The best time to visit Lisbon, Portugal is Mar / Apr / May / Sep / Oct — sunny, mild, lively before/after summer heat. Expect 18–26°C, with moderate crowds. Round-trip flights from major EU hubs run €60–200 and hotels average about €120 a night.
| Best time to go | Mar / Apr / May / Sep / Oct |
|---|---|
| Weather | 18–26°C |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Flights (round-trip, EU hubs) | €60–200 economy · €400–800 business |
| Hotel (median) | €120 / night |
| Good for | city, culture, food |
Why go in September
Sunny, mild, lively before/after summer heat
About Lisbon
Lisbon spills down seven hills to the Tagus, a patchwork of pastel facades, azulejo tiles, and rattling yellow trams climbing impossibly steep streets. It's built for wandering: narrow Alfama alleys open onto sudden river views, and the smell of grilled sardines and fresh pasteis de nata drifts from every corner cafe.
When to go
September is Lisbon at its best: summer crowds thin out, days settle into the mid-20s C, and the Atlantic stays warm enough for a swim at nearby Cascais. Locals reclaim the miradouros at golden hour and hotel prices ease off their peak, making it the smart month to book a Sintra day trip to the palaces just outside town.
Lisbon weather month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 9°C | 52 mm |
| February | 15°C | 9°C | 54 mm |
| March Peak | 17°C | 10°C | 54 mm |
| April Peak | 19°C | 12°C | 65 mm |
| May Peak | 23°C | 15°C | 40 mm |
| June | 25°C | 16°C | 14 mm |
| July | 27°C | 18°C | 2 mm |
| August | 28°C | 18°C | 1 mm |
| September Peak | 26°C | 18°C | 41 mm |
| October Peak | 23°C | 16°C | 74 mm |
| November | 18°C | 12°C | 85 mm |
| December | 16°C | 10°C | 79 mm |
Highlighted months are Lisbon's best time to visit. Figures are 2014–2023 averages (Open-Meteo ERA5); actual conditions vary year to year.
What it costs indicative, varies by date
Things to do book tickets & tours
Ride Tram 28 through Alfama and Graca, then head to Belem for the monuments marking Portugal's Age of Discoveries, skipping the line with a Belem Tower ticket. On the water, a Tagus river sunset cruise is the best way to watch the 25 de Abril Bridge light up as the sun drops.
Before you go
FAQ quick answers
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon is Mar / Apr / May / Sep / Oct — sunny, mild, lively before/after summer heat. In those months you can expect 18–26°C.
Is Lisbon worth visiting in September?
Yes — September is one of the best months to visit Lisbon: sunny, mild, lively before/after summer heat. Expect moderate crowds, so book ahead.
What is the weather like in Lisbon?
In its best months (Mar / Apr / May / Sep / Oct), Lisbon typically sees 18–26°C. Average daytime highs run about 17–26°C, with overnight lows around 10–18°C.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Lisbon?
Flights to Lisbon are usually cheapest just outside the peak months — the shoulder weeks around Mar / Apr / May / Sep / Oct — when demand eases. Economy round-trips from major EU hubs range €60–200; prices vary by date, so compare across a few weeks.
How much does a trip to Lisbon cost?
As a guide, round-trip economy flights from major EU hubs run €60–200 (business €400–800), with hotels averaging about €120 per night. These are indicative seasonal ranges, not live quotes.
What are the best things to do in Lisbon?
Highlights in Lisbon include Alfama, Belém, Sintra day trip, Tram 28.