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10 Good reasons for visiting Lisbon in January
Tired of grey skies and post-holiday gloom? Visit Lisbon, where winter feels like spring and the streets are delightfully crowd-free. After relocating to Lisbon, I’ve come to love January here more than any other time. In this post I will share what I’ve learned from living it firsthand.
Whether you’re a winter traveler or a culture lover planning your off-season trip, Lisbon has a lot to offer. In January you can enjoy sun-drenched viewpoints, famous pastries, and unbeatable hotel deals. Even on rainy days there is plenty of stuff to do! And the museums and sights are much quieter this time of year.
Here are 10 compelling reasons why Lisbon in January should be on your travel radar, especially if you’re craving sun without the summer chaos.
Discover 10 reasons why you should visit Lisbon in January!
I used to crave summer and good weather when I lived in Northern Europe, but since I’m a Lisbon local, things have changed. Every month has its charm, but Lisbon in January really is the perfect month to visit. I’ve outlined ten reasons, so maybe you’d like to come in winter, too!
1. Mild Lisbon weather in January
Even though the Lisbon temperature in January is one of the coldest, the weather is pretty mild. There might be some rain, but also plenty of sunny days. The average temperature in January in Lisbon is 11°C (51.8°F). The average high is 14°C (57.2°F), and the average low temperature is 8°C (46.4°F).
Does it rain a lot in January in Lisbon?
Unfortunately, January is one of the wettest months in Lisbon, but thankfully, there are plenty of things to do with rain! The average rainfall is about 109 mm spread over 15 days. You’ll be happy to know it rarely rains the whole day, so you can still enjoy the many sights!
2. No crowds in winter
Another fantastic reason to visit the city in January is that there are fewer crowds. This is perfect if you want to see the famous sights without queuing for hours! Standing in line for two hours in summer at sights such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower is pretty standard. Chances are, in January and February, you can walk straight in!
3. Cheaper accommodations
Between November and April, prices for accommodations drop. And with lower prices, you can enjoy even a luxury hotel in Lisbon! I’ve outlined three amazing hotels for you in the downtown area, but you can also use the map below to book your favourite hotel in Lisbon in January! Please note that heating in Portugal is rare, but most hotels have a portable heater or air conditioning to heat the room.
📍 Beautiful budget accommodation: Sant Jordi Hostels is one of the most beautiful hostels in Lisbon, located near Avenida da Liberdade. It has private double rooms and dormitories, and the on-site bar is great for meeting fellow travellers.
📍 Mid-range gem: Figueira by The Beautique Hotels & Spa is centrally located, and the interior matches the wintery days in Lisbon. And if the earthy tones haven’t made you feel cosy yet, the spa will!
📍 A luxury stay for less: A stay at the boutique hotel Palacio das Especiarias will certainly be memorable! The former palace boasts exclusive royal and 2 superior suites, including beautiful views over the Tagus River. Enjoy the continental breakfast or relax at the Spa and Wellness Centre.
4. Winter sales
January is the time for the winter sales, and there are plenty of shops in Lisbon to discover! In downtown Lisbon, you’ll find shops in and near Rua Augusta. There are many shops in the shopping mall Armazéns do Chiado, and you can find high-street shops on Rua do Carmo.
Colombo Shopping Mall is also popular and perfect for a rainy day. Or make your way to Freeport Fashion Outlet for even more discounts! There are plenty of shopping malls to discover. Lisbon also has many markets, such as the flea market Feira da Ladra. Discover the concept stores and shops at the LX Factory. You can combine a visit with an amazing lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants.
What should I wear in Lisbon in January?
Now that you’ve gone shopping, you might have some amazing new outfits! But what should you wear and pack for Lisbon in January? Good walking shoes are a must, especially when the streets can get slippery during rainfall. A rain jacket might be handy, too. Overall, I recommend wearing layers so you are never too warm or cold.
I tend to wear long pants with a long-sleeved shirt or blouse. I would also wear a jumper or light jacket, and if it’s windy, a thicker jacket would be needed. If you enjoy outdoor activities near the ocean, prepare for thicker clothes. Also, temperatures will be lower in the early hours and late evening.
5. Photoshoots during the January sunsets
The winter light is perfect for taking lovely images! On average, there are 5 sunshine hours daily, and the low sun creates magic light scenes in the city. Sunrise is around 7:30 AM. Sunset is at 5:30 PM at the beginning of January, and towards the end of the month, the sun sets at 6 PM.
With plenty of daylight and sun, the weather in January is a dream for photographers like me! Are you not sure how to use a camera and want to take pictures? Let me teach you!
If you prefer to be in front of the lens, I can take some amazing portraits of you on a sunny day! Read more about the Lisbon photoshoots, or check the availability.
6. Visit the museums
One of the best things to do in Lisbon in January is visit a museum, and there are so many to choose from! Head over to the National Tile Museum to enjoy the traditional tiles, or discover the Fado Museum in Alfama, followed by a Fado dinner in the oldest neighbourhoods.
Other museums worth visiting in downtown Lisbon are MUDE—Museu do Design, the Gulbenkian Foundation, and the Archeology Museum at the Carmo Convent.
In Belém, you can find even more museums. The famous MAAT Museum is located here, as well as the Popular Art Museum, the National Coach Museum, Quake, and MAC/CCB Museu de Arte Contemporânea.
You can combine this with visiting the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. And remember to try a pastel de Belém at the original pastry shop, Pastéis de Belém.
7. What’s on in Lisbon in January?
There are still plenty of events in January in Lisbon! You can even still visit a Christmas market such as Wonderland Lisboa! You can find the Christmas market at Parque Eduardo VII near Marquês de Pombal Square. There is a Ferris wheel and an ice skating rink. Besides, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy some Glühwein or roasted chestnuts.
Christmas celebrations are still ongoing in Portugal, as on January 6th, we celebrate Epiphany, or the Day of the Kings! The Three Kings Day, or Dia de Reis in Portuguese, is celebrated by eating Bolo Rei. This is a traditional King’s Cake with candied fruits, but there is also a Queen’s Cake version! Bolo Rainha does not have crystallised dried fruits but more dried nuts instead.
8. New year, new beginnings
January is often a month of reflection and new beginnings, and what better way to start than with a retreat? Portugal offers many yoga retreats, including Lisbon!
Enjoy a 4-Day Relaxing Meditation and Yoga Holiday with Surf and Massage in Cascais, or sign up for a 6-Day Meditation and Yoga Holiday in Sintra. There is also a wide selection of wellness retreats near Lisbon, such as the 7-Day Design Your Year Retreat in Santa Cruz.
9. Enjoy a day trip near Lisbon
Speaking of places nearby Lisbon, there are many day trip options! If you like surfing, or in this case, watching surfers, head over to Nazaré! This coastal town is known for having the highest waves in the world, and January and February are the perfect months to witness this! You can combine it with visiting Óbidos, a stunning medieval town! Or see the pilgrimage town of Fátima.
South of Lisbon, you can enjoy the coast at Arrábida Natural Park. On sunny days you can explore the beaches, or see nearby cities such as Sesimbra and Setúbal. There are many things to see in this area, such as Palmela Castle, Sesimbra Castle and Cabo Espichel.
Sintra is another must-see place, and January is the perfect time, as there will be few tourists. We went to Queluz Palace in January last year, and we were alone! Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle might be busier but not even half as crowded as in summer.
10. Ideal surfing conditions
Surfing at Nazaré is for professional surfers only, but you might want to try it yourself. The winter months are perfect for riding the waves in Portugal! It is the coolest month of the year, and the seawater will only be between 14.6°C (59.2°F) and 16.9°C (61.5°F), so a wet/dry suit is a must!
Have you never stood on a surfboard before? Then, you can participate in one of the coolest Lisbon experiences: surf lessons! There are plenty of surf camps in Portugal to choose from, such as a 5-Day Portugal Surf & Stay in the surf town of Ericeira. The 8-Day Surf Camp in Sintra is perfect if you want to stay closer to Lisbon, and it’s suitable for kids, too!
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FAQ
Is it a good time to visit Lisbon in January?
Yes! There might be some rain, but there are many advantages to visiting the city in the new year. The weather in Lisbon in January offers mild temperatures but with some rainfall. There are fewer crowds, and accommodations are cheaper.
How warm is Lisbon in January?
The average temperature in Lisbon in January is 11°C (51.8°F), and the sun shines often. There might be a rainy day, too, but there are many things to do in Lisbon when it rains. At night, temperatures drop, so you will definitely need to bring a jacket. But the Lisbon weather in January is never too cold, and there will not be snow.
How much does it rain in Lisbon in January?
January is one of the wettest months in Lisbon, and it rains half the month in general. Thankfully, it never rains the whole day. The average rainfall for January in Lisbon is 109 mm.
Conclusion
January in Lisbon might be the coldest month of the year, but the temperature is good and mild overall. The average temperatures are between 8°C (46.4°F) and 14°C (57.2°F) , and there will be plenty of sunny days! Unfortunately, there will most likely be some rainfall, but there are plenty of indoor activities in the city. Pack layers for all weather types to stay warm or rest in a cosy hotel with a spa.
There are still some Christmas markets left from December, and you can enjoy Dia de Reis (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6th. Besides these events, the city has plenty of things to do. Discover the museums, dive into the history of Alfama, or embark on a food tour in Lisbon. There are fewer tourists, and even the busiest highlights will have short queues. Prices for accommodations are also lower, making January in Lisbon a fantastic month to see the city!
Check out the other months and seasons in Lisbon Portugal
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