Best time to go to Lisbon Average weather of Lisbon, Portugal
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Lisbon?
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, enjoys pleasant weather conditions almost all year round. Therefore, there isn't really a bad time to plan your trip.
However, the best time to visit Lisbon is from May to October. This is when the weather is most favorable with sunny days and pleasant warmth. Rain is almost non-existent, especially in July and August.
Due to the summer holidays, the period from mid-June to September is the most crowded by tourists. Many people visit tourist attractions and beaches around Lisbon such as Carcavelos or Cascais. During this season, it's advisable to book your stay in advance. Moreover, due to the high demand, hotel and flight prices are higher, which can impact your travel budget.
Therefore, to enjoy the mild climate in Lisbon and a quieter atmosphere, spring and autumn are perfect. Temperatures are around 20°C in April-May and between 20 and 25°C (77°F) in September/October.
During these periods, prices are more affordable and tourist crowds are moderate. However, April should be avoided during the Estoril Open. For a week, tennis enthusiasts flock to attend the tournament.
Moreover, if you are wondering when to visit Lisbon, winter is also a favorable period for a stay. The climate is relatively mild and sunny, although some rain is possible. Average temperatures range between 11 and 17°C (63°F) even in the heart of winter.
So, when is the best time to go to Lisbon? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Lisbon are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December
- On average, the warmest months are July, August and September
- Lisbon has dry periods in July and August
- The coldest months are January, February, March and December
- The rainiest months are October, November and December
- The best months for swimming are May, June, July, August, September, October and November
Annual weather in Lisbon
Weather details in Lisbon month by month
Weather and climate in Lisbon
The capital of Portugal enjoys a temperate climate classified as Mediterranean. It experiences hot and dry summers and mild and relatively rainy winters. Thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the city has moderately mild temperatures throughout the seasons.
Winter in Lisbon
The winter climate in Lisbon is pleasant, albeit somewhat rainy. It features relatively mild temperatures that rarely drop below 5°C (41°F) . Averages range from 10 to 15°C (59°F) between December and March. This season is characterized by episodes of heavy precipitation and wind. It rains between 7 and 10 days per month during Lisbon's winter, so packing an umbrella is advisable. Nevertheless, the Azores High that influences the city's climate brings about periods of good weather even in the heart of winter. Lastly, snow is virtually nonexistent in Lisbon. If you visit Lisbon during the holiday season, you won't experience a white Christmas. However, the climate in Lisbon in December will put a smile on your face compared to other European capitals like Prague or Edinburgh.
Summer in Lisbon
Summer in Lisbon is hot, as in the rest of Portugal, especially in the Algarve region. Temperatures, ranging between 22 and 27°C (81°F) in the peak of summer, remain bearable due to a very light breeze. Travelers who struggle with heat will find Lisbon enjoyable. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F) on-site. During this season, Lisbon's climate is very sunny with few clouds. It is also the least rainy period with only 1 day of rain per month in July and August. Swimming is ideal around Lisbon in summer, with water temperatures around 20°C between July and September.
Autumn in Lisbon
The autumn climate in Lisbon is divided into two periods.
- The early autumn, in September and October, is a pleasant period. The sun remains present and rainfall is quite rare.
- However, precipitation becomes more frequent in the Portuguese capital from mid-October until December.
The month of November, with nearly 10 days of precipitation, is the rainiest month in the capital. While rainy days are fewer than in Paris, the showers tend to be more intense. The temperatures remain pleasant, around 20-23°C at the beginning of the season. Lastly, swimming in autumn is cool but possible, at least until October, with water temperatures of around 19°C (67°F) .
Spring in Lisbon
The weather in Lisbon is particularly pleasant in spring. From April, temperatures gradually warm up. The mercury ranges between 18 and 22°C (72°F) in April-May. Spring is one of the most pleasant seasons to visit Lisbon with a dry and sunny climate. However, swimming will be very cool until late June. Water temperatures often remain below 18°C (65°F) in April and May.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Lisbon
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Lisbon: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Lisbon
Find out when Lisbon has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Lisbon
- Very low season in Lisbon
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January and March. - Low season in Lisbon
The months with low numbers of tourists are: February, November and December. - High season in Lisbon
The number of visitors to Lisbon is high in: April, May, June and September. - Peak season in Lisbon
The largest number of tourists visiting Lisbon is during: July, August and October.
Figure: Visitor index for Lisbon month by month
Best time for low prices in Lisbon
Average prices of hotels in Lisbon month by month
Generally, December is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Lisbon. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, May is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Lisbon
A return flight between London and Lisbon is generally cheaper if you go in january ($ 72 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 129 more for your airline ticket to Lisbon if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Lisbon
Average price of hiring a car in Lisbon
On average, it costs $ 17 per day to hire a car in Lisbon. This price varies by $ 21 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 10 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in august is $ 31.
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