Lisbon weather

The city boasts hot summers, with a cooling Atlantic breeze providing relief from the sun. Summers are generally dry and hot with long hours of sunshine. Unlike many European cities, Lisbon’s weather tends to remain mild throughout the winter, however, it does experience more rainfall this time of year.

Lisbon weather averages and climate information

Average daily max (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
14.3	15.8	18.7	20.0	22.5	26.4	28.3	28.9	26.6	22.6	17.5	14.6	21.4

Average relative humidity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
79	74	70	69	68	65	63	63	66	73	76	80	71

Average rainfall (mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
96	67	55	57	57	12	4	6	37	107	120	110	728

Average daily sunshine (hrs)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
6	6	7	9	10	12	12	12	9	8	6	6	9

Average wind speed (mph)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
6.2	6.5	6.7	7.2	7.1	7.4	8.1	7.4	6.5	6.4	6.2	6.6	6.9

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

The best time to visit Lisbon is in the summer months when temperatures are reliably warm, making this the perfect season to visit for the sun lover, with long sunshine hours to enjoy the city’s sights. Late spring is also warm, boasting warm yet comfortable temperatures, ideal for those less accustomed to the strong Portugal sun, however springtime visitors should pack an umbrella as rain is likely.

Spring

In the spring Lisbon sees comfortable temperatures, though rainfall remains likely. In March, the city sees daily highs averaging 18.7°C. By May, temperatures rise to 22.5°C. 9 hours of sunshine can be enjoyed in April, but this season remains damp. Before the dry summer months begin, May tends to bring an average 57mm of rainfall.

Summer

Lisbon experiences a balmy summer, with August producing the warmest weather, when the temperature reaches a daily average of 28.9°C. The likelihood of rain is low, with July seeing just 4mm of rain on average. Throughout the summer, around 12 hours of sunshine can be enjoyed. A breeze can be expected to cool the summer air, as average wind speeds are at their highest in August at 8.1mph.

Autumn

In September, temperatures remain a warm 26.6°C, with around 9 hours of sunshine to be appreciated daily. In October, the city sees a pleasant daily average of 22.6°C, and by November this drops further to a comfortable 17.5°C. Sightseers should prepare for rain, as November is the wettest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 120mm.

Winter

In the winter months, Lisbon sees relatively mild weather, with the temperatures falling to the mid-teens. January is the coldest month, with the average daily high a cool but comfortable 14.3°C. 6 hours of daily sunshine can be expected, though in December and January this is likely to be interrupted by rainfall. February is drier, with 67mm the average amount of rainfall.

Lisbon tourist information

Lisbon is of great strategic prominence due to its position looking out to the Atlantic, and it is for this reason that Portugal has such a prestigious history in maritime exploration. Lisbon's port remains one of the busiest cargo ports in Europe, and the breezes from this Atlantic gateway tend to temper the strong summer sun, with the average daily maximum temperature peaking at 29 °C in August.

Visitors to Lisbon will grow to understand the highly individual personalities of each of the city's districts. Baixa and the Praca do Comercio are at the heart of the city, whilst Chiado and Cascais Old Town give a real sense of authenticity and tradition, with the small whitewashed houses cascading down towards the beach. The cobbled streets of Biarro Alto are wonderfully atmospheric and positively vibrant in the evening. Alfama is home to St George's Castle and the views from the castle's unique vantage point are essential. Finally the Parque das Nações gives a taste of the modern side of Portuguese life.

The UNESCO listed Torre de Belem is one of the most renowned sites in Portugal and a true symbol of Lisbon's heritage. The tower is built in the mouth of the Tagus and appears as a kind of medieval fort built in the water - a powerfully evocative statement of Portugal's ambitious maritime intentions.

Lisbon naturally slopes down towards the Tagus and this makes the trams undoubtedly handy for any visitors not so keen on scaling the steep banks in the warm weather. The ornate yellow trams have become something of a symbol of Lisbon.