Best Time to Visit Lisbon

People visit Lisbon for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. Lisbon is known for its charming neighborhoods, such as Alfama, with its narrow streets and traditional Fado music, and Bairro Alto, with its trendy bars and restaurants. The city is also home to many historic landmarks, including the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Sao Jorge Castle. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s many museums and art galleries, such as the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Lisbon’s location on the Atlantic coast provides visitors with easy access to beautiful beaches, such as Cascais and Estoril.

Overall, Lisbon offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for those seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. In this article we hope to help you plan your trip to Lisbon by helping you learn the best time to visit Lisbon.

Overall Best Time to Visit Lisbon:

Summer (June to August):

Summer in Lisbon is hot and sunny, with an average temperature ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The city experiences relatively low rainfall during this time, with occasional showers or thunderstorms. The sea temperature is also quite warm, averaging around 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F).

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn in Lisbon is mild and pleasant, with less rainy days and an average temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The city experiences more rainfall during this time, with occasional storms. The sea temperature starts to cool down, but it’s still warm enough for swimming.

Winter (December to February):

Winter in Lisbon is cool and damp, with an average temperature ranging from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). The city experiences more rain during this time, with occasional cold spells. The sea temperature is relatively cold average high temperatures, averaging around 15°C (59°F).

Spring (March to May):

Spring in Lisbon is mild and sunny, with good weather and an average temperature ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). The city experiences some rain during this time, but it’s generally less frequent than in autumn and winter. The sea temperature starts to warm up again, but it can still be a bit chilly for swimming in early spring.

Visiting Lisbon in spring

Visiting Lisbon in spring is a great time to explore the city’s charming streets, parks, and attractions without the summer crowds. The mild and sunny weather makes it perfect for strolling around the city’s neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. You can also enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in the city’s parks, such as the Parque das Nações and Eduardo VII Park. Spring is also a great time to explore the historic landmarks, such as the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, without the summer heat. You can also enjoy the city’s delicious cuisine, such as fresh seafood and traditional pastries, in the outdoor cafes and restaurants.

There are many things to do in Lisbon during the spring season. Here are some of the top activities and attractions:

1. Explore the charming neighborhoods: Stroll around the historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado. Admire the colorful buildings, street art, and beautiful tiled facades.

2. Visit the parks and gardens: Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and other colorful flowers in the city’s parks and gardens, such as Jardim da Estrela and Monsanto Forest Park.

3. Discover the historic landmarks: Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Sao Jorge Castle.

4. Attend a festival or event: Lisbon hosts several festivals and events during the spring season, such as the Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival and the Lisbon Marathon.

5. Take a day trip: Explore the nearby towns and attractions, such as Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca.

The Least Busy Time to Visit Lisbon

he least busy time to visit Lisbon is typically during the winter months from December to February. During this time, the city experiences cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall, which can deter some tourists. As a result, hotels and restaurants may offer lower rates and hotel prices, and there will be fewer crowds at popular attractions. Additionally, visiting during weekdays rather than weekends can also help avoid crowds, as many visitors come to Lisbon for weekend getaways. Avoiding major holidays and events can also help to minimize crowds. It’s worth noting that although the winter months may be less busy, some attractions may have shorter hours or be closed for renovations during this time. However, Lisbon is still a vibrant city with plenty to see and do during the winter season.

Best time for a city trip to Lisbon

The best time for a city trip to Lisbon depends on your preferences and interests. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Weather: The weather is generally mild and sunny in Lisbon from March to May and from September to November, making it a great time to explore the city without the summer crowds and heat.

2. Festivals and Events: Lisbon hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Santo António Festival in June and the Lisbon Marathon in October.

3. Crowds: The summer months from June to August are the busiest time in Lisbon, with large crowds of tourists. If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, consider visiting in the off-season.

4. Activities: Some activities, such as swimming and beach-going, are best enjoyed during the summer months. If you’re interested in these activities, consider visiting in the summer.

Overall, the best time for a city trip to Lisbon is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and the shoulder season of fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Visiting Lisbon in summer

In Lisbon, the summer season typically runs from June to August, with some warm weather extending into September. During this time, the weather is generally warm and sunny, with an average temperature ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The city experiences relatively low rainfall during the summer months, with occasional showers or thunderstorms. The sea temperature is also quite warm during peak season, averaging around 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F), making it a popular destination for beach-goers. However, it’s worth noting that the city can experience heatwaves during the summer months, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 35°C (95°F). As a result, it’s important to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions to protect against the sun.

Visiting Lisbon in autumn

There are plenty of things to do in Lisbon during the autumn season. Here are some ideas:

1. Attend a Festival: Lisbon hosts several festivals in the fall season, such as the Lisbon & Sintra Film Festival in November and the International Contemporary Art Fair in October. These events offer a chance to experience the city’s culture and art scene.

2. Visit Museums: Lisbon has many museums that are worth visiting, such as the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). Visiting these museums can be a great way to learn about Portuguese history and culture.

3. Explore the Outdoors: The autumn weather in Lisbon is generally mild and pleasant, making it a great time to explore the city’s parks and gardens. The Jardim da Estrela and the Monsanto Forest Park are both popular spots for autumn walks and picnics.

4. Taste Portuguese Cuisine: Autumn is a great time to indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as hearty stews and soups, roasted chestnuts, and fresh seafood. Try visiting local restaurants to sample the seasonal specialties.

5. Enjoy the Nightlife: Lisbon has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues. In the fall season, you can enjoy live music concerts and festivals across the city.

Visiting Lisbon in winter

Visiting Lisbon in winter can be a great option for those who want to avoid the crowds and higher prices of the peak tourist season. While the weather can be cooler and rainier, there are still plenty of things to see and do in the city.

Here are some ideas for things to do in Lisbon in winter:

1. Visit museums and galleries: Lisbon has several museums and art galleries to explore, including the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and the Berardo Collection Museum.

2. Explore the historic neighborhoods: Walking through the city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, can be a great way to experience Lisbon’s charm and character. You can also enjoy the city’s famous street art.

3. Attend winter festivals and events: Lisbon has several winter festivals and events, such as the Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the Lisbon Book Fair in February.

4. Enjoy the city’s culinary scene: Lisbon is known for its delicious food, including warming dishes such as soups, stews, and casseroles. The city’s many restaurants and cafes offer plenty of options to indulge in the local cuisine.

5. Take a day trip to nearby attractions: Lisbon is close to several attractions that can be visited on a day trip, such as Sintra, Cascais, and the Arrábida Natural Park.

How many days in Lisbon do you need?

The number of days you need in Lisbon really depends on how much time you have and what you want to do. Ideally, I would recommend spending at least 7 days in Lisbon to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city. This should give you enough time to visit historic sites such as the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, explore the city’s neighborhoods, enjoy the local cuisine, and take in some of the parks and gardens.

However, if you have more time available, you could easily spend over 2 weeks in Lisbon and still find plenty to do. There are many museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions to explore, as well as day trips to nearby towns and beaches. So, it really depends on your preferences and schedule, but I would say that three to four days is a good starting point to experience the highlights of Lisbon.

Is Lisbon a friendly city?

The people of Lisbon, also known as “Lisboetas,” are generally friendly, welcoming, and outgoing. They are proud of their city and its history, and are happy to share their culture and traditions with visitors. Portuguese is the main language spoken in Lisbon, but many people also speak English and other languages. Visitors will likely find the locals helpful and willing to communicate in English or other languages when needed.

Is Lisbon too hot in summer?

Yes, Lisbon can be hot in the summer, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) in July and August, which are the hottest months. It is important to stay hydrated and use sunscreen when visiting the city during the hot temperatures of the summer season.

However, the city is located on the coast, which means that it benefits from a refreshing sea breeze that can make the heat more bearable.

What are the rainy months in Lisbon?

The rainiest month in Lisbon is typically December, followed closely by November and January. During these months, the city can experience more frequent rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. However, even during the rainiest months, there are usually still several days of sunshine and pleasant, mild weather.

It is important to note that while the winter months can be rainier in Lisbon, the city generally experiences mild temperatures year-round, with average temperatures in the winter ranging from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F). So, while visitors may want to pack a rain jacket and umbrella during the winter months, they can still enjoy exploring the city and its many attractions.