Best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal

Best things to know before tour travel

When it comes to European capitals, Lisbon is often overlooked by tourists. Despite being missed by some travellers for other cities across the continent, Lisbon still attracted more than 27 million visitors in 2019 alone.

Lisbon has a collection of new and old that makes it well worth exploring. From its great old town to more modern attractions, the Portuguese capital offers travellers a world unlike any other in Europe.

Along with a fantastic combination of sights and sounds, Lisbon isn’t a pricey city to visit. It is often considered one of the more affordable European capitals for travellers. Add in the great weather the city experiences throughout much of the year, and there really isn’t any reason not to visit Lisbon. The only question you should have is: What is the best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal?

The best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal for Price

Most travellers descend on Lisbon during the summertime. This is Lisbon’s high season which sends the prices for food and accommodation up. You can expect hotel room rates and pricey Airbnb accommodation from June through August.

Along with higher accommodation prices, you will find that the city is overrun with tourists visiting the most popular attractions. You may spend some time queuing to get into the top-rated attractions and to see the best monuments the city has to offer.

Airfare to Lisbon from June to August is also high. If you plan to visit the city during this time, be sure to book flights and accommodation well in advance. This will give you the best chance of snatching a deal or a lower than typical price.

Mid-December to early January is also a high travel period for Lisbon. The Christmas and New Year’s timeframe attracts plenty of travellers seeking a great holiday over the festive period. It is also a time when locals return home. In addition, the holiday period has festivals that take place around the city. Once again flights and accommodation can be high.

If you want the lowest prices on airfare and accommodation, then book your trip to Lisbon in November and mid-December or early January to Easter. These two periods are the city’s low seasons. Late autumn, winter, and early spring are perfect for a holiday in Lisbon due to a lack of tourists. You won’t be queuing long or at all to see the sights of the city. In addition, accommodation prices come down and it may not be difficult to find a really good deal. Airfare is also low to attract travellers.

The best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal for Weather

Summertime offers you the warmest weather in Lisbon. Although the city is on the Iberian Peninsula, it doesn’t get as hot as the touristy locations across Spain. The Atlantic Ocean breezes still blow enough cool air to keep the city relaxed. Still, be prepared for 15 hours of sunlight and warmth during the summer months. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C in summer, making a trip to the beach a must.

Spring offers more rainy weather than the summer months do. It is a great time to travel to the city due to the accommodation prices falling and a lack of crowds. The temperatures are comfortable during March, April, and May. On average, spring temperatures in March max out at 19°C, while 22°C is the average high in May. The beaches may be pretty to visit at this time, but the Atlantic water is far too chilly for swimming. While the beaches may not be possible to explore, you can discover the city on a walking tour in warm weather.

Autumn time also offers you the chance to explore the city in comfortable weather. As the mercury drops at the end of summer, so do the prices and crowds of tourists. September is great because the temperatures are still summer-like with an average high of 27°C. A day at the beach is still possible thanks to water temperatures of 20°C. October brings cooler autumn weather. Temperatures can still reach an average high of 23°C in the early part of the month.

November through February is winter in Lisbon. During the winter months, the daily average temperature can drop to 10°C. Luckily, it is a gradual temperature drop and you won’t feel it all at once, if you are staying in Lisbon for several weeks. January is Lisbon’s coolest month with an average high of 15°C. The weather is mostly mild and comfortable, especially if you are visiting from northern or central Europe, northeast Asia, or most parts of North America.

The best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal for Beaches and Sightseeing

The best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal for the beaches is in summer thanks to the high temperatures. If you want to avoid the crowds at the beaches in summer, then you can alternatively visit in spring or early autumn. April, May, and September make for great alternatives for beach visits. The weather will be warm, not hot, and the crowds will be fewer. The water may still be chilly in April, but by May you can splash all day long. September offers comfortable ocean water temperatures of 20°C.

The best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal for sightseeing is the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Once again, the tourists and crowds will be fewer as people are back to work and kids at school. The queues are shorter and it won’t take long to see the best sights Lisbon has to offer. The great thing about the shoulder seasons is the city’s lively atmosphere is still excellent. You can dine at a streetside cafe or simply explore the city’s great outdoor spaces.

St. George’s Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Lisbon. In summer, queues to get into the castle can snake down the hill it was built on. You may spend hours queuing to get into the castle. In spring and autumn, the queues are far shorter and potentially nonexistent. The earlier the day you visit the castle the better as more tourists and locals come out later on.

The best time to visit Lisbon in Portugal Conclusion

Lisbon is a brilliant city that combines history, great weather, culture, and beaches into one amazing package. A visit to the City of Light should be high on your list of travel destinations. If you are ready to book your trip to Lisbon, be sure to book for spring or autumn to get a good price. However, if you want the best weather, be sure to plan your trip for the summertime. Regardless of when you plan to visit the City of Light, you won’t regret booking the trip.