Lisbon Weather in December

Q: We will be in Lisbon for two weeks in December. How severe is the winter weather likely to be and what attractions can be enjoy if it rains? - Rochelle van der Westhuizen

A: In weather terms, this is not the ideal time to visit the Portuguese capital. Daily temperatures range from 9-15 degrees and it is the rainiest time of the year. There is an average of only 4.6 hours of sunshine daily, the lowest for any month. However, the city centre is beautifully illuminated for Christmas and it can seem magical. If it rains, there is still plenty to see and do. When the weather is poor, you can visit one of the many museums (the Gulbenkian, the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Ancient Art Museum and MuDe - the design and fashion museum). You don't need great weather to visit two of the city's must-see attractions, the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. You should also check out the Oceanarium, housed in a state-of-the-art building. You might consider buying a Lisboa Card, which gives you discounted or free access to the city's major museums, sights and tours. Your transport around the city is also free, because the Lisboa Card includes all trips on the Metro, public buses, the trams and the funiculars known as the Elevadores. The card costs from 17 Euros for 24 hours to 33.50 euros for 72 hours. (2/10/11)