Why not talk about the weather? In Britain it’s one of the favourite topics, one day it’s gray and gloomy, the next day the sun shines, and we’re ecstatic. But did you know that the Portuguese are just the same? The weather in Lisbon is a daily topic of conversation.
Five day weather forecast from Lisbon
You would expect the residents of Lisbon to have nothing to complain about the weather. The city enjoys the most sunshine hours per year in Europe, with February temperatures that can reach up to 25 degrees. It hardly ever freezes; winters are the mildest in all of Europe. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
Yet, Lisboetas complains about the weather. Is it “just” 15 degrees for a few days in February? “It’s so cold!”. Windy day? “So much wind!”. Rain? “Epa! All that rain, it’s terrible. Terrible!”. Really!?
The climate in Lisbon
Spring in Lisbon
Between March and early May, enjoy pleasant temperatures ranging from 12 to 20 degrees during the day, with plenty of sunshine. A light shower may occur now and then. By mid-May, it’s almost summer, with days exceeding 25 degrees. Perfect for exploring the old districts, such as Alfama en Bairro Alto
Summer in Lisbon
July and August bring heat, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees. Summer extends from May to October, with average temperatures around 25 degrees. The beaches, like Praia da Carcavelos and Costa da Caparica, are popular escapes.
Tip! Travel effortlessly through Lisbon and explore the region with the Lisboa Card – your access to public transportation in and around Lisbon and discounts on top museums!
Autumn in Lisbon
Late autumn or early spring is ideal for pleasant weather without extreme heat. October and November are usually comfortable, although a day above 30 degrees is not uncommon. Temperatures fluctuate between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Winter in Lisbon
Winters are mild, with an average daytime temperature of around 15 degrees between December and March. Snow is rare; they get excited if hailstones last longer than 5 minutes! Rain is more common, but don’t let that deter you from a city trip. There are many (covered) museums to explore, such as the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and historical sights to visit.
Rain in Lisbon
And what about the rain and wind? They occur, especially in late autumn, winter, and early spring. The Costa de Lisboa is along the Atlantic coast, so rain showers are common. The hilly terrain leads to rapid changes between sun and rain.
Is that bad? Not really, especially if you have an umbrella. Entire days of rain are rare in Lisbon. And that strong wind? Mostly noticeable along the west coast in Cascais and especially near Sintra. The Costa de Lisboa The Costa de Lisboa is located near the Atlantic coast, so there is a lot of influence from the sea.
And what about that strong wind? That is something you will definitely experience when you’re discovering the west coast, at Cascais and for example Cabo da Roca or the Beach of Guincho (where you can surf!). In the city of Lisbon itself it is never that bad.
When to go to Lisbon?
Our tip for a city trip to Lisbon? March-April or early November. The weather is usually delightful, and it’s outside the holiday periods, making it a bit quieter!
Even in late autumn and early spring, you can have days above 20 degrees. November and February still offer opportunities for a beach day in Costa da Caparica or Praia das Maçãs, albeit with slightly cooler seawater.
