About Lisbon

A world-class metropolis packed with numerous historic and modern marvels, Lisbon is a city of sheer amusement and ethereal beauty. Portugal's capital city is a popular tourist destination that is as varied and rich as the nation's long history. While St. George's Castle and the Monastery of Jerónimos reflect the city's rich heritage, culture, and traditions, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cutting-edge engineering achievement that adds a touch of novelty to the historic city.

The Bairro Alto neighbourhood's bars and cafes can liven up your evenings, and the Berardo Collection Museum is the location for all art enthusiasts. Lisbon Oceanarium is the place to take in the underwater world, the Atlantic Coast and the Tagus Estuary offer sunny beaches for enjoying the sun, sand, and water adventures.

The best time to visit Lisbon depends on what you want to do locally. While the summer season draws people for its warm weather and exciting events, the fall and spring seasons are perfect for those seeking a calm holiday.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

No matter when you visit, you will undoubtedly find the capital of Portugal to be stunning, but the atmosphere in the city varies greatly throughout the year. The best time to visit Lisbon, however, is during the shoulder seasons of Easter to May and September to October, when the weather is mild and housing and transit prices are low. Summer (June to August) is hot and expensive because schools are closed and numerous activities are available. Although the months of December through Easter are off-season for tourists, it offers the Christmas spirit, New Year's celebrations, and beach activities with plenty of daylight and chilly nights.

Shoulder Season: Easter to May and September to October
Shoulder Season: Easter to May and September to October

The city's climate is at its nicest in the spring and autumn, when the temperature is just suitable for wandering without being too hot. Easter is the busiest time of year with large numbers of visitors, and film festivals in September and October are attractions of fall. Whereas, late September offers warm weather suitable for exploring beaches close to Lisbon. Being shoulder seasons in tourism, these months offer tourists affordable packages along with numerous fun-filled activities for a memorable trip to Lisbon.

Low Season: December to Easter
Low Season: December to Easter

December to Easter is the low season for travellers, providing an ideal opportunity for individuals who prefer to have fun and explore in peace, i.e. without crowds. Furthermore, lodging rates are at an all-time low, and lines at even the most famous attractions are dramatically reduced. Budget travellers should visit during this time period to avoid crowds and save money on lodging and transportation while also experiencing the majesty of the city. There will be plenty of holiday-themed events, street markets, and restaurant menus to make your trip memorable.

High Season: June to September
High Season: June to September

Every summer, Lisbon boasts a jam-packed programme of activities that draw visitors from all over the world. While there is so much to explore and numerous things to do, it is also fascinating to mingle with people at music festivals and the arraiais. Although the crowds result in expensive prices for accommodation, food, and activities. Since there are no schools, nearby beaches and other Lisbon attractions get overrun with people, making it difficult to secure seats at established restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

Best Months to Visit Lisbon

January
January

Lisbon experiences its coldest weather in January when the temperature ranges from 15 to 8 degrees Celsius. After New Year's, there is a noticeable decline in tourism, which results in hotels offering discounted prices and shorter queues at popular local sites. Not-to-be-missed events include the New Year's Concert at the Centro Cultural de Belém and Dia de Reis.

February
February

Despite slightly warmer temperatures (high 16 °C and low 9 °C) than in January and even less probability of rain, it is still very cold in Lisbon in February. This is a fantastic time of year for sightseeing for it being a shoulder month. Numerous hotels offer discounted rates, and there are few crowds at the attractions. Carnaval parades fill the streets the weekend before Shrove Tuesday.

March
March

March sees a small increase in temperature, ranging from 18 °C to 11 °C with rain unlikely. There is a minor increase in hotel rates, although this time of year is not very busy in terms of crowds and lineups at attractions. You can attend Portugal's oldest independent Fashion Week, ModaLisboa or the annual Lisboa Dance Festival in March in Lisbon.

April
April

It's the beginning of spring, with average temperatures of 16 °C. It is the month of Easter Day, Peixe em Lisboa, The Arts and Antiques Fair, and Freedom Day, drawing a large number of travellers, contributing to an increase in accommodation prices and lengthening queues at attractions. The pleasant weather makes April the best time to visit Lisbon and hike its seven hills.

May
May

The dry season has begun, with Spring in full bloom and temperatures ranging between 22 and 14 °C. However hotel prices are a bit more than in January and February, but they are still less than during the summer peak season. The annual highlights of May in Lisbon are Indie Lisboa, Lisbon Under Stars, and ARCO Lisboa.

June
June

June, the start of the summer season and the best time to visit Lisbon to take advantage of the adjacent beaches, can see temperatures as high as 26 °C. Hotel and activity costs increase; so buy your tickets early to get the best rates. Rock in Rio, St. Anthony's Night, and Portugal Day are not-to-be-missed events of the June month.

July
July

With an average temperature touching 23 °C, July is one of the hottest months in Lisbon. It also has the longest days, with the sun shining for about 11 hours. Be prepared for extended beach days, plenty of outdoor dining, and festival hopping. The Super Bock Super Rock, NOS Alive, and EDP Cool Jazz are important events one must attend.

August
August

August is the hottest month in Lisbon and the peak tourist season, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 19°C. Although locals choose to visit other cities in Portugal and abroad during this time, the city is bustling with visitors from all over the world. Jazz em Agosto and CCB Summer are two not to be missed events of August.

September
September

September is a shoulder tourist month due to the end of summer and the start of the school year for residents. Mornings and nights are cooler, but the weather remains warm and sunny, with an average temperature of 22 °C. It is the best time to visit Lisbon for some peaceful exploration and activities such as MOTELx, the International Queer Film Festival, and Santa Casa Alfama.

October
October

With the fall season setting in, you will find the city filled with smoke and the aroma of roasting chestnuts. Lisbon's October weather is just right for outdoor activities because it's neither too cold nor too warm. Moda Lisboa, Doclisboa, and Festa do Cinema Francês are three major events in October that are worth exploring.

November
November

With a daytime high of 18 °C, November is one of the wettest months. The best time to visit Lisbon is now if you dislike crowds. Prices for lodging are at an all-time low, and there are no long lines to enter attractions or museums. The LEFFEST film festival is the attraction of the November visit to Lisbon.

December
December

Rain and 12 °C average temperatures characterise the final month of the year in Lisbon. The cost of hotels is still reasonable, and many are offering unique Christmas packages. Visit one of the many Christmas markets in the city and take in the beautiful holiday lights that are displayed throughout. Rossio Square's market is by far the most well-liked.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

    The best time to visit Lisbon is either from March to May or September and October because the weather is warm, accommodation rates are lower, and fewer tourists compared to summers. But, if you are interested in annual events and exciting activities, the summer season has a lot to offer.

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