Lisbon is a destination you can visit any time, though if you ask me, the best times to visit Lisbon are March – June, and September – November. Arguably the worst time is August, as it’s the most crowded with tourists and accommodation prices are at their highest.

Since I’ve lived in Lisbon for a few years now, I can offer some information on the best time to visit Lisbon. I believe each time of the year has something else to offer.

Be sure to also check out my guide to the best things to do in Lisbon and the best places to travel in Portugal.

The best time to visit Lisbon

Lisbon has a mild climate, with temperatures not getting too low in winter (typically around 10°C) and not getting too high in summer (peaking around 35°C on some days, but more like 30°C on average).

I think it’s great to visit in the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn, as you can benefit from fewer crowds, lower accommodation prices, and mild weather.

These are the average temperatures throughout the year:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
°C 11 12 14 15 18 21 24 23 23 19 14 12
°F 52 54 57 58 64 69 74 73 73 65 57 53

Visiting Lisbon in winter

Is winter the best time to visit Portugal?

Objectively speaking, no.

But is it a good time to visit? Definitely!

In fact, I recommend coming in winter. As long as it’s not raining (keep an eye on those weather reports), you can enjoy mild temperatures and an unhurried atmosphere. It might well be the best time for a cultural city break that’s not just all about catching some sunshine.

December and January can get rainy sometimes, but there are also fewer tourists. That means you may well get onto the famous Tram 28 without queuing for ages. Expats like myself often adore the winter as this is when the city is truly for the locals.

Lisbon in late January – still plenty of bright days to enjoy

Rainy days are a possibility, though there are countless museums and historical buildings you can visit, not to mention the largest indoor aquarium in Europe.

On most days, you can still sit outside while wearing a summer coat and enjoy a ginjina (a Portuguese cherry liquor) or vinho verde (a green wine which is a typical Portuguese drink) at one of Lisbon’s typical kiosks.

The castles of Sintra are also amazing in winter as they can be enjoyed completely without crowds.

I’ve been to both Lisbon and Porto in winter and I can recommend either city if you’re looking for a low-key escape. Even in the heart of winter, Portugal is a bright and lovely place that will make you easily forget the darkness of northern Europe.

Visiting Lisbon in spring

Spring is an excellent time to visit, and arguably the best time of the year. The average number of rainy days drops from around 12 in March and April, to 8 in May and just 5 in June.

If you’re lucky, you can already feel like you’re in summer at the start of spring. This year I had my first beach day in mid March, when on one day temperatures reached 26 degrees C. In April, I already spent time around the beaches in the Algarve in the south of Portugal, though realistically most weeks were still too cold for beaches, with the warm season kicking off in earnest in May.

From about late April or early May, the city of Lisbon is at its most beautiful time of the year, as Jacaranda trees begin to blossom and many of its squares and avenues turn purple. Outdoor activities begin to dominate the city life again, with people having drinks outside in the cobbled streets of Barrio Alto and along the Tagus river.

You may also want to visit Lisbon in June, as this is a month filled with festivities around the Popular Saints. There is music in the streets, colorful buntings everywhere, and vendors selling grilled sardines.

The biggest night is St. Anthony’s day (early June) and the week leading up to it is a pretty big deal as well, though the entire month sees all sorts of festivities.

Visiting Lisbon in summer

Summer is a beautiful time to visit, especially if you’re keen on going to the beach!

Keep in mind the Atlantic waters around Lisbon are very cold even in summer, but the air temperatures reach the right levels to properly enjoy those icy baths. Day time temperatures will regularly reach up to 35°C.

As anywhere in Europe, it makes sense to avoid the month of August if you can. For some people, this is the only time to take a holiday, but if you have any flexibility, the other months will give you a better experience. August is just a little too crowded. On the other hand, the beaches are easiest to appreciate during this hottest month of the year.

Visiting Lisbon in autumn

Autumn can be a lovely time to visit. You can have bright and pleasant days well into October and even November. You can walk around in just a t-shirt or a light summer coat.

It’s especially a great time to visit Sintra, where the gardens of Quinta de Regaleira become even more photogenic thanks to the colourful leaves and the late afternoon autumn glow from the sun.

The biggest crowds have passed now, so you can have a less hurried time in Lisbon. If you’re looking to go out in Barrio Alto or Pink Street, you’ll find the streets much more easy to navigate, and a more chilled out atmosphere outside of the bars.

Lisbon by month

Lisbon in January

January is one of the wettest months of the year. It’s also still pretty cold, with average highs of 15ºC / 59ºF. If you happen to be staying in an Airbnb in an old house, you may find it colder indoors than outdoors, as the historical buildings often lack central heating. That said, January is a perfect time to visit Lisbon without crowds. It’s ideal for a trip to start the new year, enjoying brighter weather than the still dark northern Europe.

Lisbon in February

It’s still very much winter in Portugal. It’s often cold and wet, but you may nevertheless experience some bright and sunny weather during parts of your stay. Average temperature are around 13ºC (55ºF).

Lisbon in March

March is a decent time to visit Lisbon. The tourist season doesn’t start in earnest until April, but March is a nice month to visit if you’re looking to check out the cultural sights, visit Sintra, or go on a road trip through Portugal.

Lisbon in April

Spring has arrived! By early April, the trees will be lush and green, and you’ll be able to enjoy a fair bit of time in the sun having beers on an esplanade. Peak temperatures are usually around 22ºC / 72ºF. That’s not warm enough to go to the beach, but certainly well enough to boost your vitamin D.

Lisbon in May

Jacaranda trees begin to blossom and many of its squares and avenues turn purple. This is in many ways an ideal time to visit Lisbon. There’ll be lots of life outside, but not yet with the summer crowds. I think May is one of the best times to visit Lisbon; a great sweet spot in terms of weather and overall experience.

Lisbon in June

Lisbon is buzzing in June! This is a month filled with festivities around the Popular Saints. There is music in the streets, colorful buntings everywhere, and vendors selling grilled sardines. If you want to see Lisbon as one giant street party, this is the time to go. If you prefer it quiet, consider going in May instead.

Lisbon in July

Summer has arrived! With average highs of 27.9°C / 82°F, you’ll be able to hit up the beaches for sure. July is also a great time to stroll the streets and climb the many stairs of the traditional Alfama neighborhood but without sweating too much. July is a highly recommended time to visit Lisbon if you are looking for full summer weather.

Lisbon in August

August is the tourist peak season. It’s honestly a bit of a strange time. Many locals disappear from the city, heading to the beaches of the Algarve or visiting family in the countryside, making the local areas of the city a bit empty. The tourist center, on the other hand, is overflowing with visitors. While some tourists may only be able to travel in August due to their jobs or the school calendar, you may have a more relaxed time (and lower hotel rates) during other months.

Lisbon in September

Autumn offers warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation costs than in August, which makes me like Lisbon a lot during this time. The sea temperature is also at its highest during the September month (around 19ºC / 66ºF on average). Every Sunday there is a festival called OutJazz in one Lisbon’s parks, where you can listen to jazz, funk, and soul and have a little picnic on the grass. These events are unticketed and you can bring your own drinks or food.

Lisbon in October

October is a fun time to be in Lisbon. I originally moved to Lisbon in October and was surprised how warm it still was on many days, and how I even could still go to the beach once or twice. The nightlife in Lisbon is buzzing with people drinking beers on the streets of Barrio Alto. The big summer crowds have passed, so you’ll have a gentler late-season experience in Lisbon.

Lisbon in November

November is one of the wettest months of the year, so keep an eye on those weather reports. But with average highs of 18.2° C / 65°F, it’s still a nice time to visit Lisbon on a spontaneous city trip. One thing to be aware of: the first week of November is usually when the technology conference Web Summit takes place, which is one of the biggest events of the year. The city will be noticeably busier during this time with higher accommodation prices and oftentimes difficulty getting taxis or ride-hails. If you’re visiting Lisbon as a tourist, you may wish to avoid Web Summit week.

Lisbon in December

December is also one of the wettest months of the year and few tourists visit Lisbon during this time. This is truly the low season. But this also brings with it some advantages: strolling around the traditional Alfama neighborhood may see only locals going about their days, instead of tour groups causing traffic jams. The shopping streets are also sparkling with elaborate Christmas lights, and wooden cabins are set up in many squares where mulled wine and all sorts of treats are for sale.


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