Things to Do in Porto in December

December Weather in Porto

14°C (57°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets transform the city - Mercado do Bolhão and Rua Santa Catarina fill with festive stalls selling traditional crafts and seasonal treats like rabanadas and filhós from early December
Hotel prices drop 40-50% compared to summer months, with boutique quintas in Ribeira available from €45-65/night versus €120+ in peak season
Authentic local atmosphere - December is when Portuenses celebrate São Nicolau (December 6) and prepare for Christmas, offering genuine cultural immersion without tourist crowds
Port wine cellars offer special vintage tastings and December-only tours with seasonal pairings, plus the grape harvest equipment displays are at their most extensive

Considerations

Persistent dampness makes 14°C (57°F) feel much colder - expect to layer heavily and deal with wet cobblestones that become slippery, especially in Ribeira's steep alleys
Daylight is severely limited with sunset at 5:20 PM and overcast skies reducing usable daylight to just 6-7 hours for sightseeing
Atlantic storms bring sudden downpours that can last 2-3 hours, disrupting outdoor plans and making river cruises frequently cancelled with little advance notice

Best Activities in December

Port Wine Cave Tours with Seasonal Tastings

December is harvest equipment season in Vila Nova de Gaia caves, when cellars display traditional grape-pressing tools alongside vintage tastings. The cool weather makes the underground cellars comfortable, and many offer December-only pairings with seasonal Portuguese sweets. Crowds are minimal compared to summer's 2-hour queues.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for premium caves. Tours typically cost €15-35 including 3-5 tastings. Look for caves offering seasonal food pairings. Many close Mondays in December so plan accordingly. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Douro Valley Winter Photography Tours

December's dramatic Atlantic light creates perfect conditions for photography, with mist rolling through terraced vineyards and golden hour lasting longer due to low sun angles. The bare vine landscape reveals the dramatic engineering of the terraces invisible in summer's green canopy.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range €65-95 per person. Book with operators offering indoor winery visits as backup for weather. Early morning departures (8 AM) catch the best light. Weather can change rapidly so confirm flexible cancellation policies.

Traditional Market Food Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like castanhas assadas (roasted chestnuts) and traditional Christmas sweets to markets. Mercado do Bolhão's renovation completion means full vendor selection, while smaller neighborhood markets offer authentic interactions with locals preparing holiday foods.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours cost €35-55 and run rain or shine with covered market stops. Morning tours (9-11 AM) offer freshest selections. Book through certified guides who speak English and know vendor histories. Many markets close Sundays.

Azulejo Tile Workshop Experiences

December's indoor weather makes tile painting workshops ideal. Several ceramics studios in Cedofeita neighborhood offer 2-3 hour sessions where you create traditional Portuguese tiles. The intimate setting with local artisans provides cultural immersion perfect for rainy afternoons.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions typically cost €25-45 including materials and firing. Book 5-7 days ahead as class sizes are limited to 8-10 people. Most studios provide Portuguese coffee and pastries. Finished pieces can be shipped internationally for additional fee.

Monsanto Castle and Schist Villages Day Trips

December's clear post-storm air offers exceptional visibility for mountain village visits. The cooler weather makes hiking between schist stone villages comfortable, and traditional fireplaces in village tavernas provide authentic Portuguese atmosphere. Tourist numbers are minimal.

Booking Tip: Day tours range €55-75 including transport and guided walks. Depart by 8:30 AM for maximum daylight. Choose tours including indoor cultural stops and traditional lunch. Weather can close mountain roads so confirm morning of departure.

Fado House Evening Experiences

December's long evenings are perfect for authentic fado performances in traditional houses around Rua do Sol and Travessa da Cara. The melancholic music matches the season's mood, and smaller December crowds mean better seating and more intimate performances with renowned fadistas.

Booking Tip: Dinner and fado experiences cost €45-75 per person. Reserve specific tables rather than general admission. Shows typically start 9 PM and run until midnight. Look for houses featuring multiple fadistas and traditional Portuguese guitars. Avoid tourist-focused venues near major hotels.

December Events & Festivals

December 6

São Nicolau Festival

December 6th celebration where children receive small gifts and families gather for traditional meals. Local bakeries create special breads and sweets, offering visitors authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourist experiences.

Early December through January 6

Christmas Market at Avenida dos Aliados

Month-long market featuring Portuguese artisan crafts, regional foods, and traditional Christmas decorations. Local vendors sell handmade ceramics, cork products, and seasonal treats like bolo-rei and filhós in wooden chalets along the main avenue.

December 31

New Year's Eve at Ribeira Waterfront

Midnight fireworks over the Douro River with live Portuguese music and food stalls. The celebration focuses on traditional Portuguese customs rather than international party atmosphere, offering authentic local New Year traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - Porto's limestone cobblestones become treacherous when wet, especially on the steep 15-20% grades in Ribeira

Packable down jacket rated for 5°C (41°F) - December's humidity makes temperatures feel 3-4°C (5-7°F) colder than actual readings

Quality umbrella that withstands 50+ km/h (31+ mph) Atlantic winds - cheap umbrellas break in December storms within hours

Merino wool base layers - essential for staying warm in humid conditions where cotton becomes uncomfortable when damp

Waterproof crossbody bag - protects electronics and documents during sudden 20-30 minute downpours that occur without warning

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster, and you'll use GPS constantly navigating wet cobblestone maze streets

Warm hat covering ears - December winds off Atlantic create significant wind chill, especially on Douro riverfront walks

Quick-dry pants or jeans - avoid cotton as it stays damp for hours in 70% humidity conditions

Comfortable indoor shoes for accommodations - most traditional Portuguese homes have tile floors that feel cold in December

Small daypack rain cover - sudden storms can soak through regular fabric in minutes, ruining cameras and electronics

Insider Knowledge

Take advantage of 'sopa da pedra' season - traditional stone soup is served in December at neighborhood tascas for €8-12, offering authentic Portuguese comfort food unavailable in tourist restaurants

Use the historic Tram 1 route during rainy periods - it covers major sights (Passeio Alegre to Infante) while keeping you dry, and December crowds mean guaranteed seating

Book accommodations with central heating - many traditional quintas rely on individual room heating that's inadequate for December's persistent dampness

Shop for Portuguese wool products in December - local artisans offer end-of-year pricing on traditional sweaters and blankets, with 20-30% discounts compared to tourist season pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold 14°C (57°F) feels in 70% humidity - tourists pack for mild weather but end up buying emergency clothing at inflated prices

Planning tight outdoor schedules - December's unpredictable storms can derail consecutive outdoor activities, leaving no flexibility for weather delays

Expecting summer restaurant hours - many traditional restaurants reduce December hours or close Mondays/Tuesdays, limiting spontaneous dining options