What to Pack for a December Trip to Portugal: From Lisbon to the Algarve

Portugal in December offers a unique European winter experience. You’ll find fewer crowds, festive charm, and cool, sometimes wet, weather. From Porto’s misty riverbanks to sunny days in the Algarve, temperatures vary—but one thing’s constant: you’ll want versatile, layer-friendly outfits.

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It’s not freezing, but don’t let the mild climate fool you. December brings wind, rain, and grey skies, especially in the north. Bring smart layers, rain-ready shoes, and cozy outfits that suit both cobblestone strolls and wine-cellar tours.

📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Portugal in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• 🌧️ Lisbon: 10–16°C (50–61°F), about 10 rainy days
• 🌫️ Porto: 7–14°C (45–57°F), frequent mist and drizzle
• 🌤️ Algarve: 9–17°C (48–63°F), sunnier but breezy

What to Pack for Portugal in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight, rollable for cobblestones
• 🎒 Daypack – Rain-resistant for daily outings
• 🧼 Packing cubes – Keep dry/wet items separated
• 👟 Shoe bags – Avoid soggy soles touching clothes
• 🧴 Toiletry kit – Leakproof and compact
• 📁 Document holder – For tickets, IDs, passport
• 👜 Foldable tote – Shopping or beach towns
• 🧺 Laundry bag – For separating worn layers
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Especially with wine souvenirs
• 🔒 TSA-approved lock – Travel safely
• 🪙 Coin pouch – Useful for trams and cafés
• 🛁 Microfiber towel – Handy for guesthouses
• 🛏️ Neck pillow – For long travel days
• 😴 Sleep mask – For train rides or bright rooms

👗 Clothes

• 🧥 Thermal base tops (1–2) – Optional for cool mornings
• 👕 Long-sleeve shirts (3–4) – Layer well under jackets
• 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Wool or fleece are ideal
• 🧥 Waterproof jacket (1) – Lightweight but effective
• 👖 Jeans/trousers (2–3) – Ideal for cities and hikes
• 🧦 Thermal leggings (1–2) – Great under dresses or alone
• 👗 Dresses/skirts (1–2) – Style with tights and boots
• 🧥 Warm coat – For Porto or chilly inland towns
• 🛌 Pajamas (1–2) – Cozy for cooler nights
• 👙 Swimsuit – Heated pools or spas
• 🩲 Underwear (7+) – Quick-dry if possible
• 👙 Bras (2–3) – Mix of comfy and structured
• 🧦 Wool socks (5–7 pairs) – Keeps feet warm and dry
• 🧦 Tights (2 pairs) – Great with dresses and boots

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Cleanser – Mild and moisturizing
• 💧 Toner – Balances dry winter air
• 🧴 Moisturizer – With barrier protection
• 🌞 Sunscreen – Needed even on cloudy days
• 🧽 Micellar water – Easy cleansing on the go
• 🧼 Exfoliator – Light use to refresh skin
• 👁️ Eye cream – Prevents puffiness
• 💦 Mist – Refresh mid-day
• 😴 Sheet masks – Perfect after flight or hike
• 💋 Lip balm – Always carry it
• 🔴 Spot treatment – Emergency fix

💄 Makeup

• 💄 Foundation – Hydrating finish
• 🖌️ Concealer – For late nights or flights
• 🧽 Setting powder – Light and non-drying
• 🌸 Blush – Creamy textures stay longer
• ✨ Highlighter – Subtle for overcast days
• 🌞 Bronzer – Adds warmth
• 🎨 Neutral palette – Versatile for day/night
• ✏️ Waterproof eyeliner – For rainy walks
• 👁️ Mascara – Lengthens, holds curl
• 🧴 Brow gel – Keeps brows tidy
• 💋 Lip gloss or balm – For hydration and color
• 💨 Setting spray – For long sightseeing days
• 🖌️ Compact brush kit – Lightweight, essential only

💇 Hair Care

• 🪮 Comb/brush – Travel-friendly size
• 🪢 Hair ties – Windy cities need control
• 🧴 Shampoo/conditioner – Moisturizing minis
• 💨 Dry shampoo – Between wash refresher
• 🔥 Heat protectant – For styling tools
• 💇 Styling cream – Keeps hair smooth
• 💨 Mini dryer – Dual voltage if needed
• 💇 Curler/straightener – Pick one
• 💧 Serum – Adds shine, tames flyaways
• 🎀 Hair accessories – Pins, headbands, clips

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👟 Walking shoes – All-terrain sneakers or waterproof boots
• 👢 Ankle boots – Stylish and sturdy
• 🥿 Flats – For evening or dressy dinners
• 🧤 Gloves – Especially in Porto
• 🧣 Scarf – Light wool or cotton
• 🎩 Beanie or hat – For breezy areas
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – Even in winter
• 💍 Jewelry – Simple and easy to mix
• 👜 Crossbody bag – Anti-theft is great for cities
• ☔ Umbrella – Windproof and compact

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Passport + copies – Print and digital
• 📄 Visa (if applicable) – Portugal is Schengen Zone
• 🆔 ID card – EU travelers may use national ID
• 🧾 Travel insurance – Essential for emergencies
• 🎟️ Tickets and confirmations – Flights, trains, tours
• 📆 Itinerary – Offline and print
• 💳 Cards + cash – Some places still cash-preferred
• 📱 Emergency contact list – Save offline
• 🗺️ Offline map app – Great for exploring alleys
• 🖊️ Pen + notepad – Notes, journaling
• 👛 Wallet – RFID-blocking ideal
• 💎 Valuables – Pack in carry-on only

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – For walking-heavy days
• 🧻 Disinfecting wipes – Easy cleanups
• 🩼 Gauze – Minor scrapes or blisters
• 📎 Tape – Multipurpose
• 📏 Thermometer – Mini digital
• ✂️ Scissors – Small and packed in checked bag
• 🪥 Q-tips – Light and easy to pack

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Medications – Labeled and prescribed
• 💊 Painkillers – Ibuprofen, paracetamol
• 🌸 Allergy pills – For dust or pollen
• 🌊 Motion sickness tabs – Coastal drives
• 💊 Vitamins – Daily travel packs
• 🩸 Feminine hygiene – Tampons less common
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Always handy
• 🧻 Wet wipes – For hands, travel, spills
• 👁️ Eye drops – Wind can dry eyes
• 👓 Glasses + contacts – Bring both
• 🪞 Mirror – Small and safe
• 🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Travel size
• 🧵 Floss – Travel case
• 🧼 Deodorant – Solid preferred
• 🪒 Razor – In checked bag
• 💅 Nail kit – Compact for touch-ups
• 🌸 Travel perfume – Rollerball or mini spray
• 🤧 Tissues – Always pack a few

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Phone – Unlocked for SIM or eSIM
• 💻 Tablet or laptop – Optional, not essential
• 📷 Camera – Great for Porto’s views
• 🔌 Chargers – For all devices
• 🔋 Power bank – Full days out
• 📎 Cable pouch – Prevent tangles
• 🌍 Plug adapter – Type F or C (Portugal)
• 💽 Cloud or SD backup – For photos
• 🗺️ Offline apps – Transit, maps, translation
• 📶 eSIM or local SIM – Saves roaming fees
• 📖 E-reader – Lightweight entertainment
• 🎧 Headphones – Noise-canceling ideal
• 📱 Waterproof case – If caught in rain

🎧 Entertainment

• 📚 Books – For cozy nights or cafés
• 📺 Downloaded shows – Great for travel days
• 🎙️ Podcasts – For flights or beach walks
• 📓 Journal – Document your Portuguese escape
• 🎲 Games – Compact and portable
• 📰 Magazines – Lightweight reading

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – Energy bars or chocolate
• 💧 Reusable water bottle – Tap water safe
• 🛍️ Shopping bag – For markets or groceries
• 🧴 Laundry sheets – Handwashing essentials
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Repairs on the go
• 📯 Whistle – For added security
• 🧽 Lint roller – For coats or dark clothing
• 🦶 Footrest – Travel comfort
• 👃 Shoe deodorizer – Long days out
• 🌙 Melatonin or sleep aid – Jet lag help

🌍 Travel Tips

• 📏 Know airline baggage limits
• 📲 Download offline maps and train apps
• 👕 Keep one outfit in carry-on
• 📸 Photo your luggage contents
• 🏦 Notify your bank of travel dates

🛂 Visa Tips

• 🕐 Apply early if visa needed
• 🖨️ Print copies of visa/reservations
• 📸 Bring passport photos
• 🛫 Proof of return ticket may be requested
• 🚫 Know Portugal’s customs rules

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 Passport
• 🧾 Travel insurance
• 📱 Phone + charger
• 💳 Cards + cash
• 🧴 Health kit
• 🗺️ Maps / apps
• 🎟️ Confirmations
• 🎒 Day bag
• 💧 Water bottle

👍 Good-to-Have

• 💦 Hydration packs
• 🧺 Steamer
• 😴 Sleep mask / earplugs
• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
• 🧣 Travel shawl
• ☔ Backup umbrella
• 📶 Local SIM or eSIM
• 🛍️ Extra tote for souvenirs