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January in Portugal

I was in Lisbon a few months ago and loved it. I'd like to go somewhere else in Portugal that is fairly warm in January, at least around 50f. Any suggestions would be appreciated. If not Portugal, any suggestions about where else to go in Europe?

Posted by
8293 posts

The Algarve in Portugal would be one place to consider. We spent a week in an apartment one February, just on the outskirts of Albufeira. Lots of beaches, lots of town life close by, and many golf courses in easy reach.

Posted by
6113 posts

January is generally the coldest and wettest month in Europe - the Algarve is all about the beaches and at c 12 degrees daytime average, this is not beach weather. The general advice is to avoid the Algarve at this time of year. Many of the smaller places close up for the winter.

Most Europeans would either go for an extended city break such as Venice or Berlin (below your temperature threshold), go skiing or head to Madeira or the Caribbean. Alternatively, consider Morocco which will be warmer and interesting. Seville and Cadiz in Spain are only just above your minimum, bur there would be more to do there than in the Algarve.

What do you want from the holiday? City/rural/walking etc? Not that many areas of Europe will be above your minimum temperature.

Posted by
8293 posts

I live in Montreal so a temperature of 12 C in January sounds pretty good to me. Not for the beach, certainly, but perfect for futzing around, going places in a rental car, golf (not for me, though), sight seeing in general or whatever else you have in mind. Maybe the OP could come back and tell us what her/his January needs are.