Funchal or Lisbon in December: compare the trip
Compare Funchal and Lisbon in December for city sights, walkable routes and the pace of a short break.
Travel month
Average temperatures in the cities on this page, °C
Contents
Compare the weather by city
| City | Daytime | At night | Sea | Wet days | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funchal | 19 °C | 16 °C | 19.5 °C | 9.7 | 52.7 mm | 10.0 h |
| Lisbon | 16 °C | 11 °C | 16 °C | 7.3 | 65.5 mm | 9.5 h |
Air: average daily highs and lows for 2015–2024. Wet day: at least 1 mm of precipitation. Sea: a monthly coastal reference.
How to choose
Funchal centres a trip on its island setting, waterfront and excursions into Madeira’s landscapes. Lisbon suits travellers who want a fuller city programme across historic quarters, museums and Belém. In December, plan shorter walks in daylight and leave the city centre for an evening stroll.
Routes and pace
In Funchal, link the old streets, market and a stretch of promenade, then leave a separate day for places beyond the centre. In Lisbon, explore Alfama and Baixa on different walks and give Belém its own riverside itinerary.
Who each city suits
Choose Funchal for island scenery, an ocean-facing coast and a more compact centre. Lisbon is a better fit for a varied city break focused on neighbourhoods, architecture and museums.
Detailed city guides
Funchal in December
December in Funchal brings garden walks and festive evenings beside the Atlantic. Spend daylight hours among greenery or on the promenade, then return to the decorated centre after dark. For New Year, a place within walking distance of dinner and the fireworks makes the evening easier to enjoy.
Lisbon in December
December in Lisbon is about architecture, museums and unhurried lunches. Keep an indoor alternative for a rainy day and avoid overloading the schedule with long cross-city walks.
Common questions
How do Funchal and Lisbon differ for a short break?
Funchal offers an old-town base, gardens and oceanfront walks. Lisbon has several distinct urban outings: Baixa and Chiado, Alfama, and Belém. For three days, choose one city and group each day around a neighbourhood.
How should I divide three days in Lisbon?
Spend day one in Baixa and Chiado, day two in Alfama’s lanes and viewpoints, and day three in Belém beside the Tagus. This keeps each day within one part of the city.
How can I make the most of a short December day?
Start with the farthest or most exposed part of the route. Use daylight for the coast, gardens and archaeological sites, then return to museums, cafés and restaurants near your accommodation. In Funchal, combine the market and Zona Velha; in Lisbon, Baixa and Chiado.
Compare destinations
Funchal or Málaga in December: compare the trip
Compare Funchal and Málaga in December for city sights, walkable routes and the pace of a short break.
Trip ideas
Three cities for a three-day December break
In December, a short break works well when built around compact city routes and places to visit on a cool or wet day. Lisbon, Málaga and Paphos offer different combinations of old districts, museums and coast.