Lisbon in December

In December, Lisbon averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (110 mm total).

High season

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December in Lisbon is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

15°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
12
Rain days
110 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Lisbon

12th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
15%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
9 h 29 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Lisbon (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (21°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (18°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Lisbon

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:47 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:15 PM
Day length
9 h 29 min

Times shown for Lisbon local time (Europe/Lisbon), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Lisbon — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Lisbon's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:47 AM – 7:27 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:27 AM – 8:27 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:35 PM – 5:35 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:35 PM – 6:15 PM

📅 When to book — Lisbon in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Lisbon's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Lisbon

High season

This is a busy month in Lisbon — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Lisbon

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
4.9
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Lisbon — December

15.8°C (60°F)
cold
wetsuit territory for most people

Across the year Lisbon's sea swings from 14.7°C (February) to 19.5°C (June) — December sits at 15.8°C.

Lisbon in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 15°C / 59°F 8°C / 46°F 110 mm 11
February 16°C / 61°F 8°C / 46°F 75 mm 9
March 18°C / 64°F 10°C / 50°F 55 mm 9
April 19°C / 66°F 11°C / 52°F 65 mm 9
May 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 45 mm 6
June 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 20 mm 3
July 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 63°F 5 mm 1
August 29°C / 84°F 18°C / 64°F 6 mm 1
September 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 63°F 30 mm 5
October 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 85 mm 9
November 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 110 mm 11
December 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 48°F 110 mm 12

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lisbon in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lisbon in December?

In December, Lisbon averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally cool.

Does it rain a lot in Lisbon in December?

December can be fairly wet in Lisbon, with about 12 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Lisbon?

December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Lisbon in December?

Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Lisbon for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lisbon on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.