Last updated August 28, 2026 · Editorial policy
Best time to visit Lisbon: at a glance
Short answer: April–June and September–October — warm and uncrowded.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | Jul–Aug | Hot, busy, lively; priciest |
| Shoulder (best value) | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Ideal weather, fewer crowds |
| Low | Nov–Mar | Mild, some rain, quiet |
Best Time to Visit Lisbon: Month-by-Month Guide
Quick take: Lisbon changes dramatically depending on when you visit. Here’s what each month actually looks like on the ground.
Peak: summer (June-August) · Off-season: winter (December-February)
Knowing the best time to visit Lisbon can transform your trip — saving you hundreds on flights and hotels while putting you in better weather with fewer crowds. This guide breaks down each season, key events, and what to expect month by month so you can pick the right travel dates.
Best Months to Visit Lisbon
Top pick: Late April through early June, plus September, is Lisbon at its best: reliable sun around 20-27C, little rain, and the Atlantic sea finally warm by early autumn. You dodge the August heat and cruise-crowd peak and the mid-June Santo Antonio festival surge, and rooms commonly run 20-30 percent cheaper than high summer.
May is the other strong shoulder month, with highs near 22C, long dry days, and reliably low rainfall, but late spring rates have already started climbing toward summer. Peak runs June through August, when highs reach roughly 28C in July and August and the historic Alfama lanes get shoulder-to-shoulder.
One date worth planning around either way: the Festas de Lisboa. The Santo Antonio celebrations run from early June through the 15th, with the all-night street parties on 12 June and a city holiday on the 13th. Grilled sardines and neighborhood arraiais take over Alfama and Graca.
- Avoid November. It is the wettest month at around 135mm of rain, with grey skies that flatten the city’s famous light and shutter much of the outdoor terrace life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there major festivals in Lisbon?
Yes — Lisbon hosts notable events including: Festas de Lisboa (Festas de Santo António) (Jun), NOS Alive (Jul), Rock in Rio Lisboa (Jun), Lisbon Carnival (Feb-Mar), DocLisboa (Oct). Major festivals can spike hotel prices 50-200% — book 3-6 months ahead if attending.
What should I pack for Lisbon?
Pack for the season you’re visiting and the climate zone. Summer in Lisbon: lightweight breathable clothes, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes. Winter: layers, waterproof jacket, warm accessories. Check the 10-day forecast 1-2 weeks before departure and adjust.
Related Lisbon Travel Guides
- Best Things to Do in Lisbon
- Where to Stay in Lisbon
- Best Food in Lisbon
- How Much Does a Trip to Lisbon Cost?
- Lisbon Itinerary Guide
Torn between destinations? See our honest, first-hand comparisons: Madrid vs Lisbon, Lisbon vs Porto, Lisbon vs Barcelona.
Plan the practical side: Cost of 1 Week in Lisbon Americans.
Lisbon weather & climate by month
Best months to visit: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Lisbon’s warmest month is July (avg 28°C / 83°F), the coolest is January (low 8°C / 47°F). The wettest is December (117 mm) and the driest is July.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 58°F | 8°C / 47°F | 34 mm | 6 |
| February | 17°C / 62°F | 9°C / 49°F | 48 mm | 6 |
| March | 18°C / 65°F | 11°C / 51°F | 45 mm | 7 |
| April | 19°C / 67°F | 12°C / 53°F | 74 mm | 10 |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F | 23 mm | 4 |
| June | 25°C / 76°F | 16°C / 61°F | 17 mm | 5 |
| July | 28°C / 83°F | 18°C / 65°F | 1 mm | 0 |
| August | 28°C / 83°F | 18°C / 65°F | 2 mm | 1 |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 52 mm | 6 |
| October | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 60°F | 85 mm | 10 |
| November | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 54°F | 71 mm | 10 |
| December | 16°C / 61°F | 11°C / 51°F | 117 mm | 10 |
Climate source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis (2019–2023). Compare destinations in the Best Time to Visit Index.
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Written by
Drew Treasury is a contributing travel writer at Packzup, specialising in city culture, food markets, street art, and neighbourhood-level travel.
