Porto Weather in December

🇵🇹 Portugal

14°C

High

7°C

Low

Rain Days

Sunshine

65%

Humidity

Europe › 🇵🇹 Portugal › Porto

Updated: March 2026

Is December a Good Time to Visit Porto?

4/10

Fair

December is a fair time to visit Porto (4/10). Average highs of 14°C and 6 sunshine hours daily make conditions workable, though not exceptional. December suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 13 potential rain days. January offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Porto's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.

vs November:16°C avg high

Porto's December climate peaks at 14°C each afternoon before cooling to 7°C overnight. 6 daily sunshine hours and just 13 wet days mean the odds of a fine day are solidly in your favour. It is a reasonable time to visit, with a backup plan for the occasional shower.

14°C

Avg High

7°C

Avg Low

13 days

Rain Days

Sunshine

65%

Humidity

Temperature in Porto in December

The 7°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. The UV index of 1 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Wind averages 18 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 57°F average high, 45°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in December

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Porto in December

Morning7°CBefore the day warms up

Afternoon14°CPeak daytime temperature

Evening10°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Porto in December means dressing for 14°C days and 7°C evenings. A mid-weight jacket over a sweater handles 14°C daytime temperatures; the combination stays comfortable all day without overheating. Evening temperatures settle at 7°C, a modest 7°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. European cobblestones reward low-profile walking shoes over flip-flops or heels, with cushioned trainers or leather walking shoes being the practical choice. With 13 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes.

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Local tip: Porto's cobbled streets turn slippery in the rain. Waterproof walking shoes with a non-slip sole outperform fashionable footwear on wet stone, and you'll cover significantly more ground in comfort.

Events in Porto in December

December has no major festivals or public holidays in Porto, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Porto in December

Based on 14°C average highs and 13 rainy days

Warm jacket (down or fleece)
Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
Sweaters and lined trousers
Scarf and lightweight gloves
Compact folding umbrella
Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
Universal travel adapter
Small day pack for city exploration
Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Porto in December

Explore the old town's cobblestone backstreetsMorning (9-11am)At 14°C, conditions are pleasant for unhurried exploration on foot
Visit hilltop viewpoints for panoramic city viewsLate afternoon (4-6pm)Low sun angle creates dramatic light for photography while temperatures remain comfortable
Bicycle rental for a half-day city circuitMid-morning startMild 14°C temperatures are ideal for extended cycling without excessive effort
Boat tour of the river, bay, or canal networkLate morning departureComfortable weather makes open-deck boats viable without wind-chill concerns
Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 13 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningDecember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months

Why is Porto cool in December?

In December, the Azores High weakens and retreats southward, allowing Atlantic storm tracks to cross the Mediterranean and bring the city its seasonal rainfall. Temperatures average 14°C during the day and drop to 7°C at night as cold continental air occasionally pushes in from the north. This is the rainy season that keeps the region's landscape green through spring. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Porto in December

In December, Porto experiences average highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Expect around 13 rainy days and 6 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 7°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV exposure is moderate at index 1.

Porto typically sees 13 rainy days in December, with total precipitation of around 171mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Porto typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than December.

Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Porto in December. Temperatures can drop to 7°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 13 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.

December is a reasonable time to visit Porto. Expect 13 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 14°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 6 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.

The average high temperature in Porto in December is 14°C (57°F), and the average low is 7°C (45°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 11°C (51°F). The day-to-night range of 7°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.

The best month to visit Porto is generally June. June offers the most sunshine at 13 hours per day and only 6 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 23°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around June gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.

December is shoulder or low season in Porto, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 6 sunshine hours and 13 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.

In December, Porto suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 14°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. Cosy cafes and cultural venues make ideal retreats on overcast days.

December ranks 12th sunniest of the year in Porto, with an average 6 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are July, August, and June. August is the hottest month (26°C avg high); January is the coolest (13°C). From here, temperatures fall 1°C into January. Compared to last month (November: 16°C high, 13 rain days), December is cooler and equally dry. December is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.

Year-Round Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain Days	Sun	Details
January	13°C	6°C	12	6h	View
February	14°C	6°C	10	8h	View
March	16°C	8°C	10	9h	View
April	17°C	10°C	12	11h	View
May	20°C	12°C	11	12h	View
June	23°C	15°C	6	13h	View
July	25°C	17°C	4	13h	View
August	26°C	17°C	4	12h	View
September	24°C	16°C	6	10h	View
October	20°C	13°C	13	8h	View
November	16°C	10°C	13	7h	View
December	14°C	7°C	13	6h	View

Other Months in Porto

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Plan Your Trip to Porto

Best Time to Visit Porto Porto vs Madrid in December Porto vs Seville in December

Nearby Destinations with Similar Weather

These cities are within 500 km and experience broadly comparable weather conditions during the same calendar month, making them practical standalone alternatives or worthwhile additions to a longer regional itinerary.

Madrid🇪🇸 Spain423 km away

10°C2°C low

Seville🇪🇸 Spain477 km away

16°C8°C low

Lisbon🇵🇹 Portugal275 km away

14°C10°C low

Data Sources for Porto

Porto on Wikipedia Open-Meteo Climate API NOAA National Centers UK Met Office WMO GeoNames

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.