Can you swim in Portugal in December?
Yes, but expect a cool dip
Average sea
16°C
Feels
mild
Month
December
The short answer
The sea around Portugal averages 16°C in December. It is swimmable but bracing. Confident swimmers and acclimatised locals will be fine; visitors used to bath-warm summer seas may prefer short dips.
Live conditions matter most
Monthly averages set expectations, but a specific beach today depends on wind, waves and local currents. Use the live map or any beach page to see right-now temperatures.
Top swimming beaches in Portugal
Praia da Falésia
Algarve
Six-km cliff-backed orange-sand beach.
Praia da Rocha
Algarve
Wide town beach beneath sandstone cliffs.
Praia de Benagil
Algarve
Sea-cave beach famous for its skylight cathedral.
Praia da Luz
Algarve
Sheltered family bay west of Lagos.
Praia Dona Ana
Algarve
Postcard sandstone-stack beach.
Praia de Tavira
Algarve
Wide barrier-island beach reached by ferry.