Why January is the Perfect Time for a Lisbon Escape

Looking for a fantastic off-season travel opportunity? Why not take a city break to Lisbon in January? It may be the coldest month with the lowest tourist traffic, but you’ll be able to appreciate a completely different side of the city without the crowds.

Fewer Tourists

This is one of the greatest appeals of traveling off-season in January; Lisbon’s streets that would normally be crawling with packs of tourists stopping to take photos are almost empty. In fact, if you visit on a weekday, you may get the surreal experience of seeing usually crowded hotspots without a soul. The lack of visitors may make your experience quieter; however, the absence of long queues, enjoying the architecture without being elbowed out of the way, and never having to find a bakery sold out of pastéis de nata will make up for it.

Temperate Climate

January may be Lisbon’s coldest month, but odds are if you’re coming from North America or northern Europe, Lisbon is still going to be warmer than your hometown. The temperatures don’t usually drop below 8°C, even at night, and it only rains for about a third of the month. Moreover, compared to cities like Paris and London, which get about half the sunny days Lisbon receives in January, it remains an appealing destination for winter sun seekers.

Photography Opportunities

The architecture of Lisbon is stunning; winding streets, plant-covered doorways, and colorfully painted buildings. It’s a pleasure to see but difficult to photograph in high season because of the sheer number of people doing the same. The quiet streets in January beg to be captured on camera; you can get your beautiful Instagram outfit photographed all over the city without pesky distractions. Overcast days will also aid those who prefer a softer photo that picks up more of the background and distinction between the buildings.

Better Prices

January is one of the cheapest months to fly into Lisbon; flying in from the rest of Europe and the UK can cost as little as €10 for a one-way flight. Other than the cheaper flight prices, hotels and Airbnbs are also at their lowest in January, with many winter-escape package deals or off-season discounts available. Consequently, many of the restaurant deals this month are far more affordable compared to similar options in the summer. Additionally, there is off-season ticketing available at many attractions and internal travel options, making it an ideal time to explore museums and galleries.

Easier Day Trips

The day trip options from Lisbon are ample, and you can get to these places faster and cheaper than in the high season. One popular destination, Sintra, is about an hour on the train from Lisbon, and experiencing it in winter is magnificent. The normally crowded palaces are less busy, although you can still expect a few visitors. The surrounding forests acquire a magical winter mist, and attractions like Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira develop a surreal fairy-tale quality that is unforgettable.

Cascais is a nearby coastal city where, instead of spending the day drinking pints on the coast, you can explore the Palácio da Cidadela or Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães for some art and history.

Sustainable Traveling

Traveling off-season is also great for a slightly more sustainable trip. By visiting in the slower months, you’re helping the local economies of Lisbon remain vibrant, which contributes to a better distribution of income. Overtourism is an increasingly pressing issue, and by choosing to visit in January instead of July, you help regulate the number of people in the city, which benefits both the city and the local environment.