The best time to visit Lisbon

In short

The best time to visit Lisbon is late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September), when the weather is warm and sunny but the intense summer heat and crowds have eased. July and August are peak season—hot, busy and more expensive—while winter is the quiet low season, cooler and wetter but still relatively mild by European standards. For the ideal balance of good weather, open terraces and manageable crowds, aim for the shoulder months.

Best months MayJuneSeptember

Beautiful sunset over Lisbon with a view of the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, framed by trees.

Season by season

When to go, and what to expect

Spring (Mar–May)

Weather: Mild and increasingly sunny, with occasional showers early on and pleasant warmth by May.

Crowds: Moderate and building toward late spring, but far below summer levels.

A sweet spot for sightseeing and wandering Belém and Alfama in comfort—highly recommended.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Weather: Hot, dry and reliably sunny, often very warm in July and August.

Crowds: Peak season—busiest attractions, packed neighbourhoods and long queues.

Great for beach trips and nightlife, but expect heat and crowds; June is the calmest of the three.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Weather: Warm and sunny in September, gradually cooling with more rain by November.

Crowds: Thinning after summer, especially from October onward.

September is one of the best months of the year—warm sea, sunshine and easier sightseeing.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Weather: Cool and often wet, but mild compared with most of Europe, with plenty of bright days.

Crowds: Low season—quiet streets and short queues at major sights.

Best for budget-conscious and crowd-averse travellers who don't mind cooler, changeable weather.

Worth planning around

Notable events

June: Festas de Lisboa (Santos Populares), including Santo António
February (before Lent): Carnival (Carnaval)
December: Lisbon Christmas markets and festive lights
July: NOS Alive music festival

Charming Lisbon street scene with colorful buildings and a clear blue sky.

Good to know

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest time to visit Lisbon?

Winter, roughly November through February, is the low season with the fewest visitors, though the weather is cooler and wetter.

Is it too hot to visit Lisbon in summer?

July and August are hot and busy; it's manageable if you enjoy beach weather, but plan indoor sights or shade during the hottest midday hours.

When can I avoid the biggest crowds?

Aim for spring or early autumn—May, June and September offer good weather with noticeably lighter crowds than peak summer.

Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Lisbon area guide →

An independent guide to Lisbon — honest, verified, no invented data.