kilometers of land area. It is a country that lies on the Iberian Peninsula and borders Spain. It has two archipelagos and a coastline of 2,830 km (including archipelagos and islands). Portugal offers stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, friendly locals, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches for an unforgettable visit. During winter is an excellent time to visit.

Dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean is a country with mild temperatures in the colder months and hot (not extreme) in the summer seasons. It has 300 days of sunshine, so even in winter it can present, although colder, very sunny days. One thing is clear: The further south in the country, such as regions in Alentejo (Comporta, Sines, vila nova de mil fontes, odeceixe) or in Algarve (Lagos, albufeira, Vilamoura) are sought after in this time of year, because normally the sun is stronger. The further south, the hotter!

Portugal has a varied climate. Coastal areas experience mild temperatures all year round, with summers averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F) and winters being quite mild. Inland areas have hotter summers, reaching 35°C or more, and colder winters with occasional frosts. The Algarve enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Overall, Portugal gives a pleasing weather for numerous preferences.

In the north

Northern Portugal reports cool and moist winters, with temperatures starting from 5-15°C (41-59°F) and low frost, supplying a clean atmosphere. Average temperatures is 10º degrees (from December to the end of February). This is a large region and the further north you go, the colder it gets. The large city of Porto is located in the north of the country and has an average temperature of 14ºC. However, it is a well-known region in winter for its climate providing unique, green landscapes.

In the center

A very popular destination in the winter months is the village of Serra da Estrela: A jewel of nature, where the highest altitudes in Portugal are located. If you’re looking for snow in Portugal, this is the place. In this village, temperatures can range from -2 to 4º degrees in the months of December, January or February. This is definitely the coldest place in Portugal and is indeed worth a visit. Large cities like Lisbon (which is also in the center) have temperatures between 9ºC (minimum) and 16ºC. The good part? Most days are sunny.

In the south

To the south we are talking about the Alentejo and Algarve region. Algarve is the hottest region of Portugal, with the exception of Madeira Island (an archipelago of Portugal). In the Alentejo region the average temperatures are around 16ºC (depending on if you are on the coast or in the interior) and in the Algarve region 18ºC. The Algarve region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. 

Alentejo is known for its virgin land, its vineyards, its fantastic wild beaches, the food and towns like comporta, tróia, Melides. The average temperatures, as mentioned above are around 16ºC, but it depends on where you are in this region. There are villages in the interior that are famous for being cold in winter and very hot in summer. The Algarve, with the exception of Madeira Island (Portuguese archipelago) is the warmest region in Portugal in the winter.

What month does it snow in Portugal?

There are some villages/districts that can present Snow, like Bragança, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Vila Real and Viseu but the most known and sought after is Serra da estrela. As talked about in the first paragraphs of this article, it is an unforgettable place, where many go to enjoy the landscapes and do/begin the sport of sky/snowboarding. However, the slopes are ideal for those who are just starting out or just want to enjoy the snow.

Does Alentejo have beaches?

It is a region that has a very long coastline and villages such as Comporta, Troia, Melides and Vila Nova de Mil Fontes. The Alentejo coast is more than 150km long. There are beaches for all tastes! The region’s moderate temperatures invite peaceful walks along the sands, allowing a non-violent reference to nature. Experience the natural splendor of Alentejo’s beaches in a cool spot, far from the summer crowds.

Comporta – A Dream destination

Comporta is undoubtedly the most sought after and has grown a lot in recent years. Besides the beach (which despite being cold, as the winter is mostly sunny, you can drink a hot chocolate on the beach), there are other attractions in the whole region. Even for less sunny weather know what to do in Comporta when it rains. The new holidays houses are prepared with all the necessary comforts for a few winter days.

It is a growing region and with some options of hotels in comporta. The Espirito da Comporta holiday houses, besides being fully equipped for all seasons, have a fireplace, climate control, and heated floors in some properties, apart from the fact that they all have an unobstructed view of the rice fields. It is the right retreat! Take advantage of the cooler weather to stay completely isolated in a property with all the comfort.

Is the Algarve warm in winter?

If you are looking for quietness but with the possibility to enjoy more structure, Algarve can be a solution: Is the hottest region in Portugal continental! Algarve is a big region and the most famous places are Lagos, Vilamoura and Albufeira. These are very crowded towns in the summer, so you will be happy to enjoy it with far fewer people. However, the Algarve has an outstanding landscape.

For snow the previous question answers (Serra da estrela). If the goal is to enjoy the culture and history, big cities like Porto, Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon will satisfy your requests. If you are a surf lover and want to see the biggest waves in the world, Nazaré is your destination and if you are a person who just wants to relax and enjoy the sunny nature in the winter in Portugal, Alentejo is an excellent option. Whatever you decide to do, the days will be very well spent!