Weather in Portugal in December

December climate overview

Daytime highs across Portugal in December run from 13.6°C (Porto) to 17.8°C (Madeira). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Portugal in December. Nights average 10.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Porto fall to 3°C or below.

Rainfall in December

Expect around 9 rainy days (1 mm or more) in December, with Quarteira the driest (8 days) and Porto the wettest (13 days). The wettest December at Madeira between 1991 and 2020 was 2010 with 296 mm; the driest was 2011 with 5 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 16.9°C around Portugal in December - warmest at Madeira (19.9°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 9.9 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

December against the rest of the year in Portugal

December is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in Portugal. It is 2.2°C cooler than November and 0.9°C cooler in January. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest January (15°C).

Which part of Portugal in December?

• Most sunshine: Faro, 4.9 h a day.
• Driest: Quarteira, about 8 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Madeira, 20°C.
• Hottest: Madeira, 18°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Porto, 14°C.

What to pack for Portugal in December

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 16°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 11°C; a rain jacket - roughly 9 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in December

Within 1.5°C of Portugal's December daytime average: Ayia Napa (17°C, sea 19°C), Limassol (17°C, sea 20°C), Paphos (17°C, sea 19°C), Costa de la Luz (17°C, sea 17°C), Hammamet (16°C, sea 18°C). See the full ranking for December.

Madeira for the warmest days and evenings

Madeira is the strongest choice if warmth matters most. Both Madeira and Funchal average 18°C by day and 15°C at night, so the temperature drop after sunset is gentler than in the Algarve. That suits travellers who want to spend time outdoors without such chilly evenings, although a light layer is still useful. The catch is rain: 11 rainy days make waterproof clothing and flexible plans sensible. At 20°C, the sea is warmer than the mainland options listed, but comfort in the water remains personal. Choose Madeira for milder conditions, not for a guarantee of dry days or summer heat.

The Algarve for fewer rainy days

The Algarve is a better fit if you would trade some warmth for fewer rainy days. Its averages of 16°C by day and 8 rainy days suit outdoor plans that can move around the forecast. Albufeira, Alvor, Ferragudo and Carvoeiro share the same daytime, rainfall and sea figures, so those averages give little reason to favour one over another. Evenings are the clearer distinction: Faro averages 12°C at night, compared with 10°C in Albufeira and 11°C in Vilamoura and Quarteira. Bring a jumper and jacket for after dark. With the sea at 17°C, this is more a month for time beside the water than relaxed swimming.

Expect mild spells, not all-day sunshine

Across Portugal, the December average of 4.3 hours of sunshine leaves room for pleasant outdoor spells, but it is not a promise of clear skies throughout your stay. Use brighter periods for longer walks and keep indoor alternatives for wet weather. Layers are more useful than a suitcase built around either heavy winter clothing or beachwear: a lighter top underneath a jumper and waterproof jacket gives you options as conditions change. The national average also hides differences between destinations. Porto, the coolest destination listed at 14°C by day, calls for a warmer approach than Madeira. December suits flexible travellers better than anyone relying on sunshine every day.