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Weather in Lisbon
Fado, pasteis de nata, and seven hilly hills
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About Lisbon
Lisbon is having a golden moment. Seven hills of azulejo-tiled buildings, yellow trams clanking up impossible gradients, the Tagus catching the late afternoon light. The food is outrageously good value. The wine is world-class. And the Fado music in Alfama achieves something close to catharsis.
Best months to visit
May, June, July, August, September, October
Things to do in Lisbon
Tram 28 ride
Belem Tower
Alfama wandering
Pasteis de nata
Sintra day trip
Fado evening
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
14C
Cool, with occasional showers.
February
15C
Cool, with occasional showers.
March
17C
Cool, with occasional showers.
April
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
May
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
June
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
26C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
October
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
November
18C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
December
16C
Cool, with occasional showers.
Lisbon is one of Europe's great overlooked capitals — a city of crumbling, azulejo-tiled façades, cobbled hills so steep that funiculars were invented to deal with them, fado music drifting from open doorways, and sunset views over the Tagus that make poets of everyone. It has the soul of a much older, slower city but has quietly developed one of Europe's most exciting restaurant and bar scenes. The pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém alone are worth the flight.
Best areas to stay in Lisbon
Alfama
Lisbon's oldest district — a Moorish labyrinth of steep alleys, fado clubs, São Jorge Castle, and the most atmospheric miradouros (viewpoints) in the city.
Baixa & Chiado
The elegant lower city rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, now home to luxury shopping, the famous A Brasileira café, and the Art Nouveau Bertrand bookshop.
Belém
The riverside district that launched Portugal's Age of Discovery — home to the Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belém, and the original Pastéis de Belém bakery.
LX Factory
A repurposed 19th-century industrial complex hosting independent shops, restaurants, and an outstanding Sunday market — the beating heart of modern Lisbon.
Getting to Lisbon
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Flights
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) has direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and most UK regional airports with TAP, British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair.
⏱
From London
~2.5 hours direct from London
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Getting around
The metro is efficient for crossing the city; historic trams cover hilly areas; Uber is cheap and widely used. The Cascais and Sintra train lines from Cais do Sodré and Rossio are essential for day trips.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
March to May and September to October offer the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds. June brings the famous Festas de Lisboa with street parties and sardine festivals. Summer is busy and hot but the city buzzes with energy.
How do I get around Lisbon?
The iconic yellow trams (especially tram 28) are great for atmosphere but extremely crowded — use the metro, buses, and Uber for practical transport. Many of Lisbon's best areas are walkable, though the hills require decent footwear.
Is Lisbon expensive?
Lisbon is one of Western Europe's most affordable capitals, though prices have risen with increased tourism. Local tascas (taverns) offer remarkable value; tourist-facing restaurants near Alfama can be overpriced.
What is fado music and where can I hear it?
Fado is Portugal's melancholic traditional music — a Lisbon essential. Hear it authentically in Alfama neighbourhood tascas; be wary of tourist-oriented fado shows which can feel staged.
Is Lisbon good for day trips?
Exceptionally — Sintra's fairy-tale palaces are 40 minutes by train, Cascais is a charming coastal town 35 minutes away, and the stunning Setúbal Peninsula offers beaches and seafood just over an hour from the city.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Lisbon completely stole my heart — the light there is unlike anywhere else in Europe, especially in the late afternoon over the Tagus. We ate dinner at 10pm every night like locals and it felt completely natural by day three.
Maria C. · April 2024
★★★★★
The food scene is extraordinary — we did a food tour of the Mouraria district and discovered places we'd never have found alone. The wine is absurdly good value and the accommodation was excellent quality for the price.
Ben H. · October 2023
★★★★☆
Loved Lisbon but the famous tram 28 is genuinely impossible in summer — packed to the point of being unpleasant. Stick to the metro and walking and you'll have a far better time. The Alfama at dusk is magical.
Louise F. · June 2024
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