Weather in Lisbon in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Lisbon and ranks 83rd of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Portugal it is 12th of 13 (Portugal in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Lisbon is 6.2°C warmer by day and 6.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Lisbon peaks at 13.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 15.7°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 9.1°C; one night in ten drops to 5.7°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 18.3°C (2008-01-23) and the coldest night 1.5°C (2017-01-20).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 9 days with 1 mm or more, 68 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 1996 with 330 mm, the driest 2005 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 82%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 14.5°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.8°C to 15.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (19.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:54 and sets about 17:38 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is January a good time to visit Lisbon?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Lisbon on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Milder than London, but still winter

January is Lisbon's coolest month, so think light winter clothing rather than a summer wardrobe. The average daytime high is 6.2°C above London's, which is a useful improvement without turning the trip into a warm holiday. On the warmer days, temperatures reach around 16°C or more, but the colder nights can fall to around 6°C or below. Pack a jumper, long trousers and a jacket you can keep on after dark. Layers give you flexibility as conditions change through the day. If you tend to feel the cold, do not let the mild daytime average dictate everything in your bag.

Keep outdoor plans flexible

Rain is the main catch: about 9 days have measurable rainfall, so a rigid outdoor itinerary is a poor fit. That does not mean rain lasts all day, but it does mean a waterproof layer and shoes that cope with wet weather are sensible choices. There are about 4.6 hours of sunshine within 9.6 hours of daylight, leaving scope for time outside without promising clear skies throughout. Put your priority walks into the brighter parts of the forecast and keep indoor alternatives available. With limited daylight, it also makes sense to get out during the day rather than leave most of your wandering until late.

Go for a city break, not the sea

The sea averages 14.5°C, firmly in the cold category, so January is not a good choice if comfortable swimming matters to you. Treat any time by the water as an outdoor outing that needs suitable clothing, not a beach-weather plan. The wider trade-off is straightforward: Lisbon offers milder daytime conditions than London, but wet weather and cool evenings remain part of the deal. It suits travellers who are content to walk when conditions allow and adjust their day when they do not. If warmth is the deciding factor, July, August and September are better months to consider.