Our guide on the Best Months to Visit Lisbon and our full guide on what to in Lisbon and what to eat for your next trip.
Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, is a charming blend of historic neighborhoods, stunning viewpoints, and a lively food scene. Each season offers a unique experience, so choosing the right time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, events, and crowd levels.
For a balanced mix of pleasant weather, lively events, and fewer crowds, spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit Lisbon. During these months, you can enjoy mild temperatures and take full advantage of the city’s outdoor attractions. Whether you’re sampling pastéis de nata in Belém, riding the iconic Tram 28, or watching the sunset from one of Lisbon’s famous viewpoints, this vibrant city will captivate you with its charm and hospitality.
Here’s a guide to the best months to visit Lisbon, along with recommendations on what to see, do, and eat during your stay.
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Tips for Visiting Lisbon
Use Public Transport: Lisbon’s trams, buses, and metro are easy to navigate and the best way to get around the city’s steep hills.
Get a Lisboa Card: This card offers free public transportation and entry to many museums and attractions, which can save you both time and money.
Bring Comfortable Shoes: The city’s cobblestone streets and hilly terrain can be tough on your feet. Opt for supportive walking shoes.
Avoid Peak Summer Heat: If you’re visiting in the summer, plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late evening to avoid the midday heat.
Book Alhambra Tickets in Advance: If planning a day trip to Sintra to see the palaces, book in advance to secure your spot.
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Best Months to Visit Lisbon
1. March to May (Spring)
Why Visit: Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds, and cheaper accommodation prices make spring an ideal time to explore Lisbon.
Average Temperature: 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F).
Best For: Outdoor sightseeing, walking tours, and enjoying the city’s parks and terraces.
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2. September to October (Fall)
Why Visit: Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and many cultural events make fall a perfect time to experience the city at a relaxed pace.
Average Temperature: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F).
Best For: Exploring Lisbon’s historic sites, enjoying beach trips, and attending autumn festivals.
3. June to August (Summer)
Why Visit: Warm and sunny weather with lively festivals and beach-perfect days. However, this is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.
Average Temperature: 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F).
Best For: Beach trips, nightlife, and outdoor concerts.
4. November to February (Winter)
Why Visit: Although it’s the coolest and wettest time, Lisbon’s mild winters make it a great choice for avoiding crowds and finding lower prices.
Average Temperature: 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F).
Best For: Budget travel, exploring museums, and cozying up in traditional Portuguese restaurants.
What to Do in Lisbon (Month-by-Month Highlights)
March – May (Spring)
Visit the Gardens: Explore the lush Jardim da Estrela and Jardim Botânico to see blooming flowers.
Take a Day Trip to Sintra: Enjoy the mild weather and visit the fairytale palaces and gardens of Sintra without the summer crowds.
Ride Tram 28: Hop on the iconic tram for a scenic tour of the city’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Graça.
Spring Festival: Catch the Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival (late March – early April) to taste traditional and contemporary seafood dishes.
June – August (Summer)
Relax on the Beach: Head to Cascais or Costa da Caparica for a beach day.
Experience Lisbon’s Nightlife: Summer is the best time to explore the rooftop bars and street parties in Bairro Alto.
Attend Festas de Lisboa: June is filled with lively festivals, including Santo António Festival, featuring street dancing, parades, and grilled sardines.
Summer Highlight: Take a sunset cruise on the Tagus River for stunning views of Lisbon’s skyline and iconic bridges.
September – October (Fall)
Climb to Miradouros: Enjoy the city’s famous viewpoints (miradouros) like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte with clear skies and cooler temperatures.
Explore Belém: Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower without the summer heat.
Attend the Lisboa Fashion Week: In September, catch the latest in Portuguese fashion and design.
Fall Highlight: Take a stroll through LX Factory, a creative hub filled with trendy cafés, boutiques, and art galleries.
November – February (Winter)
Explore Alfama’s Fado Houses: Warm up in a cozy Fado house and enjoy traditional music with a glass of wine.
Visit Museums: Spend rainy days exploring the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
Go Christmas Shopping: Browse through local markets like the Campo Pequeno Christmas Market for unique gifts.
Winter Highlight: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Praça do Comércio with live music and fireworks.
What to Eat in Lisbon
Lisbon’s food scene is a delightful blend of traditional flavors, fresh seafood, and sweet treats. Here’s what you should try, no matter which season you visit.
1. Pastéis de Nata
What It Is: A creamy custard tart with a flaky, buttery crust.
Where to Get It: Pastéis de Belém is the most famous spot, but Manteigaria and Confeitaria Nacional also serve excellent versions.
2. Bacalhau à Brás
What It Is: Shredded salted cod mixed with onions, thinly cut fries, and scrambled eggs.
Where to Get It: Taberna da Rua das Flores and Cervejaria Ramiro.
3. Bifana
What It Is: A thin pork steak marinated in garlic and spices, served in a fresh bread roll.
Where to Get It: O Trevo or Casa das Bifanas near Rossio Square.
4. Grilled Sardines
What It Is: Fresh sardines grilled and served with potatoes and salad, especially popular during summer festivals.
Where to Get It: Head to Casa do Sardinha or O Pitéu in Alfama.
5. Arroz de Marisco
What It Is: A rich, soupy seafood rice dish made with clams, shrimp, and mussels.
Where to Get It: Marisqueira Uma in Baixa or Ramiro for a more upscale experience.
6. Caldo Verde
What It Is: A traditional Portuguese soup made with potatoes, collard greens, and chorizo sausage.
Where to Get It: O Faia or Adega da Tia Matilde.
7. Ginjinha
What It Is: A sour cherry liqueur served in small shot glasses.
Where to Get It: Try it at A Ginjinha near Rossio or Ginjinha Sem Rival.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.