Best Time to Visit Lisbon by Month

The Best Time to Visit Lisbon at a Glance

Lisbon Weather by Month

Average daily highs, lows, rainfall and rainy days in Lisbon, from the 1991 to 2020 climate normals of IPMA, Portugal's weather institute.

What the numbers tell you:

• Summer is almost dry. July and August have less than one rainy day each on average.
• October to January is the wet season. November is the wettest month, with about 115 mm of rain.
• Winters are mild. Even in January, the average low stays close to 8°C (46°F), and frost is rare in the city.
• The sea stays cool. The Atlantic off Lisbon reaches only about 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F) in late summer.

Lisbon by Season

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Lisbon. Average highs climb from 18°C (65°F) in March to 23°C (73°F) in May, the showers become rarer, and the jacaranda trees start to flower in late May. Easter brings processions and a busy long weekend, and April 25, Freedom Day, is a national holiday that marks the 1974 revolution. It is a good time for walking the hills of Alfama and Graça and for day trips to Sintra.

Pros: comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, green parks, fewer visitors than in summer.

Cons: the weather can change quickly in March and April, and Easter week is busy.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the warmest, driest and busiest season. Highs average 28°C (83°F) in July and 29°C (84°F) in August, and heat waves can push temperatures well above that. June opens with the Festas de Lisboa: on the night of June 12 to 13, the eve of Santo António, Lisbon's old neighborhoods fill with street parties, grilled sardines and the popular marches. In July, the NOS Alive music festival takes over the riverside at Algés, and the beaches of Cascais, Carcavelos and the Costa da Caparica are at their liveliest.

Pros: reliable sunshine, long evenings, beach days and festivals.

Cons: the main sights are crowded, hotels are at their most expensive, and the afternoons are hot for walking uphill.

Autumn (September to November)

September is often the best month of all. It is still summer-warm, about 27°C (80°F) on average, with the sea at its warmest and the crowds easing once the school holidays end. October stays mild, about 23°C (73°F), but the rain returns, and November is the wettest month of the year. In November, the Web Summit technology conference brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city for a few days, so book your hotel early if your dates overlap.

Pros: warm September days, a quieter city in October, and lower prices from November.

Cons: more rain from October, and hotels fill up during the Web Summit.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is low season and the cheapest time to visit Lisbon. Highs average about 14°C (58°F) in January, mild by European standards, and sunny days are common between the rainy spells. December brings Christmas lights along the Baixa and Chiado, markets and a New Year's Eve party with fireworks over the river at Praça do Comércio. February has Carnival. It is a good season for museums, food, fado and a city break with fewer people.

Pros: the lowest prices, short lines at the main sights, Christmas atmosphere.

Cons: rain on about a third of the days, shorter days, and many old buildings are not heated.

Main Festivals and Events in Lisbon

Event dates change from year to year, so check the official programs before you book.

When Are Lisbon's Peak and Low Seasons?

Peak season runs from June to August, plus Easter and the week between Christmas and New Year. Flights and hotels are in highest demand, and lines at the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and Pena Palace in Sintra are at their longest.

Low season is November to February, outside Christmas, New Year and big events. It is the cheapest and quietest time, with the trade-off of more rain.

Shoulder season, April, May, late September and October, gives you the best balance of weather, crowds and value.