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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.
Photo by Liam McKay on Unsplash
Best time to visit Lisbon, Portugal
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8-15°C, often cloudy with frequent rain showers | low | low |
⚠ Rain can be persistent, impacting outdoor exploration. | |
| February | 9-16°C, variable with sunshine and rain | low | low |
⚠ Still a high chance of rain, though less than January. | |
| March | 11-18°C, improving sunshine with occasional showers | low | low |
⚠ Weather can still be unpredictable. | |
| April | 12-20°C, mild with increasing sunshine and fewer rain days | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Easter holidays can bring a temporary surge in visitors. | |
| May | 14-22°C, warm and sunny with comfortable evenings | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can start to feel busy towards the end of the month. | |
| June | 17-26°C, warm and sunny, occasional sea breeze | high | high |
⚠ Peak season begins; book accommodations well in advance. | |
| July | 19-29°C, hot and sunny, can be dry | peak | peak |
⚠ Can be very hot, especially inland; seek shade and stay hydrated. | |
| August | 20-30°C, very hot and sunny, low humidity | peak | peak |
⚠ Many Lisboetas vacation elsewhere; some smaller shops may close. | |
| September | 17-27°C, warm and sunny, sea retains heat | moderate | high |
⚠ Shoulder season pricing starts to emerge, but still busy. | |
| October | 14-23°C, mild and sunny, occasional autumn rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rain chances increase later in the month. | |
| November | 11-18°C, cooler with increasing cloud cover and rain | low | moderate |
⚠ Rainfall becomes more frequent and prolonged. | |
| December | 9-16°C, cool and damp, occasional sunshine | moderate | high |
⚠ Prices surge around Christmas and New Year's. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Carnaval
Festive parades and street parties, particularly in the Lisbon region.
April
Lisbon City Marathon
A major international marathon attracting thousands of runners.
June
Festa de Santo António
Lisbon's patron saint festival with street parties, music, and sardines, peaking around June 12-13.
July
NOS Alive
One of Portugal's largest music festivals, held in nearby Algés.
October
Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival
A prestigious international film festival showcasing new and classic cinema.
June
Feira Nacional de Artesanato
A large craft fair showcasing Portuguese artisans and their work.
December
Christmas Markets
Various markets pop up across the city offering festive goods and food.
Insider timing tips
- •While summer (July-August) is hot and crowded, the Atlantic breeze can offer some relief in coastal areas like Cascais, easily reachable from Lisbon.
- •The 'Santos Populares' festivals in June, especially around the 12th/13th, transform Lisbon into a vibrant street party, but expect massive crowds and closures.
- •Late September and October offer a sweet spot with warm sea temperatures ideal for beach trips and fewer crowds than peak summer, though hotel prices remain high.
- •The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) provide the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices, often avoiding the intense summer heat.
- •Winter (November-February) sees the lowest prices and crowds, but persistent rain can significantly limit outdoor activities and sightseeing.
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