Europe · December
Best time to visit Portugal in December 🇵🇹
December in Portugal is shoulder season — mixed conditions. a shoulder-season pick — quieter and cheaper, but expect mixed weather or a few closures.
Portugal year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Portugal are March, April, May, June, September, October. December is a solid shoulder choice if you want fewer crowds.
What Portugal is like in December
Mar–Jun & Sep–Oct best for cities. Algarve beaches Jun–Sep. Madeira and Azores are mild year-round.
Insider tip
Algarve resorts get fully booked in August — go in June or September instead.
Where to go in December instead
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.