Portugal in January 2026: I Don't Recommend You Visit, Unless…

If you are considering a trip to Portugal in January, think twice!

Tourists are few and far between this month, and what you will find instead is the Portugal of the locals: authentic, quiet, and very different from the lively summer scenes.

Still, if you insist on traveling in January, I will share some insights with you on where to go, what to do, and useful tips.

Where to Go in January

January Weather in Portugal

Lisbon

Portugal's capital doesn't shut down in January. While the weather is unpredictable, sunny mornings can turn into rainy afternoons, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella with you. Daytime temperatures between 11-15°C are very comfortable for traveling. What can you expect to experience this month? You can ride Tram 28 without the usual tourist crush, explore Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery in peace, and warm up with a bica (Portuguese espresso) in a traditional café. The miradouros (viewpoints) also have clearer skies on crisp days, providing panoramic city views without the noise and crowds.

Porto

January in Porto is rainy, yes, but that adds to its moody charm. Daytime temperatures usually range from 9-14°C, while nights can drop to 3-7°C, so warm layers are essential. The Ribeira district feels more authentic when it is quiet, and the mist over the Douro River gives the city a cinematic look. Duck into the historic cafés, taste Francesinha (a famous local sandwich), or spend an afternoon in the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Trust me, you will not regret visiting this wonderful place in January.

Luís I Bridge, Porto

Madeira

If there's one safe bet in January, it is Madeira. This Atlantic island avoids the deep cold of the mainland, with temperatures hovering around 16-20°C. The island's levada walks are pleasant in winter, letting you see waterfalls and lush greenery without the summer heat. Funchal, the capital, is alive with markets and gardens, and even in January, you might catch a sunny day that feels like spring. Madeira is also a favorite getaway in January for Portuguese people.

Algarve

Forget about swimming - the ocean is freezing. But the Algarve in January has a different charm. Temperatures between 6-17°C make it mild compared to the north. The dramatic cliffs of Lagos and the quiet beaches near Albufeira can be enjoyed without summer chaos. Coastal walks or rounds of golf are highly recommended. It is also one of the cheapest times to find accommodation here, with resorts cutting rates heavily.

Beach in the Algarve

Alentejo

Just over an hour's drive from Lisbon, the Alentejo region, with its rolling plains and whitewashed towns, is often overlooked in winter. Daytime temperatures are similar to Lisbon's, usually around 10-15°C in January, giving the region a raw beauty. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Alentejo, feels timeless with its Roman temple and medieval streets. The pace is slow, and you will likely have landmarks for yourself. Rustic restaurants serve hearty stews and rich wines - exactly what you want on a cold night.

What to Do in January

Warm Up in Traditional Cafés

January is café season in Portugal. The chill in the air makes a bica (Portuguese espresso) and a pastel de nata taste even better. In Lisbon and Porto, many old cafés, some more than a century old, invite you to linger, read, or simply gaze out the window while locals chat softly around you.

Explore Museums Without Crowds

Portugal's major museums, like Lisbon's Calouste Gulbenkian Museum or Porto's Serralves Contemporary Art Museum, are perfect for rainy January days. You will often find yourself wandering spacious galleries almost alone, able to take your time and savor each artwork. It is something impossible in the busy summer months.

Take Coastal Walks

Even if swimming is off the table, Portugal's coastline is still charming in January. The beaches in the Algarve are almost empty, perfect for long, quiet walks. The rugged Atlantic coast near Sintra and Cascais also has dramatic waves and striking scenery that feels more powerful in winter. And it is not as cold as you imagine.

Savor Port Wines in Porto and Alentejo

Cold winter days make wine cellars cozy and welcoming. In Porto, the port wine lodges across the Douro River offer tastings paired with cheese and chocolate. In Alentejo, wineries open their doors for intimate visits, where you can sip full-bodied reds by the fireplace.

Winery in Porto

Soak in Local Life

With scarce tourists in January, Portugal feels more authentic. You can wander local markets, chat with vendors, or enjoy long dinners in traditional taverns without feeling rushed. It is a chance to experience the country as locals do, something harder to find in peak season.

Recommend Portugal Itineraries in January

6-Day Lisbon Discovery With Historic Évora

January is the perfect time to explore Portugal's cultural gems without the usual crowds. Start in Lisbon, where you can wander through Alfama's winding alleys and enjoy Belem's monuments in peace. Venture to Évora to explore its Roman temple and haunting Chapel of Bones, paired with a local wine and cork experience. End with a day in Sintra, marveling at the fairytale Pena Palace and the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca, before relaxing in the coastal town of Cascais.

5-Day Porto & Duoro Valley Exploration

Visiting northern Portugal in January offers a quieter, more authentic experience. Porto's landmarks, like the tiled São Bento Railway Station and the iconic Luís I Bridge, can be enjoyed without the usual crowds. Day trips to Braga and Guimarães provide a glimpse into Portugal's medieval charm and spiritual heritage. And even in winter, the Douro Valley is magical - the rolling vineyards and riverside towns pair perfectly with a cozy glass of wine by the fire.

12-Day Classic Spain and Portugal

Kick off the new year with a 12-day journey through Spain and Portugal. Wander the dazzling halls of the Alhambra in Granada, then soak up the riverside charm of Porto with a glass of local wine. Along the way, discover historic cities, colorful towns, and coastal beauty - all with the quiet charm of January's smaller crowds.

Useful Tips for Visiting Portugal in January

Pack for Unpredictable Weather

Portugal in January can be tricky - sunny and mild one day, rainy and cold the next. Bring layers: a warm jacket, sweaters, and an umbrella. If you're heading north, expect lower temperatures compared to the Algarve.

Pack Clothes for Unpredictable Weather

Take Advantage of Low Prices

This is one of the cheapest months to visit Portugal. Hotels often slash their rates, and you will find flight deals that are unthinkable in summer. Restaurants and attractions also feel more relaxed, with no need to book weeks in advance.

Check Opening Hours

Some coastal resorts and tourist-focused spots reduce hours or close in winter. Always check if restaurants, boat tours, or small museums are open before you go. In big cities like Lisbon and Porto, though, almost everything stays open year-round.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Portugal in January

So, whether I recommend coming to Portugal in January or not? Absolutely yes! It is a month with fewer tourists, cheaper prices, and a calmer atmosphere. You can wander through world-class museums without crowds, indulge in hearty Portuguese cuisine, and still find stunning views from the coast to the hills. January may just surprise you with how rewarding it can be. Let's experience Portugal at its best, just like the locals do.