Lisbon's weather is easy. The ground is the problem. The city is built on steep hills paved with polished limestone calçada that gets slick, so your shoes matter more than anything else in the bag.
Lisbon weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 19°C66°F | 15°C59°F |
| Low | 10°C50°F | 10°C50°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F | 19°C66°F | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 13°C55°F | 9°C48°F |
| Rain days | 10 | 7 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild by northern standards, with highs of 15–17°C (59–63°F) and lows of 9–10°C (48–50°F), but damp. January brings 10 rain days, and the Atlantic wind off the Tejo makes the miradouros feel colder than the forecast. A warm layer and a rain jacket cover it.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month of the year with 13 rain days, then it dries out fast, down to 3 rain days in May. Highs climb from 17°C (63°F) to 23°C (73°F). Pack layers and a light rain shell for March and April and expect sunny afternoons by May.
Summer
June–AugustHot and dry. Highs hit 27°C (81°F) in June, 29°C (84°F) in July and 30°C (86°F) in August, and August averages 0 rain days. Evenings stay comfortable at 17–19°C (63–66°F), though the breeze in Belém or on the river ferry feels cool after dark. Bring sun protection and something light to throw on at night.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still summer at 26°C (79°F). October gets wetter with 12 rain days, and November drops to 19°C (66°F) with 10. Wet months are when the calçada is at its slickest, so grippy shoes and a rain jacket go in first.
What to bring to Lisbon
0 of 23 packed- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The traction outsole is the point here. Lisbon's polished stone hills punish smooth soles, and this light, washable sneaker is built for walking all day.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version, same traction outsole and cushioning, for the climb from Baixa up to the castle and the walk back down.
It packs small and weighs about 16 oz, so it lives in your day bag for the 13 rain days in March and the 12 in October.
A light, fully seam-sealed waterproof shell, which is all you need for Lisbon's showers when the lows never drop below 9°C (48°F).
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Tram 28 and the Baixa crowds are pickpocket territory, and a steel-wire strap with lockable zips makes you a harder target.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing around the zips keeps your phone and camera dry when an Atlantic shower rolls over the miradouro.
Portugal's two-pin sockets need an adapter if you're coming from the US or UK, and this one charges a phone and tablet from the same plug.
Clothing
- Light layers for evenings · 2River breeze cools after dark
- T-shirts · 4
- Long pants · 2
- Sun hat · 1August highs reach 30°C
- Warm sweater · 1Dec–Feb lows of 9–10°C
- Swimsuit · 1Summer beach day trips
Footwear
- Sandals with grip · 1Avoid smooth soles on calçada
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1March has 13 rain days
- Reusable water bottle · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Blister plastersSteep hills all day
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Tech
- Power bank · 1
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Lisbon?
Grip first, looks second. The hills in Alfama, Bairro Alto and Graça are paved with smooth limestone, and leather soles slide on it, uphill and down. Bring sneakers with real traction and leave heels at home unless you're taking taxis door to door.
What do people wear in Lisbon?
Lisbon is relaxed. Jeans, sneakers and a light jacket work almost everywhere, including most restaurants. In summer, shorts and dresses are normal in the city. It's polite to cover your shoulders inside churches like the Sé.
What plugs does Lisbon use?
Portugal uses Type C and F sockets at 230V, the same as most of mainland Europe. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are fine at 230V.
Tours and things to do in Lisbon
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Lisbon.
What should you leave at home for Lisbon?
Leave the heels and the slick-soled dress shoes. Skip a big rolling suitcase if your rental is up a hill in Alfama, because the cobbles and stairs eat wheels. A heavy winter coat is overkill too, average lows never go below 9°C (48°F).
Around Lisbon
Packing for Lisbon: questions people ask
What shoes should I wear in Lisbon?
Sneakers with grippy rubber soles. The hills are paved with polished limestone that gets slippery, especially in the wet months.
What should I wear in Lisbon in October?
Layers and a rain jacket. October averages a 24°C (75°F) high, a 16°C (61°F) low and 12 rain days.
Is Lisbon cold in winter?
Not by northern European standards. Highs are 15–17°C (59–63°F) and lows 9–10°C (48–50°F) from December to February, but it's damp and windy, so bring a warm layer.
Do I need a plug adapter in Lisbon?
Yes, unless your plugs are already Type C or F. Portugal runs on 230V.
When is the best weather in Lisbon?
May and September are the sweet spot, with highs of 23°C (73°F) and 26°C (79°F) and few rain days. July and August are hotter and busier.
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