Lisbon
Portugal · Europe
The best time to visit Lisbon is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 29°C (84°F), with peaks around 36°C (97°F); in winter, nights average 9°C (48°F), dropping to around 2°C (36°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Lisbon – What you should know
Lisbon is considered one of the sunniest capitals in Europe and even surpasses Barcelona and Madrid in sunshine hours. The climate is mildly Mediterranean with Atlantic influence: summers are warm and dry (typically 25–28°C (77–82°F)), but not oppressively hot thanks to Atlantic breezes. Winters are mild and the main source of rainfall — with 11–15°C (52–59°F) and occasional rain.
Spring (March to May) is Lisbon's most beautiful season: the city blossoms, temperatures are pleasant for extended walks through the hilly districts of Alfama and Mouraria, and the beaches of the Costa de Caparica are not yet crowded. In April, Lisbon's lively spring festival takes place.
The Atlantic off Lisbon is cooler than the Mediterranean even in summer: coastal water temperatures typically reach 17–18°C (63–64°F) — pleasant for seasoned swimmers, but noticeably cooler than South European beach holiday visitors expect. Surfers appreciate the constant Atlantic swells off Cascais and Ericeira year-round.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 15° (59°)10– (50–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)24 (75) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)32 (90) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)35 (95) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)37 (99) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)36 (97) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)34 (93) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)29 (84) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)22 (72) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)18 (64) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 9° (48°)2– (36–)14 (57) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)13 (55) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 18° (64°)15– (59–)22 (72) | 16° (61°)12– (54–)20 (68) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)16 (61) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h | 6h | 8h | 9h | 10h | 10h | 11h | 10h | 9h | 7h | 5h | 5h |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 16° (61°) | 17° (63°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 17° (63°) | 15° (59°) |
🌧Rain Days | 6d68mm (2.7") | 6d61mm (2.4") | 6d65mm (2.6") | 6d56mm (2.2") | 3d30mm (1.2") | 1d12mm (0.5") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 2d24mm (1.0") | 6d86mm (3.4") | 8d102mm (4.0") | 6d81mm (3.2") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
May offers great weather in Lisbon with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Lisbon
November – February
Winter days in Lisbon: short showers, then sunshine again, the Alfama façades glistening. No crowds in the monasteries, no queue at the fado door. Prices at their lowest of the year.
March – May
Spring is the connoisseurs' secret high season: jacaranda trees line the avenidas in purple and temperatures are ideal for strolling. The miradouros slowly fill up in the evenings, but the Alfama lanes don't yet belong to tour groups.
June – August
In June the Festas de Santo António turn Alfama and Mouraria into one big street party with grilled sardines, fado and dancing until dawn. Summer stays dry and warm, daylight lasts until almost 9 pm — Bairro Alto never sleeps.
September – October
Golden autumn: the summer tourist waves ebb away, the weather stays warm, and the surf beaches around Cascais and Ericeira are now at their best.
Events & Festivals
June
- Festas de Lisboa – Noite de Santo António· 12–13 June
The city's biggest street festival. Alfama and Mouraria fill with music, grilled sardines and people dancing all night long.
- Rock in Rio Lisboa· varies (even-numbered years, June)
One of Europe's largest music festivals takes place in Lisbon in even-numbered years (2024, 2026 …).
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
- The best time to visit Lisbon is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Lisbon?
- In summer, daytime highs in Lisbon average 29°C (84°F), with peaks around 36°C (97°F); in winter, nights average 9°C (48°F), dropping to around 2°C (36°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Lisbon get?
- Lisbon has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 4 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Lisbon?
- Water temperature in Lisbon ranges from 15°C (59°F) (February) to 18°C (64°F) (September). That makes the sea cool for swimming all year round.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulSep
