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Best time to visit Lisbon
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit Lisbon, Portugal
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10-15°C, cool and often rainy | low | low |
⚠ Occasional strong Atlantic storms can occur. | |
| February | 11-16°C, mild with intermittent rain | low | low |
⚠ Still a higher chance of rain than spring. | |
| March | 12-17°C, increasingly sunny with scattered showers | low | low |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, with cool winds. | |
| April | 14-19°C, pleasant with sunshine and occasional light rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ A good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. | |
| May | 16-22°C, warm and sunny | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Coastal breezes keep temperatures from becoming too hot. | |
| June | 18-26°C, warm and sunny | high | high |
⚠ Peak season begins; book accommodations and flights well in advance. | |
| July | 20-29°C, hot and sunny | peak | peak |
⚠ Can be very hot; seek shade and stay hydrated. | |
| August | 21-30°C, very hot and dry | peak | peak |
⚠ Many locals leave the city for cooler coastal areas. | |
| September | 18-27°C, warm and sunny, sea temperatures are pleasant | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Post-summer lull makes it ideal for sightseeing. | |
| October | 15-22°C, mild and sunny with occasional rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The 'Indian Summer' can extend well into the month. | |
| November | 12-18°C, cool and rainy | low | low |
⚠ Rainfall increases significantly. | |
| December | 10-15°C, cool and damp with possibility of rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ New Year's Eve can be crowded and prices rise. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
Festive parades and parties held across the country, with Lisbon hosting various events.
Commemorates the Carnation Revolution of 1974 with ceremonies and cultural events.
Lisbon's annual Book Fair, transforming Eduardo VII Park into a literary hub.
Lisbon's patron saint is celebrated with street parties, grilled sardines, and music, especially in Alfama.
A significant religious and popular festival dedicated to Saint Roch, featuring processions and festivities.
An international independent film festival showcasing contemporary cinema.
Celebrates the start of the chestnut season with local fairs and roasted chestnuts sold on the streets.
The city is adorned with Christmas lights, and various markets offer festive shopping and treats.
Insider timing tips
- •The Atlantic influence means Lisbon rarely experiences extreme heat, even in summer, thanks to coastal breezes.
- •While summer is popular, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, with prices reflecting this.
- •August is the traditional holiday month for many Portuguese; expect some smaller businesses to close and a more local, less service-oriented atmosphere.
- •The city's hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can be challenging in rain or extreme heat; comfortable footwear is essential year-round.
- •Fado music is a year-round experience, but intimate performances in Alfama's smaller venues are particularly atmospheric during the cooler, quieter months.
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