Best Time to Visit Lisbon: Local Insider Tips

Season Overview in Lisbon

Summer in Lisbon

Summer in Lisbon attracts visitors with its long days, warm temperatures, and lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect time to hit the city’s beaches, enjoy outdoor dining at waterfront restaurants, or attend one of the many summer festivals and concerts.

With average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-30 degrees Celsius), the weather is perfect for spending time outdoors and enjoying sunshine on the beach.

On the other hand, walking the steep streets of Lisbon when it is more than 30 degrees might not be your idea of fun. If you don’t like the heat or plan to do a lot of sightseeing, summer in Lisbon might be a bad idea for you.

If you are a party lover and want to enjoy the nightlife in Lisbon, summer is a great time to visit Lisbon, especially in mid-June when the city celebrates the popular Santo António Festival. Streets are filled with parties and I am sure you haven’t seen anything like that before.

This is the busiest time in Lisbon and most attractions get packed quickly. On top of that, you should be prepared for higher prices and you don’t want to make any last-minute reservations. But I am sure you will love these hidden gems in Lisbon to avoid the crowds.

Foodies will be glad to know that June opens sardine season. It lasts during the warm months of the year, so ordering sardines after October means that you will get a frozen product (not to mention that a good Portuguese restaurant wouldn’t even have it on the menu).

Keep in mind: August is the most popular holiday month in Portugal, which means that most local businesses will shut down. Don’t worry, it is not like everything in Lisbon closes down for a month, however, you might find fewer available options for restaurants and experiences.

Fall in Lisbon

Fall in Lisbon is a shoulder season which makes it an attractive destination for those who want fewer crowds while still enjoying fantastic weather. And if you are lucky, you can still get some last-minute tan on the beach.

With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 18-23 degrees Celsius), the weather is comfortable for walking, hiking, and enjoying the city’s many outdoor attractions. You can also enjoy these free things to do in Lisbon.

I have to say that Lisbon is still very busy in September, while November brings less tourism to the Portuguese capital. Just like the crowds, the weather is not the same and you definitely have a higher chance of rainfall in November.

Overall, I think that October is for those who want to take full advantage of the shoulder season. September is a great time to catch the last sunshine of summer and November will require some flexibility with your itinerary and a raincoat.

On the bright side, Lisbon boasts a lot of museums and offers a lot of entertainment even when it rains. I am sure you won’t get bored in Lisbon even on those cloudy days.

If you are chasing foliage in Europe, Lisbon might not be the best destination for you. Of course, you can find some colors in the parks of Lisbon, but if you have been to other colder destinations in the fall, I doubt that you will be impressed.

Also, Lisbon is one of the warmest destinations in Europe during these months which makes it a perfect getaway if you get tired of rainy days in your own country.

💡 One thing to keep in mind: November is also Web Summit season. The city fills up fast, hotels jump to silly prices, and even basic rooms sell out. It’s worth checking the dates and avoiding that week if you’d rather not overpay for your stay.

Winter in Lisbon

Winter in Lisbon brings a unique charm to the city, with cooler temperatures, festive decorations, and a cozy atmosphere that invites visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage. From December to February, Lisbon takes on a different character.

While temperatures can dip into the 50s Fahrenheit (around 10-15 degrees Celsius), the weather remains relatively mild compared to other European cities, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing without freezing temperatures or snowfall. 

This makes winter an ideal time to explore Lisbon’s historic landmarks, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and São Jorge Castle, without the crowds.

Do you have only one day in Lisbon? Winter is the perfect time to see the essentials of central Lisbon without wasting your time in the long queues that are often seen during the peak tourist season.

If you are a budget traveler, you will love winter in Lisbon. While Lisbon is an affordable destination, hotel prices can quickly raise your budget during the peak season. Winter months in Lisbon offer nice discounts instead.

However, it is important to note that a lot of Portuguese houses don’t have a central heating system. This is something worth checking when booking your hotel or apartment because electrical heaters can take a long time to warm up bigger properties.

While Lisbon isn’t as famous for Christmas as some Northern European cities, it still offers plenty of charm. You can check out my guide to the best things to do in Lisbon during Christmas for more ideas.

Spring in Lisbon

Spring in Lisbon is a delightful season known for mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and new beginnings. From March to May, Lisbon awakens from its winter slumber, inviting you to enjoy the warm spring sun.

With temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 13-23 degrees Celsius), the weather is perfect for exploring Lisbon and its main attractions.

I am sure you will love one of the many parks and enjoy Lisbon in full bloom. Closer to summer, you will find Jacaranda, Wisteria, and the iconic Bougainvillea.

Just like the fall in Lisbon, spring is considered shoulder season. May is basically an external month of summer, March is a great time to escape crowds in Lisbon, but April is tricky.

I still remember moving to Lisbon in April many years ago and not seeing a single rainy or cloudy day. However, the following years were very different with nonstop heavy rain and floods. It is hit or miss… you might get 30 days of sunshine or 30 days of rain.

Okay, maybe I am being dramatic, but you know what I mean. In fact, the Portuguese will always say “Abril, águas mil”, which basically means that it rains a lot in April. Later on, I also heard that April has its own plans, so you can never really know and I stand by that.

So when is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is a great destination all year around, however, it truly depends on your personal preferences. Weather-wise, May throughout October offers warm temperatures and almost no rain. While winter attracts fewer crowds and offers cheaper prices.

Shoulder season is a great time to visit Lisbon, however, you have to keep some flexibility when it comes to your travel plans and bring a raincoat in case those rainy days come. Other than that, it is still warmer than most European destinations.

What is the worst time to visit Lisbon?

There is no such thing, however, I would avoid April. As discussed above, it is really hit or miss, and do you really want to take a risk during your precious holidays? Winter in Lisbon is not for everyone, but it still offers great benefits like lower prices and fewer tourists.