Like many other South European destinations, Lisbon enjoys sunshine 300 days a year. Compared to Alicante in Spain, which gets sunshine for 349 days a year, 300 might seem low, but it’s not. What most people miss when planning their trip to Lisbon or Portugal is figuring out the best time to visit Lisbon. The focus is generally on planning things to do in Lisbon instead of looking at the best time for your visit.
Check this out, too: Surfing in Lisbon: Catch Waves in Portugal’s Capital
Whether you like spring flowers, summer beaches, autumn wine, or winter celebrations, Lisbon has something for you each season. Lisbon gets the highest number of tourists in summer and probably in spring, for a good reason. But these seasons are extremely crowded and could be annoying financially and mentally.
In short, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Lisbon. These seasons have mild weather and fewer people. This lets you enjoy the city’s beauty without the crowds.
However, you shouldn’t overlook the other seasons – they are still worth visiting, especially in the summer. Summer gets hot, which is perfect for beach lovers. Winter is cooler and rainy but has a cozy feel with temperatures around 15°C (59°), but you have to choose one season. Which one should you choose – what is the best time to visit Lisbon?
Lisbon’s Seasonal Charms
Portugal’s sunny and charming capital, Lisbon, has visitors coming in throughout the year. They had 6.5 million tourists in 2023. They are clearly doing something good, and the city itself helps with that. The city’s climate is a mix of Mediterranean weather and Atlantic freshness. That’s actually what attracts millions of people to Portugal and Lisbon. It’s got a bit of both sides of sunny Europe.
Summer in Lisbon
Summer in Lisbon means long, sunny days, often over 30°C (86°F). July and August are busy and pricey but perfect for beach lovers. The beaches like Praia de Carcavelos and Praia do Guincho are beautiful with their golden sands and cool waters.
This season also has the highest number of events during the year. In June, the city hosts the Festas de Lisboa with parades, music, and sardine grills. Art lovers should see the street art in Alcântara and Alfama.
Summer is the peak season. It makes the city more lively with a lot more tourists. The buzz in places like Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado gets much better than the other seasons. These spots get extremely crowded, though. Be careful, and if you want to avoid that heat and crowds, start your day early.
I would say that even though summer in Lisbon has one of the best views and experiences, it’s too crowded. Spending your time in nearby areas of Lisbon where you can make day trips from Lisbon might be a better choice.
Spring and Fall in Lisbon
Spring and fall are great for exploring Lisbon on foot. The city has a lot of color and mild weather. From mid-March to late May, the weather is warm but not too annoying. Lisbon gets more rain in April, that’s why you should probably plan outdoor activities in Lisbon very carefully around April.
March starts at about 14°C and will warm up to 19°C by May. This makes it great for being outside and there are way fewer crowds compared to the beginning of Summer. It’s a great time to explore historic areas.
Spring is also Lisbon’s blooming season. It’s just magnificent. Almond blossoms, wild orchids, and azaleas fill the city with color. Go to the Lisbon Botanical Garden, a 4-hectare oasis with plants from all over the world, and take a walk there.
In September and October, Lisbon’s temperatures are just right, from 15°C to 23°C and the sea is warm enough for swimming at 20°C to 22°C. This makes it great for outdoor activities and seeing the sights. The weather is comfy, letting you enjoy the city’s beautiful neighborhoods or day trips (here is my article about day trips from Lisbon) to nearby spots.
To top it off, fall is the grape harvest time in Portugal. If you drink, you must do a wine tour in Lisbon or a nearby city.
Winter in Lisbon
Winter in Lisbon has its own charm. Of course, it’s got some rain – the most among other seasons, but it’s not so cold. It has perfect mild weather, and there is a great festive vibe with Christmas right around the corner. The city turns into a cozy spot with temperatures between 15-20°C. Like, temperatures rarely go below 10°C (50°F). Their Christmas Markets are cute and fun to walk around since the weather isn’t cold.
Christmas and New Year Celebrations
In December, Lisbon is filled with festive markets all over the city. Walking through the Rossio Christmas Market, drinking mulled wine, and looking at unique gifts is just an experience you can’t get anywhere else. The Mercado da Baixa is another great place to feel the holiday cheer. New Year’s Eve is amazing, with fireworks over the Tagus River.
Indoor Attractions for Cooler Days
Lisbon is known for its beaches, outdoor drinking and eating, walking around, and sun, but it also has a great indoor activity selection. The National Museum of Ancient Art and the biggest indoor aquarium in Europe are two great spots to start with. You can try the famous Tram 28 for a tour of Lisbon’s downtown. Wine lovers should visit ViniPortugal to taste 4 wines from various regions, costing about 5-10 euros a bottle.
Winter in Lisbon means a quieter, more real city feel. It’s perfect for discovering local life, seeing indoor sights, and enjoying the festive atmosphere without the summer crowds. If you can work remotely and want to spend a little more time than the traditional holiday, I suggest staying for about a month, working and living here in winter to get the best vibe.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon for Different Travelers
It doesn’t matter if you are a backpacker, a family, a couple, a solo traveler, or just looking to relax. Lisbon is great for all kinds of travelers all year. Spring and autumn are perfect for families, with nice weather and not too many people. From March to May and September to October, you can walk around the city easily and enjoy the culture without the summer heat.
If you are on a budget, visiting Lisbon from December to Easter is the most optimal choice. Prices go down in almost every area, including accommodation, flights, and other areas. The weather is cool, not cold, and not as rainy as other places. It’s great for staying indoors and checking out the city’s culture.
June is a great time for those who love culture. The city is buzzing with the Popular Saints Festival and other festivals that showcase local traditions. If you like the beach, July and August are best, with temperatures up to 30 C, perfect for the coast and some tan.
Lisbon has almost 300 sunny days a year, so you’re likely to have good weather no matter when you go. But August can be really busy, and some places are closed for holidays, so it might not be the best time for a real, local feel. Plus, it’s full of tourists, the prices are as high as they get, and most places are booked days in advance – like the historical areas or nice restaurants.
Cultural Considerations: Lisbon’s Festas and Traditions
Lisbon’s cultural calendar is full of exciting festivals and traditions. Combining your holiday in Lisbon with a festival can be a good choice for having an active holiday. The Festas de Lisboa in June is a must-see event. It celebrates Lisbon’s patron saints with street parties, music, and dance.
The Feast of St. Anthony is part of the Festas de Lisboa. Eating grilled sardines and drinking sangria at the Sardine Festival is one of those things that both locals and tourists always do. There is that smell of grilled fish in the air that matches perfectly with the Portugese culture.
If you love music, don’t miss the OutJazz festival. It happens every Sunday in September. You can enjoy free jazz, funk, and soul concerts in beautiful city parks. It’s a great way to experience local traditions and meet other music fans.
For tech lovers, the Web Summit in early November is a key event. This big tech conference brings people from all over the world. So, hotel prices go up during this time.
Weather-Dependent Activities in and Around Lisbon
I kind of feel like each season can be used for something in Lisbon. Of course, you can still do most of these whenever you go, but it will feel better and right during these times. It mostly depends on the weather, crowds, festivals, and other similar things.
For example, summer in Lisbon is ideal for beach lovers. With temperatures between 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), the beaches are basically one of the only good places to be in. I suggest visiting beaches like Cascais or Costa da Caparica for fun in the sun. Summer also brings music festivals like NOS Alive, making the city more active.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to see Lisbon’s sights. The weather is mild, between 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), perfect for walking tours. Make sure to catch the Spring Festival on May 1st, with its beautiful flower parade.
Winter in Lisbon has its own magic. The city is filled with festive markets, the smell of roasted chestnuts everywhere, and a cute, not-so-cold, chilly vibe. It’s a great time for indoor activities like visiting museums or tasting wine. For a special winter trip, go to Sintra or Óbidos to see historic castles with fewer people.
Conclusion
Finding the best time to visit Lisbon is a challenge because every time can be the best time to visit. Many people choose to go in summer, between July and August. This is a good choice because the temperatures make it perfect for a beach getaway.
I also prefer summer or late spring because of these reasons. Spring is probably the best time to visit Lisbon, though. No crowds, lower prices, better weather, and a cuter and more local vibe. Although, this is mostly a personal choice. Look at what you like and determine which vibe will go well with your trip to Lisbon.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon depends on what you like. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are great for nice weather and fewer people. Summer (June-August) is busy and hot, while winter (December-February) is cooler and rainy.
What are the average temperatures in Lisbon throughout the year?
Lisbon’s temperatures range from 11°C in January to 24°C in July and August. Spring has mild weather, around 14-18°C. Summer gets up to 30°C, sometimes reaching 35°C.
When is the rainy season in Lisbon?
Most rain falls in November and December. March and April have about 12 rainy days, but this drops to 5 in June.
Is summer a good time to visit Lisbon?
Summer is busy in Lisbon, with lots of festivals and beaches. But it’s also crowded, and prices go up. There can also be heatwaves.
How do accommodation and flight prices vary in Lisbon throughout the year?
Prices for places to stay go up in July and August. Flight prices are lower in spring and autumn and sometimes in winter, except around holidays. Book early for summer.
What are the best weather-dependent activities and day trips from Lisbon?
Visit the beach from May to mid-September. For outdoor fun and sightseeing, spring and autumn are best. Sintra, Cascais, and Óbidos are great for day trips in these seasons.