Best Time to Visit Lisbon (Recommended Activity For Every Month )

One of the most overlooked European destinations is Lisbon, located in Portugal. It’s filled with unique winding alleyways and old-century buildings. From exploring castles to quiet little coffee shops, Lisbon is one of the hidden gems of vacation spots.

The best time to visit Lisbon, Portugal is during the months of September and October. Temperatures during this time average between 58 F (15 C) and 79 F (26 C). When it comes to booking your vacation, you can flights as low as $400 and hotels as low as $60 per night if you book in advance.

When traveling to a destination such as Lisbon, you’ll want to weigh the factors that help you know when to plan your vacation. Let’s dive into the best time to visit Lisbon.

Worst Time to Travel to Lisbon

When traveling to Lisbon, you’ll want to take into consideration the current season, climate conditions, and busiest time of year. The worst time to visit Lisbon is during the winter, from November to February. During this period, the weather is very unpredictable.

With the weather being so unpredictable in the winter season, it becomes very hard to plan activities. The popular trip from Lisbon to Obidos is not enjoyable on wet and cold days. Traveling during the winter requires flexibility to change plans.

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Lisbon?

The cheapest time to take a vacation to Sicily is during February. Let’s break down some rates so you can have the best prices possible when trying to plan a budget-friendly trip.

When booking the cheapest trip to Lisbon, the most affordable that you’ll find is $549 roundtrip. When wanting to make your trip budget-friendly, you’ll want to book far in advance to get the best rates.

For the cheapest rates on accommodations, you can find hotels starting at $37 per night. If you’re on a budget when booking, look for a hotel that comes with extras such as an included breakfast. Costs vary per month so make sure to plan your trip three to six months in advance.

What Time of Year is the Best Weather in Lisbon?

When planning your vacation to Lisbon, you’ll want to go when the weather is permitting and deals are at their lowest. Below, we discuss the weather by month so that you can choose the best time to visit for you and your family.

January: New Year’s Day Concert

Temperatures average between 48 F (8 C) and 58 F (14 F) during January in Lisbon. January is a moderate winter month and is considered the coldest month of the year. It rains for 14 days out of the year with around 4 inches of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack a coat, pants, t-shirts, sweaters, sneakers, and rainy day items. During this month, Lisbon has its New Year’s Day concert. This concert is held at Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos and is performed by the Portuguese Symphonic Orchestra.

January is the perfect month to hit up those winter sales. Lisbon has some of the top shopping destinations and you’ll also be able to find hotels fairly priced this time of year.

• New Year’s Day Concert
• Three King’s Day
• Visit Alfama and Fado

February: Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Temperatures average between 48 F (9 C) and 61 F (16 C) during February in Lisbon. February is the last month of winter and an enjoyable month in Lisbon. It rains for around 14 days out of the month with about 3 inches of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack a Jacket, sweaters, t-shirts, and a pair of sneakers. During this month, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day at a romantic hotel. You can celebrate by eating at one of Lisbon’s rooftop restaurants that offer stunning views of the landscape and River Tejo.

Even though Lisbon’s attractions are slower during February, you can still celebrate some of the popular holidays. This time is perfect for traveling neighborhoods.

• Celebrate Valentine’s Day
• Visit Terreiro do Paço
• Visit Convento do Carmo

March: Lisbon Half Marathon

Temperatures average between 58 F (11 C) and 65 F (18 C) during March in Lisbon. March is the first month of spring and a comfortable month temperature-wise. It rains for 13 days out of the month dropping around 3 inches of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel this month, you’ll want to pack a jacket, pants, t-shirts, and sneakers. During this month, you can attend Lisbon’s Half Marathon. In this marathon, you can walk across Lisbon’s bridge over the River Tejo.

Since most of the month you’ll have sunny skies and mild weather, this makes exploring Lisbon even more enjoyable. To take a River Tejo cruise, you’ll want to check out some of the best river boat trips in Lisbon.

• Lisbon’s Half Marathon
• Moda Lisboa
• Monstra
• Daylight Savings Time

April: Dias da Música

Temperatures average 53 F (11 C) and 67 F (19 C) during April in Lisbon. April is another comfortable spring month like March in Lisbon. Rain falls for around 11 days during this month with around three inches of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack a heavy jacket, pants, t-shirts, long sleeves, and sneakers. During this month, Lisbon celebrates Dias da Música. Dias da Música is a full weekend celebration of classical music.

Since our days become longer this time of year, you’ll be able to explore the Portuguese capital. Longer days make visiting Lisbon’s top attractions even better.

• Dias da Música
• Peixe em Lisboa
• Celebration of Revolution of 1974
• Estoril Open

May: Lisbon Under Stars

Temperatures average between 57 F (13 C) and 71 F (22 C) during May in Lisbon. May is the last month of spring and a pleasant month for traveling. It rains for 8 days out of the month with around 2 inches of precipitation.

If you’re traveling during this month, you’ll want to pack a jacket, t-shirts, long sleeves, and sneakers. During this month, you can see Lisbon Under Stars. Lisbon Under stars is a show that combines visual effects and virtual musicians.

You can get the best scenic views from the River Tejo. There are also boat tours you can take that vary in both price and time.

• Lisbon Under Stars
• Worker’s Day
• Indie Lisboa
• Out Jazz Festival
• ARCO Lisboa

June: Out Jazz Festival

Temperatures average 61 F (16 C) and 78 F (25 C) during June in Lisbon. June is the first month of summer and a warm month in Lisbon. It rains 5 days out of the month with around 1 inch of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel this month you’ll want to pack a jacket, t-shirts, shorts, sneakers, and swimwear. During this month, you can attend the Out Jazz Festival. At the Out Jazz Festival, you can enjoy jazz, soul, and hip-hop music I’m the public gardens of Lisbon.

If you’re looking for a place to dine, you can visit Cais do Sodré. This is one of the best places for dining to get food and drinks.

• Out Jazz Festival
• Lisbon Book Fair
• Feast of Saint Anthony

July: Super Bock Super Rock

Temperatures average between 82 F (28 C) and 64 F (18 C) during July in Lisbon. July is another moderately hot month like June. The month with the least amount of rainfall is July when it sees less than an inch of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack pants, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, and swimming essentials. During this month, you can attend Super Bock Super Rock. Super Bock Super Rock is a 3-day music festival that has many international bands.

Lisbon is the best location for combining beach days and sightseeing. To cool off from the city’s warm summer, you can use public transport for sightseeing.

• Super Bock Super Rock
• EDP Cool Jazz
• NOS Alive
• Festival ao Largo

August: Festival of the Ocean

Temperatures average 65 F (18 C) and 82 F (28 C) during August in Lisbon. August is the last month of summer and another moderately hot month. It rains 2 days out of the month with less than an inch of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, sandals, and your swim essentials. During this month, you can attend the Festival of the Ocean. This festival includes exhibitions, classic and modern theater plays, and musical concerts.

• Festival of the Ocean
• Go Surfing
• Go Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

September: Ride a Ferry Boat

Temperatures average between 63 F (17 C) and 79 F (26 C) during September in Lisbon. September is the first month of autumn and a moderately hot month. It rains 6 days out of the month with a little over an inch of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, sandals, and your swim essentials. During this month, it is the perfect time to ride a ferry boat. Ferry boats are a cheap alternative to see Lisbon from the river.

Lisbon’s days are warm and sunny in September. This makes the month perfect for also visiting some of their most popular beaches.

• Ride a ferry boat
• Jazz em Agosto
• Santa Casa Alfama – Fado Festival

October: French Film Festival

Temperatures average between 59 F (15 C) and 72 F (22 C) during October in Lisbon. October is the same as September and another agreeable month in Lisbon. Rain falls for 10 days out of the month seeing around 4 inches of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel this month, you’ll want to pack a jacket, pants, t-shirts, and sneakers. During this month, you can attend the French Film Festival. The film festival promotes French cinema and is organized by the French embassy.

Since October has cooler temperatures, you’ll want to do your exploring on foot. Even on rainy days, there are plenty of activities to take on.

• French Film Festival
• Take a tour on a tuk tuk
• Visit the Gulbenkian Museum
• Visit the Coach Museum

November: Visit the MAAT Museum

Temperatures average between 58 F (11 C) and 64 F (18 C) during November in Lisbon. November is the last month of autumn and another comfortable month. It is the month that receives the most rainfall with rain occurring for 13 days out of the month, seeing around 5 inches of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack a jacket, pants, t-shirts, sneakers, and rainy day items. During this month, you can visit Lisbon’s MAAT Museum. The MAAT Museum deals with contemporary art.

Since November is the month with the most rainfall, you may find it best to schedule indoor activities when you can. Make sure you check your weather forecast before leaving.

• Visit the MAAT Museum
• Celebrate St. Martin’s Day
• Lisbon & Sinta Film Festival

December: Explore the Christmas Markets

Temperatures average between 48 F (9 C) and 59 F (15 C) during December in Lisbon. December is the first month of winter and a moderate month. It rains for 14 days out of the month with around 5 inches of precipitation.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack a jacket, coat, long sleeves, sneakers, and your rainy day items. During this month, you’ll want to explore Lisbon’s Christmas markets. These markets are great to pick up gifts, see live performances, and engage in entertainment for kids.

• Visit the Christmas Markets
• New Year’s Eve

What is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon With Family?

For those who are looking for a break from city life, Lisbon makes for a great family destination. The best time to visit Lisbon with family is during May and September. During these months the weather is cool and pleasant, which makes activities more enjoyable.

With Lisbon being very welcoming of families, they have many suitable activities for children. Some activities to check out are the zoo, museums, and oceanarium. The city of Lisbon makes families feel welcome in hotels, restaurants, and other major attractions that accommodate children.

When is the Best Time to Avoid Crowds in Lisbon?

The best time to avoid crowds in Lisbon is during the low season, from December to Easter. Traveling during the low season will bring you smaller crowds and lower rates. The temperatures will be lower, but the fewer crowds will be worth it.

If you’re traveling during this time, you’ll be able to check out holiday-themed events, festive menus, and street markets. With prices at their lowest, you’ll be able to experience some of Lisbon’s top attractions at an affordable rate.