Lisbon · May
Low seasonPortugal · Europe
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May is an acceptable travel month for Lisbon — conditions are fine, though June, July, August, and September offer even better weather.
Daytime highs average 24°C (75°F), cooling to 15°C (59°F) at night (daily average: 19°C (66°F)). Peaks reach around 32°C (90°F), the coldest nights around 10°C (50°F). With 10 sunshine hours per day, May is one of the sunniest months — 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain over 3 days. At 17°C (63°F), the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
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.
Packing list for Lisbon in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Lisbon?
- May is not an optimal month for Lisbon (Score: 80/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Lisbon in May?
- In May, Lisbon sees daily highs of 24°C (75°F). Nights cool to 15°C (59°F), with a daily average of 19°C (66°F). Peaks reach around 32°C (90°F), the coldest nights around 10°C (50°F).
- How much rain falls in Lisbon in May?
- In May, Lisbon receives an average of 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain over 3 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Lisbon get in May?
- Lisbon averages 10 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Lisbon in May?
- Water temperature in Lisbon in May averages 17°C (63°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
