Things to Do in Cascais in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Cascais
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild coastal temperatures averaging 14°C (58°F) mean you can comfortably explore without the summer crowds - the beaches and clifftop trails are yours to enjoy without jostling for space at Boca do Inferno or Cabo da Roca
- January brings the best Atlantic swells of the year, with consistent 2-3 meter (6-10 ft) waves at Guincho Beach - surf schools run smaller classes and you'll actually get personalized instruction rather than competing with 30 other beginners
- Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peak season, and you can book excellent seafood restaurants like those along Rua Frederico Arouca without weeks of advance planning - walk-ins are actually possible at places that require reservations June through September
- The winter light creates dramatic photography conditions along the coastline, especially during the golden hour around 5:30pm when the sun hits the colorful facades of the historic center and the waves crash against the fortress walls
Considerations
- Ocean temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F), which is genuinely cold for swimming unless you're accustomed to northern European waters - you'll see locals in wetsuits, and most tourists skip the water activities entirely
- Those 10 rainy days translate to sudden Atlantic squalls that can roll in within 20 minutes, turning a sunny clifftop walk into a wet scramble back to town - the weather genuinely is variable, sometimes changing three times in a single afternoon
- Many beach clubs, outdoor restaurants, and seasonal tour operators close entirely from November through March, so the vibrant beach scene you see in summer photos simply doesn't exist - Cascais in January is a different destination
Best Activities in January
Sintra Day Trips and Palace Exploration
January is actually ideal for tackling Sintra's palaces and gardens, just 30 minutes (13 km/8 miles) inland from Cascais. The cooler 12-16°C (54-61°F) temperatures make the steep climbs between Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle far more comfortable than summer's heat. More importantly, you'll encounter 70% fewer tourists than peak season - you can actually photograph the colorful Pena Palace without crowds and explore Quinta da Regaleira's tunnels at your own pace. The winter light creates moody, atmospheric conditions perfect for the Gothic and Romantic architecture. Tours typically run €45-75 per person for half-day guided experiences, or you can take the local 417 bus for €4.25 and explore independently.
Coastal Clifftop Hiking and Trail Walking
The trails between Cascais and Guincho Beach are genuinely at their best in January. The 9 km (5.6 mile) coastal path offers dramatic Atlantic views without the summer heat, and the 14°C (58°F) temperatures are perfect for sustained walking. You'll pass Boca do Inferno's blowhole, the Santa Marta lighthouse, and reach the wild dunes of Guincho in about 2.5 hours. The winter swells create spectacular wave action against the cliffs. Start early morning around 9am to avoid potential afternoon rain, and you'll likely have long stretches entirely to yourself. The trail is well-marked and free, though proper walking shoes are essential for the rocky sections.
Surfing Lessons at Guincho Beach
January delivers the Atlantic's most consistent swells, and Guincho Beach becomes a legitimate surf destination rather than a summer sunbathing spot. The waves run 1.5-3 meters (5-10 ft) with clean conditions, and surf schools operate smaller winter classes of 4-6 students maximum versus summer's packed groups of 12-15. You'll need a full 4/3mm wetsuit, which all schools provide. The water is cold at 15°C (59°F), but the quality of instruction improves dramatically when instructors can focus on fewer students. Two-hour beginner lessons typically cost €40-55, and the beach is 6 km (3.7 miles) west of Cascais town center. Morning sessions around 10am usually offer the best conditions before winds pick up.
Lisbon Cultural Day Trips
With Cascais as your base, January is perfect for exploring Lisbon without the overwhelming summer tourist density. The 30-minute train ride costs just €2.30 each way, and you'll find Lisbon's neighborhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Belém far more manageable. The 15°C (59°F) temperatures make walking Lisbon's seven hills actually pleasant, and you can visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and São Jorge Castle with reasonable queues rather than hour-long waits. Museums like the Gulbenkian and MAAT are perfect rainy-day alternatives. The last train back to Cascais runs around midnight, giving you full evenings to experience Lisbon's fado restaurants and nightlife.
Fresh Seafood Market and Cooking Experiences
January brings peak season for certain Atlantic seafood, particularly barnacles, spider crab, and winter fish varieties. The Cascais fish market near the marina operates Tuesday through Sunday mornings, and you'll see what locals actually buy rather than tourist-oriented displays. Several cooking schools and culinary experiences run year-round, teaching you to prepare traditional Portuguese seafood dishes in 3-4 hour sessions. These typically cost €65-95 per person and include market visits, cooking instruction, and the meal you prepare. The smaller winter class sizes mean more hands-on time with instructors. You'll learn techniques for preparing bacalhau, cataplana, and proper Portuguese rice dishes.
Wine Tasting in Colares Wine Region
The tiny Colares wine region, just 15 km (9.3 miles) from Cascais, produces unique wines from ungrafted vines growing in sand dunes - one of Europe's rarest wine appellations. January is ideal for winery visits as the harvest is complete, winemakers have more time for visitors, and the cooler weather makes the rural drives through Sintra-Cascais Natural Park genuinely pleasant. Several family-run wineries offer tastings by appointment, typically €15-30 per person for 4-5 wines with regional cheeses. The wines are distinctive - mineral-driven whites and structured reds you won't find elsewhere. Combined with Sintra palace visits, this makes an excellent full-day experience.
January Events & Festivals
Santos Populares Preparation Season
While the major Santos Populares festivals happen in June, January marks when Cascais cultural associations begin planning and rehearsals for traditional music and dance performances. You might catch practice sessions at local cultural centers, offering an authentic glimpse into Portuguese folk traditions without tourist crowds. Check the Casa da Guia cultural center schedule for occasional January performances.