December weather
| Measure | December in Porto |
|---|---|
| Daytime air | about 13 to 14 °C |
| Night air | about 5 to 8 °C |
| Rainy days | 10 to 15 depending on the source |
| Rain over the month | about 148 to 160 mm |
| Daylight | 9 to 10 h |
| Sea | too cold to swim |
The weather changes fast: a light waterproof and an umbrella beat an average. See the best time to visit Porto and Porto in November.
Christmas and New Year
Based on the 2025 edition (the 2026 programme was not published in October 2026): lights from late November to 6 January from 5:30 pm to 11 pm, Christmas markets (Praça da Batalha, Cordoaria), a big tree on Avenida dos Aliados and, on 31 December, the avenue closed to traffic, concerts and fireworks at midnight. Full details in Christmas and New Year in Porto and Avenida dos Aliados. Try bolo-rei, see Porto bakeries.
Public holidays
1 December, 8 December and 25 December are public holidays in Portugal in 2026: some shops close, museums have reduced hours. See public holidays in Portugal.
Prices and crowds
In early December the city is quiet and hotels are cheaper. Christmas week and 31 December push rates up: book early. See where to stay in Porto and the cost of a trip to Porto.
What to do in December
- Port cellars in Gaia: sheltered from the rain, see tasting in the Gaia cellars and the port wine guide.
- Douro: winter is quiet in the vineyards; see the Douro from Porto.
- Six Bridges cruise: see the Six Bridges cruise, but wrap up.
- Markets and food: Bolhão, food tour and the best francesinha.
- Rainy days: Porto when it rains, Livraria Lello.
- Guimarães: one guide recommends its Christmas market, see Guimarães from Porto.
Activities that sell in December
- Guided walking tour of the city: the most booked, useful on dry days.
- Douro with boat, tasting and lunch: a full day, warm in the bus and boat.
- Six Bridges cruise: about an hour, easy to slip between two showers.
- Food tour: sheltered and very tasty.
- Cellar tasting: for rainy afternoons.
What to pack
Waterproof, waterproof shoes with grip (the cobbles are slippery), warm sweater, umbrella, gloves for the evening.
FAQ
Is it cold in Porto in December?
Cool: 13 to 14 °C by day, 5 to 8 °C at night, with rain.
Are there fireworks on 31 December in Porto?
The 2025 edition had some on the Aliados at midnight; confirm the 2026 programme.
What is there to do in Porto when it rains?
Port cellars, a bookshop, covered markets and museums.
Going further
See Porto in January, Porto in winter and Porto in February.
To go further: Fado in Porto and Hotels in Baixa and Aliados, Porto.
