Best Time To Visit Lisbon
What’s the best time to visit Lisbon? We just returned from a January trip with almost non-existent crowds on a Lisbon family vacation. Lisbon can be a great choice across all seasons with its mild year-round climate.
Key Takeaways
- Lisbon has a warm climate year-round, but high summer temperatures up to 35Ā°C or 95 F. Ideal for beach lovers, NOT ideal for walking the hilly streets of Lisbon!
- Spring and early autumn bring milder weather with fewer tourists, making it great for family sightseeing without the crowds.
- Winters in Lisbon offer quieter streets and lower prices on accommodations; average day temperatures are around 10Ā°C or 50 Fahrenheit. We had a great trip during our January visit!
What’s the Best Time to Visit?

The sun-kissed Portuguese capital calls for timing that aligns with your travel goals. While summer is the most popular time to visit, we love to travel during the off-season.
Last year, we spent two weeks in Italy exploring all the cities in the summer heat, and it had us ready to return to the mountains of Switzerland, where we’d just left.
Winter & Late Autumn (Fall)

Winter months in Lisbon mean fewer people and more savings. We just returned from a January trip and found it a great time to visit.
While the skies were cloudy, the temperatures were perfect! Lisbon’s mild winters with days averaging 10Ā°C or 50 faranheitāWe could still eat at outdoor cafes that have portable heaters, and walk miles without a problem.
While Winter is the rainiest time of year, it didn’t interfere much with our trip. It rained every day, but not for more than a few minutes at a time.
With fewer tourists, we were able to explore historical sites without long lines. The only place we encountered a long line was at Belem Tower

You’ll find that hotels and rentals drop their prices, making it easier on your wallet. Public transport isn’t as packed, and Uber and Bolts are easy to find.
Summer: Beaches & Sunshine, and heat
Summer in Lisbon brings sizzling temperatures, perfect for the beach. But not as great for walking the hilly cobblestone streets!
Endless sunshine comes with the warm weather, up to 35Ā°C, or 95Ā°F. Lisbon has close to 300 days of sunshine per year, so it’s a great time to head to the beach at Cascais. Warm sea temperatures perfect for cooling off.
If you’re visiting in summer, try to get your tours done that involve lots of walking early in the morning or late in the evening. The hilly terrain is no fun to walk in the hottest part of the day.
Or take the easy route, and explore the town via a TukTuk or Hop-on Hop-off bus tour!
Summer is also a good time to visit some of Lisbons great museums, which you can read more about here.

Spring & Early Autumn: Mild Weather and Lighter Crowds

Spring in Lisbon brings mild temperatures and less rain. The city blooms with Jacaranda trees, creating stunning violet hues across the streets.
This season is ideal for exploring without the heat of summer or the chill of winter.

With fewer tourists, you can enjoy Lisbon’s attractions and cobbled streets at your own pace. It’s a great time to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like JerĆ³nimos Monastery without long lines.
Early autumn offers similar benefits as spring. Mild weather makes it a great time day trips and outdoor activities.
It’s a great time to explore outdoor attractions like the Jardim ZoolĆ³gico (The Zoo)

Conclusion: Consider Your Personal Preferences
Your best visit depends on what you love. We enjoy exploring new cities without the summer heat, so our pick is spring/fall followed by winter, with summer coming in last place. But beach lovers can soak in the summer sun and enjoy the summer heat.