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Lisbon is situated on seven hills near the Atlantic coast, so the climate in Portugal’s capital city is mostly mild with an average temperature of 30 degrees during summer months.
The weather is in general very mild. So the best time to visit Lisbon depends entirely on your personal vacation preferences.
See also: Top Sights and Hidden Gems in Lisbon
We can recommend a Lisbon vacation at any time of the year and in this article we explain why.
The most popular time to visit Lisbon is clearly summer; it attracts many people for city or beach vacations then, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time.
See also: The Best Beaches Near Lisbon, Portugal
The weather is great during May and October, with low probability of rain. It’s a great time of year to explore the many unique experiences in Lisbon before the summer crowds and heat arrive.
Although the temperatures can be high in July and August, the wind from the Atlantic Ocean provides cooling. June is a fun month to visit Lisbon to experience the month-long festival in the city – music, sardines and endless parties in the streets of Alfama. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
In addition, midsummer is a perfect time for a beach vacation, as the water off the coast has warmed up by then. Between June and August, there’s an average of 10 hours of sunshine daily. Expect crowds during Summer, especially at the popular sights in Lisbon like the Belem Tower.
Also, remember that Lisbon is a very hilly city, which becomes extremely exhausting to navigate during the hot temperatures from June to August.
The best time to visit Lisbon for a city break is from April to June or September to November. These months offer mild weather and fewer crowds than in the peak summer season.
See also: Exploring Lisbon in 2 Days
If you’re interested in surfing, October through April is when swells and waves are at their best.
Winter sees more rain fall, but mild temperatures averaging 8 to 15°C make it a comfortable season to travel.
| Daytime temperature | Sun hours | Water temperature | Rain days | |
| January | ~15°C | 5 | max. 14°C | 10 |
| February | ~16°C | 5 | max. 14°C | 11 |
| March | ~18°C | 7 | max. 14°C | 8 |
| April | ~19°C | 8 | max. 15°C | 7 |
| May | ~22°C | 9 | max. 16°C | 5 |
| June | ~25°C | 10 | max. 17°C | 4 |
| July | ~27°C | 11 | max. 18°C | 1 |
| August | ~28°C | 11 | max. 19°C | 1 |
| September | ~26°C | 9 | max. 19°C | 5 |
| October | ~22°C | 7 | max. 18°C | 9 |
| November | ~18°C | 5 | max. 16°C | 11 |
| December | ~15°C | 5 | max. 15°C | 11 |
The green listed months are the ones which we recommend more than the others.
In spring, the number of sunny days and rainy hours is relatively consistent. From March to May you should expect an average of seven rainy days and seven-to-eight sunny hours. Springtime is especially beautiful in Lisbon as the city slowly awakens from winter: jacaranda trees bloom purple during this time of year. Festivals also start to pop during this time, including many spring events.
In summer you should bring your sunglasses and a towel for the beach, as it won’t rain much.
In fall, there are eight rainy days with an average of five sunny hours.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, there’s always something special about this vibrant city.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
