Lisbon: A City for All Seasons

Lisbon is very warm in the Summer and the Winter is generally mild. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Lisbon possibly boasts the warmest winter in all of Europe. The hottest month of the year is July where temperatures can reach up to 34ºC (93ºF), and the coldest month is January, with minimum temperatures reaching 8ºC (46ºF). Expect abundant rain in November and December.

Spring: March to June

Lisbon is always a beautiful city to visit, but in Spring, it takes on a certain magic. Beware that it might still rain from time to time, but as we bid adieu to the winter, the weather is becoming warmer every day, making it the perfect season to explore all the verdant sights and café terraces.

April is a special month for many Portuguese people. In the beginning of the month, Easter might fill some churches around the city for celebrations and on the 25th of April, the Carnation Day is observed. This day in 1974 marks the overthrow of the fascist regime, and has been celebrated since then.

The first of May (Labour Day) is celebrated publicly with demonstrations from various workers unions. However, these are generally very peaceful. Outside Lisbon, on the 13th in Fátima, the apparitions are celebrated.

June is a hot month in Lisbon, and we’re not only speaking about the weather. Two and sometimes three public holidays mark this month. On June 10th, Portugal Day is celebrated, but the biggest celebration is saved for June 13th. Santo António, the patron saint of Lisbon, blesses the city with a week-long party on the streets. The Santos is an event you won’t want to miss!

Summer: June to September

Summer is a fantastic, if not the best, season to visit Lisbon. It seems to be vacation time for almost everyone in the country, so expect to see a lot of people, full beaches, packed restaurant terraces, and generally more jovial individuals!

If you’re planning to enjoy the beaches around Lisbon, this is the season to book then. The warmest weather of the year occurs in July, but beach season in Lisbon goes from June to September. There are excellent beaches around Lisbon, but beware of the cold water!

On August 15th, the Assumption of Mary is celebrated as a public holiday, but don’t expect any significant festivities.

Autumn: September to December

Autumn normally marks the start of the rain season. Expect a mild temperature drop in the middle of October. Spring and Summer might be everyone’s favourite seasons, but the truth is that the season before winter brings charm and charisma to the capital. The trees in the squares of Lisbon adopt yellow, orange, and reddish leaves, while the trams match the shades of the trees. Also, the roasted chestnuts arrive with their perfume that floods the city.

On October 5th and November 1st, the Implantation of the Republic and All Saints Day are celebrated, respectively.

Winter is great in Lisbon. It’s not that cold compared to other cities in Europe. If it’s a sunny day, you might enjoy it with a warm 15ºC (59ºF). As Christmas slowly begins to arrive, the city is filled with Christmas lights and shopping malls are bustling with promotions.

The city is fantastic, whatever the season! Winter’s advantages include the most affordable rates and fewer tourists transiting to and from.

There are three public holidays in Lisbon in December: on December 1st, the 8th, and of course, Christmas on the 25th of December.

If you are travelling in December, be aware that on Christmas and New Year’s Day, many establishments like restaurants, cafés, bars, and shopping malls will be closed…. But New Year’s parties are excellent!