What December feels like in Lisbon
December is early winter in Lisbon. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. Little changes after sunset — nights are cool, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Lisbon in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 8.8 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.7 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:47 am and sunset at about 5:16 pm (local time) — 9 h 29 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 37 min. The sun is out for roughly 78% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Lisbon's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Compared with November, afternoons are 2.5°C (4.5°F) cooler, with 11 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are 14.1°C (57.4°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Lisbon in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Lisbon in December?
Expect around 14.9°C (58.8°F) in the afternoon and 10°C (50°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Lisbon in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 80 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Lisbon in December?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Lisbon?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #11), rated Good against Good.