Lisbon December — Christmas lights on the Avenida da Liberdade

Lisbon · Portugal

December

Christmas Lisbon is genuinely festive and far less expensive than Northern European capitals.

Strong option

#10 of 12 months

There are better months for Lisbon — see the full ranking below.

See when to go instead →

Climate

High

14.4°C

Low

8.9°C

Rain

78mm

Sun

7.2hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How December scores in Lisbon

Weather
Above average
Value
Very good
Crowds
Very good
Events
Good
Atmosphere
Very good

What you gain in December

  • Christmas lights turn Chiado into one of Europe's more understated but beautiful displays
  • Prices 50% below summer — one of the better-value Decembers in Western Europe
  • New Year's Eve fireworks over the Tagus are excellent and free

What you sacrifice

  • Week between Christmas and New Year can see short-term price spikes
  • Cool and wet: pack properly for rain and 9°C evenings
  • Many smaller local restaurants close between Christmas and New Year

How December compares to June (best month)

FactorDecemberJune
Weather
5
9
Value
7
4
Crowds
7
4

December in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Lisbon, not across destinations. Methodology →