
An all-season guide to the best time to visit Lisbon
From summer jazz festivals to Christmas markets, find fun activities in this month-by-month guide to Lisbon.
The Portuguese capital is a fantastic destination to visit all year round, with plenty of things to do across Lisbon. Whether you want to delve into the city’s diverse culinary scene, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Tagus River, or experience Portuguese Christmas, this monthly guide will reveal fun activities and events from January to December. The best time to visit Lisbon will depend on your preferences: Maybe you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a cultural city break exploring the top museums. Whatever you’re after, read on to discover the best month to go to Lisbon.
Choosing the best time to go to Lisbon
Best time for outdoor lovers
The shoulder season is the ideal time for outdoor lovers to visit Lisbon. From April to May and September to early October, you can enjoy dry and relatively mild conditions, perfect for outdoor activities in Lisbon.
Best time for people on a budget
June to early September is the height of the tourist season, so prices will be higher during these months. Visit between October and early May for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Best time for beach lovers
If you want to relax on Lisbon’s best beaches, visit during the summer months. Between June and September, the city experiences the warmest weather and lowest rainfall, ideal for epic days on the beach.
Lisbon throughout the seasons
Spring in Lisbon
March to May
Spring in Lisbon has warmer and drier weather, making it ideal for sightseeing. April brings the Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival and the annual celebration of the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Meanwhile, the annual Workers’ Day national holiday in May marks the beginning of the summer season.
Summer in Lisbon
June to August
Summer in Lisbon sees the hottest and driest weather, with barely any rain throughout June and July. This season is also the busiest time in the city, which generally means higher prices and crowded attractions. Summer also brings many fun and free music festivals across the city.
Fall in Lisbon
September to November
The weather starts to cool down as Lisbon moves into fall. However, conditions remain relatively mild and dry, offering the perfect time for sightseeing and exploring. The city will also be less crowded and prices lower than at the height of the tourist season.
Winter in Lisbon
December to February
Winter in Lisbon is a great time to visit for those who want to experience a different side of the city. December to January is the coldest and wettest time of the year, but the magic of Christmas Markets and its best indoor attractions make up for it.

Don't miss the listening to the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra at the Centro Cultural de Belém.
January in Lisbon
New Year’s Day in Lisbon is one of the best times to visit, as the city hosts a lively New Year’s Concert with performances by the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra at the Centro Cultural de Belém. You can also enjoy immersive performances as part of the New Year’s Concert at Teatro Nacional de São Carlos on January 3.
On January 6, Three Kings’ Day is celebrated in the capital. There is often a concert at Belem Palace, and people across the city indulge in a delicious bolo rei (King’s Cake).
Weather
Average Temperatures: 46 F - 59 F (8 C - 15 C)
Average Rainfall: High; 100 mm (3.94 inches)
Book a New Year’s experience in Lisbon

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Tagus River.
February in Lisbon
If you’re wondering what to do in Lisbon in February, the Lisbon Carnival in February or March is an event you won’t want to miss. With much less rain than in January but still much less crowded than in spring and summer,
Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the month, making February the perfect time to visit Lisbon with your partner. Why not show your lover how much they mean to you with a romantic cruise down the Tagus River?
Weather
Average Temperatures: 48.2 F - 60.8 F (9 C - 16 C)
Average Rainfall: Decreases, around 67 mm (2.6 inches) throughout the month
Discover the best activities for couples in Lisbon

March is the ideal month for a hiking tour in the beautiful Portinho da Arrábida.
March in Lisbon
March is when spring arrives in Lisbon. So, if you’re looking to enjoy some of the city’s best outdoor activities but don’t fancy battling through the crowds, March is one of the best times to visit Lisbon.
Whether you take a boat ride along the Tagus River to witness the city’s sights from the water or head on a hiking tour of the Arrábida region, you’ll be spoilt for choice with fun nature activities to enjoy in the city and surrounding areas.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 50 F – 65 F (10 C – 18 C)
Average Rainfall: Decreases slightly, 61 mm (2.4 inches)
Explore Lisbon’s best outdoor activities

Enjoy a taste of the city at Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival in April.
April in Lisbon
The Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival occurs from April 7 to 17 at Patio da Gale. It’s a 10-day festival featuring cooking classes, wine tastings, live music, and is a must-visit for foodies.
Portugal’s national holiday falls on April 25, celebrating the peaceful Carnation Revolution of 1974. On this day, you can enjoy the parade from Marquês do Pombal Square to Rossio Square along Avenida da Liberdade and several other lively events around the city.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 53.6 F - 68 F (12 C - 20 C)
Average Rainfall: Remains steady, 64 mm (2.52 inches)
Get a taste of Lisbon with a local cooking class

Exploring Pena Palace is a fairytale experience in Sintra.
May in Lisbon
The first day of May is Workers’ Day, a public holiday in Portugal, and marks the beginning of the summer season. The weather begins to warm up with less rainfall than earlier in the year. However, the city remains relatively uncrowded, making this month one of the best times to visit Lisbon.
If you visit the city in May, do some sightseeing at the uncrowded attractions. Head to Sintra and check out Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the National Palace of Sintra.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 57.2 F - 73.4 F (14 C - 23 C)
Average Rainfall: Low, with around 13 mm (0.5 inches) throughout May
Discover the best Sintra tours

Enjoy the weather in June with a relaxing beach day in Cascais or Cabo da Roca.
June in Lisbon
Throughout June, the weather in Lisbon tends to be warm and dry, making this one of the best months to go to Lisbon. Throughout June, you can explore the city's sights and relax by the beach.
Dia de Camoes is the official Portuguese National Day on June 10. On this day, many businesses across Lisbon will close their doors as people enjoy the celebration and spend quality time with family and friends. However, this is a great day to see a different side of the city, with plenty of street parties and events.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 62.6 F - 78.8 F (17 C - 26 C)
Average Rainfall: Low, 16 mm (0.63 inches)
Discover Lisbon on a guided tour

July brings many fun festivals to enjoy in Lisbon.
July in Lisbon
The height of the summer season in the city, July is one of the warmest and driest months in Lisbon. This also means it’s one of the busiest months to visit. So, if you’re heading to Lisbon in July, it’s the perfect time to relax by the beach in the nearby Cascais and soak up the sun.
Plenty of festivals occur throughout July, including Nos Alive, Festival ao Largo, Super Bock Super Rock, and Out Jazz Festival.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 64.4 F - 82.4 F (18 C - 28 C)
Average Rainfall: Very low, with 4 mm (0.16 inches) throughout the month
Enjoy the beaches near Lisbon on a day trip

The São Jorge Castle in Lisbon's Alfama neighborhood is one of the city's unmissable landmarks.
August in Lisbon
August is another one of the warmest months in Lisbon. With very little rainfall and warm weather, it’s among the busiest months in the city. If you visit in August, check out iconic Lisbon landmarks in the morning or evening to avoid the afternoon heat. Combine sightseeing with a few relaxing beach days in Cascais or beach towns along the coast for the perfect city break. If you love live music, check out the Sol da Caparica festival celebrating Lusophone music in August.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 66.2 F - 82.4 F (19 C - 28 C)
Average Rainfall: Low, 6 mm (0.24 inches) throughout August
Book a tour of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks

Exploring the city by tuk tuk is one of the most fun and unique ways to experience Lisbon.
September in Lisbon
Temperatures remain relatively high throughout September, but the weather starts to shift. With scattered rainfall, you can enjoy a blend of exploring indoor attractions and discovering Lisbon’s most iconic sights by tuk-tuk. Don’t miss Lisbon’s premier horror film festival, Cinema São Jorge, at MotelX during the second week of September.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 64.4 F - 78.8 F (18 C - 26 C)
Average Rainfall: Increases slightly, 33 mm (1.3 inches)
Book your tuk-tuk tour of Lisbon

Time Out Market hosts a vibrant array of food vendors selling delicious local and international dishes.
October in Lisbon
October is one of the best times to visit Lisbon. The weather is warm and relatively dry, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. It’s a great time to soak up Lisbon’s unique and flavorsome dining scene. From checking out the famous Time Out Market to trying the city’s finest seafood restaurants, a culinary exploration of the city is a great way to spend your time.
Plenty of spooky Halloween activities take place towards the end of the month. With events for all ages, this is one of the best times to visit Lisbon with kids.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 59 F - 71.6 F (15 C - 22 C)
Average Rainfall: October is wet, with around 101 mm (3.98 inches) of rainfall
Discover Lisbon’s best dinner packages

People in Lisbon celebrate the arrival of autumn with magustos, involving delicious food and wine.
November in Lisbon
St. Martin’s Day is celebrated every November 11 across Portugal. This day marks the maturation of the year’s wine and is often celebrated by eating chestnuts and drinking wine at parties known as magustos. Why not check one out and discover another side of the local culture? Early in November, you can enjoy LEFFEST, Lisbon’s Film Festival. Later in the month, you can witness the Christmas lights brightening up the city streets.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 53.6 F - 64.4 F (15 C - 22 C)
Average Rainfall: High, with 128 mm (5.04 inches)
Discover Lisbon’s best winery tours

Experience the magic of the festive season in Lisbon.
December in Lisbon
The Christmas season in Lisbon is one of the most magical times to visit. With twinkling lights, festive markets, and Christmas cheer spreading throughout the streets, December is a great way to experience a different side of the city.
Witness the beautiful fireworks display while cruising along the Tagus River on New Year’s Eve, sing your heart out to Christmas tunes while experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, or purchase some snacks and souvenirs from the local traders at the Christmas Market.
Weather
Average Temperatures: 50 F - 59 F (10 C - 15 C)
Average Rainfall: High, with around 127 mm (5 inches)
Experience the festive season in Lisbon
Best time to visit Lisbon: FAQs
What’s the best month to go to Lisbon?
The best month to visit Lisbon depends on what you want to experience. If you want to do some sightseeing at uncrowded attractions while enjoying good weather, it’s worth visiting in April, May, or late September. However, if you want to spend some time on the beach, the summer months of June, July, and August or early September will be perfect.
What month has the best weather in Lisbon?
May and June bring warm, pleasant, and dry conditions perfect for exploring the city.
What is the rainy season in Lisbon?
October to January are the wettest months in Lisbon with an average of 12 to 15 days of precipitation throughout each month.
Which month is coldest in Lisbon?
January is Lisbon's coldest month, with temperatures ranging between 46 F and 59 F (8 C and 15 C).
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Three to four days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and see its main attractions, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, São Jorge Castle, and Sintra.
Read more about Lisbon

First time in Lisbon: Top tips from sights to getting around
With historic trams rumbling through pastel-colored streets and a skyline punctuated by Moorish castles, it’s easy to get lost in all the best things to do in Lisbon. If it’s your first time in Lisbon, the cobblestone alleys, Portuguese tiles, and freshly baked pastel de natas will quickly make you fall in love with the city’s charm. Whether you want to tick off all the top attractions or seek out Lisbon’s hidden gems, this helpful first-timer’s guide will walk you through all the essential things to know about Lisbon, including insider tips, seasonal advice, how to get around, and recommendations for top neighborhoods and local cuisine.Lisbon: tips for first-timersTake cash with you. While Lisbon is increasingly cashless, some traditional restaurants, bars, and smaller shops still only accept cash, so it’s best to have some euros on hand.Beware of pickpockets on public transportation. Pickpocketing can be an issue on Lisbon’s trams and trains, especially the famous Tram 28, so always keep an eye on your belongings.The hills are real. Lisbon is built on seven hills, so comfortable shoes are a must. The many miradouros (viewpoints) make the uphill climbs worth it.Sunday closures. Most shops close on Sundays, except for in touristy areas. Plan your shopping accordingly, or reserve Sundays for all of the Sunday markets.Eat early for a quiet dinner. Dinner starts late in Lisbon, with most locals heading out around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. If you want a quieter meal, aim for 7:00 PM.Use public transportation passes. Consider getting a Lisboa Card for unlimited travel on public transportation and free or discounted entry to many of Lisbon’s attractions.
