The best time to visit Lisbon is summer. From May to September, the weather is generally warm and dry, which means balmy evenings dining al fresco and trips to the nearby beaches.
Late spring is also a good time to visit but can be rainy; Lisbon’s wetter months extend from October right through mid-May. While the city is further south in Europe than France, Croatia, and much of Italy, it’s on the Atlantic coast (in fact, on the same latitude as Washington D.C.) and is cooler than Europe’s Mediterranean coasts. In contrast, the interior of Portugal can get extremely hot.
As Portugal’s capital and biggest city, Lisbon is lively year-round. The fact that a lot of people live and work in the city center combined with a growing population of expatriates from all over the world means there’s always a buzz here. Even in the mild, sometimes rainy winter months, there’s plenty going on.
Visiting Lisbon by Season
Summer
Lisbon
Summers on Portugal’s Atlantic coast are hot and dry; for guaranteed sunshine, this is the best time to go to Lisbon. August is the warmest month, with average highs of a very balmy 84.2°F (28.9°C). There’s little rain—in July, there’s actually no rainfall at all most years.
Days are long, with up to 12 hours of sunshine in July and August. Perhaps surprisingly, August is the windiest month of the year, and the welcome breeze cools the hot summer air.
Occasional heatwaves can strike as hot air moves north from Africa. Should this happen, the best place to be is in the air-conditioned cool of Lisbon’s many museums and galleries.
Fall
Summer extends into September in Lisbon, when you can expect average daily highs of 79.8°F (26.6°C). The weather remains pleasant well into October, which still enjoys average highs of 72.6°F (22.6°C). November is cooler and considerably wetter, receiving up to 5.3 inches (135mm) of rain.
Winter
As the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is lively all year round. Although it can be wet, it’s rarely cold. You can still expect average daily highs of 57.7°F (14.3°C) in January, although rain is frequent.
The winter months can also see fog rolling in off the Atlantic in the mornings. But temperatures below freezing, and snow, are extremely rare.
Spring
Lisbon is comfortably warm in spring, with average daily highs of 65.6°F (18.7°C) in March, rising to around 72.5°F (22.5°C) by May. But rain showers are likely at any time, even into May, which sees 2.2 inches (57mm) of precipitation on average.
In spring, the days are getting longer, and locals are beginning to head to Lisbon’s beaches. Museums and historic attractions are starting to get busy as the first summer visitors arrive.
Cascais
When Is Rainy Season?
Lisbon’s rainiest season extends from October to January, with November the wettest month, receiving on average 4.72 inches (120mm) of rain. Showery days continue from January to February, with rainfall tailing off in April and May.
This doesn’t stop the exuberance of Carnival, which takes place in February; remember that the famous Rio Carnival has Portuguese origins and was an export from Lisbon.
When Is High Season?
The high season in Lisbon is the summer months, from June to August, stretching into September. The weather is generally warm and dry, the days long, and the sea pleasant for swimming and surfing.
This is a time for day trips from Lisbon to the countryside, and in the city, outdoor dining, with bars and restaurants busy late into the night. You’ll also come across a lot of music festivals and outdoor performances in summer.
Sintra
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season in Lisbon is May, and also late September and October. Any of these months is a good time to visit. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy outdoor life, occasional showers permitting. The sea is cool for swimming, though.
Essentially, there are plenty of things to do in Lisbon year-round—museums, restaurants, and other attractions will always be open.
Read: What to Eat in Lisbon
When Is Low Season?
Low season for tourism in Lisbon is January and February, after the Christmas and New Year festivities and before Carnival. The days are shorter and cooler, and rain is more likely, although bitter cold and snow are extremely rare.
Lisbon
Do you want to discover more about Lisbon’s rich cultural scene and beautiful countryside? Browse our cruises to and from Lisbon and plan your dream vacation.
