Weather in Portugal in January

January climate overview

Daytime highs across Portugal in January run from 12.9°C (Porto) to 16.8°C (Madeira). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Portugal in January. Nights average 9.6°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Porto fall to 3°C or below.

Rainfall in January

Expect around 8 rainy days (1 mm or more) in January, with Albufeira the driest (7 days) and Porto the wettest (12 days). The wettest January at Madeira between 1991 and 2020 was 1996 with 177 mm; the driest was 2013 with 4 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 15.9°C around Portugal in January - warmest at Madeira (18.7°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 10.1 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

January against the rest of the year in Portugal

January is the 12th warmest month of the twelve in Portugal. It is 0.9°C cooler than December and 0.6°C warmer in February. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest January (15°C).

Which part of Portugal in January?

• Most sunshine: Faro, 5.5 h a day.
• Driest: Albufeira, about 7 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Madeira, 19°C.
• Hottest: Madeira, 17°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Porto, 13°C.

What to pack for Portugal in January

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 15°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 10°C; a light waterproof for the odd shower.

Similar weather elsewhere in January

Within 1.5°C of Portugal's January daytime average: Sousse (17°C, sea 16°C), Costa de la Luz (16°C, sea 16°C), Seville (15°C), Ayia Napa (15°C, sea 17°C), Limassol (15°C, sea 18°C). See the full ranking for January.

Madeira for the mildest days and evenings

Madeira is the strongest choice if warmth is your priority, with average days of 17°C and nights of 14°C. Funchal has the same figures, making it a good fit for travellers who want to spend time outside without such a sharp drop in temperature after sunset. You should still bring a light jacket and waterproof layer: Madeira averages 8 rainy days, so choosing the warmest destination does not remove the need for wet-weather plans. The sea averages 19°C, warmer than in the Algarve but still cool rather than bath-like. Think comfortable walking weather with opportunities to sit outside, not dependable sunbathing conditions.

The Algarve for a mild mainland stay

The Algarve is a sensible mainland choice, especially if your plans centre on daytime walks rather than warm nights. Albufeira, Alvor and Ferragudo average 16°C by day, while Faro, Carvoeiro, Vilamoura and Quarteira average 15°C. That small daytime difference is less useful for choosing a base than the evening temperatures: Faro averages 11°C at night, compared with 8°C in Albufeira, Ferragudo and Carvoeiro. All these destinations average 7 rainy days, so none has a clear advantage on that measure. Pack something warm for dinner after dark. Porto, the coolest destination listed at 13°C by day, is less suited to travellers whose main aim is warmth.

Plan for outdoor time, with a wet-weather fallback

Portugal averages 4.8 hours of sunshine in January, which leaves scope for outdoor plans without promising clear skies throughout the day. Keep your schedule flexible enough to use brighter spells for walks and take breaks indoors when it rains. Layers are more useful than a suitcase built around summer clothing: a warmer outer layer for evenings and a waterproof jacket are sensible choices. The countrywide sea average is 16°C, also the figure for the Algarve destinations, so casual swimming is unlikely to be the main attraction. January suits travellers happy with mild air, cool water and some interruptions from rain.