Winter slips into Portugal with misty valleys, fire‑warm taverns and the scent of street‑roasted chestnuts. Snow does arrive on higher ground while the coast stays mild and moody. From hot springs to tawny‑sipping afternoons over the Douro, winter trips in Portugal are all about enjoying the season’s slower rhythm and local flavours.
Portugal in winter: temperature and weather
- Lisboa and the west coast: typically 9–16°C from December to February, breezy days and quick showers. The Atlantic keeps it mild but damp.
- Porto and the north coast: cooler and wetter than Lisboa, roughly 7–14°C, with frequent rain fronts rolling in.
- Interior highlands: 0–8°C by day, sub‑zero nights. Snow is most likely from December to March, especially above 1,600 m.
- The Algarve: 10–18°C most days with bright spells between short rain bursts. The sea is chilly, but terraces fill up on sunny afternoons.
Does it snow in Portugal?
Snow is relatively rare in Portugal, but it does occur in certain areas, particularly in the mountainous regions between December to March.
Where does it snow in Portugal?
The most notable places where you can find snow in Portugal include:
- Serra da Estrela: Mainland Portugal’s highest range, with the Torre summit at 1,993 m. Ploughs work the main access roads, but closures happen during heavy falls.
- Montesinho and Trás‑os‑Montes: Cold snaps bring powder to plateaus and ridges; short‑lived on south‑facing slopes.
- Barroso/Alto Tâmega: Northerly blasts can coat the village roofs and the ridge lines above the village of Pitões.
- Peneda‑Gerês high ridges: Occasional dustings on the highest points; trails ice over quickly.
Where to visit in Portugal in winter
Portugal offers a wealth of winter destinations beyond the typical tourist hotspots. If you're looking for a more unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, consider these hidden gems, and catch a glimpse of some snow if you're lucky:
Serra da Estrela
If you’re aiming for snow, base yourself in Manteigas or Covilhã so you can move quickly when the forecast flips. Torre is the high point, and when there’s coverage, you’ll find sledging areas and, in some seasons, short‑window ski operations near the old Vodafone ski area. Weekends can gridlock around Torre after fresh falls, so early starts and flexible plans help.
Between weather windows, this range is brilliant for slow winter comforts. Try wedges of creamy queijo Serra da Estrela with warm broa, then tour the Burel Factory to see traditional wool blankets being made. Short hikes like Poço do Inferno waterfall are gorgeous in winter light, but paths can be icy in the first hour after sunrise.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Gerês in winter is about moody valleys, granite villages and some of Portugal's most impressive hot springs. The termas in Gerês village are a balm after a cold hike, and nearby viewpoints such as Pedra Bela and Miradouro da Junceda are spectacular when clouds lift. For a cross‑border warm‑up, the free open‑air hot pools at Lobios, just over in Spain, are a favourite with locals after dark.
Snow does fall, but only briefly on the highest ridges. Soajo and Lindoso are great bets for snow, with their stone lanes, medieval towers and lines of granary pillars.
Penafiel
This small city east of Porto shines in winter for wine, thermal baths and Romanesque heritage. Quinta da Aveleda’s gardens take on a quiet beauty in the colder months, and wine tastings lean into rich whites from the Vinho Verde region alongside rustic winter‑friendly reds such as Vinhão. Pair a glass with paper‑bag cones of street‑roasted chestnuts if you find a vendor near the centre.
Warm up at the historic Termas de São Vicente on the Tâmega River, then make time for the Rota do Românico: a loop of understated 12th–13th century churches and bridges dotted across the valleys.
Peso da Régua
Régua is the winter gateway to the Douro’s terraced vineyards. Start at the Museu do Douro for context on how the valley was carved and planted, then ride the Linha do Douro train east along the river for off‑season views without summer heat. Cellar doors stay busy through winter; book a tasting focused on aged tawnies and colheitas to understand why cooler evenings suit these styles.
When skies clear, the Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura delivers a classic bend‑in‑the‑river panorama. Snow is rare down by the river, but it can touch the upper terraces after cold fronts.
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