✓ Updated December 2025

Weather data and travel information verified current

Best Time to Visit Lisbon, Portugal: Feb or Mar 2025

Lisbon, Portugal travel destination - scenic view of Sunrise Fado in Alfama's Alleyways during ideal visiting season — Image: Lisboa - Portugal (52597836992).jpg viaWikimedia Commons

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Quick Answer:

For a truly dynamic Lisbon experience, aim for late spring (April-June) or early autumn (September-October). During these periods, the city hums with a vibrant energy, the air is pleasantly mild, perfect for wandering through Alfama's narrow streets or enjoying golden sunsets over the Tagus River. You'll find fewer crowds than in peak summer, allowing you to savor the dynamic atmosphere of bustling markets and outdoor cafes. The winter months offer a more subdued, yet equally captivating, charm with fewer tourists and cozy evenings, while July and August can be quite warm, ideal for beach excursions but best for those who thrive in the heat.

Best Months to Visit:

FebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOct

Airport Code

LIS

Coordinates

38.72°, -9.14°

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Top Things to Do

Sunrise Fado in Alfama's Alleyways

Instead of a crowded evening show, seek out an intimate, early morning Fado performance in a small Alfama tasca. The raw emotion of the singers, accompanied by soulful guitar, feels even more poignant as the city slowly awakens, offering a truly authentic glimpse into Portuguese soul.

Tram 28's Secret Stops

Ride the iconic Tram 28, but hop off at less-frequented stops like Rua das Portas de Santo Antão or Campo de Santa Clara (near the Feira da Ladra flea market). These detours reveal charming local neighborhoods and artisan shops away from the main tourist throngs, offering a more genuine Lisbon experience.

Pastéis de Nata Pilgrimage to Belém

Venture to the original Pastéis de Belém bakery, but go mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak lunch rush. Savor the warm, flaky custard tarts dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, best enjoyed with a strong Portuguese coffee while watching the world go by.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte at Dusk

Climb to Lisbon's highest viewpoint, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, for an unparalleled panoramic vista as the sun dips below the horizon. The city lights begin to twinkle, casting a magical glow over the terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River, a truly romantic spectacle.

See all 8 things to do →

💡 Travel Tip: For the best value on hotels during this season, check current rates on Trip.com.

Essential Travel Tips

transport

Get a Viva Viagem card as soon as you land at the airport. This rechargeable card works for the metro, buses, trams, and even ferries, saving you the hassle of buying individual tickets and offering cheaper fares. You can top it up at any metro station machine.

food

Don't just stick to the famous Pastéis de Belém; explore local 'pastelarias' for incredible custard tarts. Try Manteigaria in the Chiado district – many locals swear by their versions, and you can watch them being made fresh.

culture

Embrace the Fado music scene, but do your research. While some tourist-focused Fado houses can be pricey, look for smaller, more intimate 'Casas de Fado' in neighborhoods like Alfama for a more authentic and often more affordable experience. Many offer dinner with the show.

money

While credit cards are widely accepted, always have some Euros in cash for smaller establishments, especially in older neighborhoods or for market purchases. Many small cafes and souvenir shops might not meet the minimum spend for card transactions.

packing

Pack comfortable walking shoes – Lisbon is a city of hills and cobblestones! You'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot, and your feet will thank you after a day of climbing up to São Jorge Castle or wandering through Bairro Alto.

safety

Be mindful of pickpockets, particularly on crowded trams like the famous Tram 28 and in busy tourist areas. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, and be aware of your surroundings, especially when boarding or disembarking public transport.

💡 Travel Tip: If you're planning your trip, it's worth checking flight prices on Trip.com before you decide.

Weather Details

Jan

12 days

Feb

11 days

Mar

10 days

Apr

8 days

May

6 days

Jun

3 days

Jul

2 days

Aug

2 days

Sep

5 days

Oct

9 days

Nov

11 days

Dec

13 days

Monthly Weather Data Table

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	High (°F)	Low (°F)	Rainfall (mm)	Rain Days	Daylight (h)
Jan	15°C	8°C	59°F	46°F	100mm	12 days	10h
Feb	16°C	9°C	61°F	48°F	90mm	11 days	11h
Mar	18°C	10°C	64°F	50°F	70mm	10 days	12h
Apr	20°C	12°C	68°F	54°F	50mm	8 days	13.5h
May	22°C	14°C	72°F	57°F	40mm	6 days	14h
Jun	25°C	17°C	77°F	63°F	20mm	3 days	14.5h
Jul	27°C	19°C	81°F	66°F	10mm	2 days	14h
Aug	28°C	19°C	82°F	66°F	15mm	2 days	13h
Sep	26°C	18°C	79°F	64°F	45mm	5 days	12h
Oct	22°C	15°C	72°F	59°F	80mm	9 days	11h
Nov	18°C	11°C	64°F	52°F	110mm	11 days	10h
Dec	16°C	9°C	61°F	48°F	120mm	13 days	9.5h

Lisbon, Portugal Month by Month: Complete Guide

Planning your trip to Lisbon, Portugal? Here's what to expect each month:

Weather

18°C°C / 64°F°F

11 days rainy days • 110mmmm

What to Expect

Late fall, cooler weather. Off-season begins, significant discounts available.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Nov sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

Dec in Lisbon, Portugal

Weather

16°C°C / 61°F°F

13 days rainy days • 120mmmm

What to Expect

Winter season, holiday atmosphere. Festive but can be cold. Mixed crowds.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Dec sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

All Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

Sunrise Fado in Alfama's Alleyways

cultural

Best time: Oct-Apr

Tram 28's Secret Stops

activity

Best time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Pastéis de Nata Pilgrimage to Belém

food

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte at Dusk

attraction

Best time: May-Oct

Exploring LX Factory's Creative Hub

shopping

Wander through the repurposed industrial complex of LX Factory, a vibrant hub of independent boutiques, art studios, and trendy cafes. Discover unique souvenirs, browse the stunning Ler Devagar bookstore, and soak in the bohemian atmosphere that pulses through this revitalized district.

A Day Trip to the Sintra Hills' Hidden Trails

nature

Beyond the famous palaces, explore the lush, mystical trails of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Hike through ancient forests to discover lesser-known quintas and viewpoints, breathing in the fresh, pine-scented air and escaping the crowds for a serene natural escape.

Best time: Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct

Ginjinha Tasting in Rossio Square

food

Find one of the tiny Ginjinha bars near Rossio Square and try this traditional cherry liqueur. Sip it 'com elas' (with the cherries) or 'sem elas' (without), standing at the bar like a local, for a sweet and potent taste of Lisbon's convivial spirit.

Bairro Alto's Rooftop Bar Hopping

nightlife

As night falls, ascend to the rooftops of Bairro Alto for a sophisticated evening. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with stunning city views, listening to the murmur of conversation and the distant sounds of Fado drifting up from the streets below.

Best time: Jun-Sep

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Getting Around Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon Metro

Lisbon's metro is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city, making it ideal for reaching major neighborhoods and attractions quickly. It's particularly useful for avoiding hilly terrain and traffic.

Cost:€1.50 per ride (with reusable Viva Viagem card), daily passes available from €6.40

Tip:Get a Viva Viagem card (€0.50 initial cost) and load it with 'zapping' credit for the cheapest per-ride fare. Avoid peak rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) if you dislike crowds. The stations themselves are often works of art, especially Olaias and Parque.

Trams (Elétricos)

Iconic yellow trams, especially Tram 28, are a quintessential Lisbon experience, winding through historic districts like Alfama and Graça. They're great for sightseeing but can be slow and crowded.

Cost:€3.00 per ride if paying the driver, covered by Viva Viagem card with 'zapping' credit or day pass.

Tip:Board at the beginning of the route (e.g., Martim Moniz for Tram 28) to secure a seat. Beware of pickpockets; keep valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings. This is more of a scenic tour than efficient transport during peak times.

Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/Bolt)

Uber and Bolt are widely available and often more affordable than traditional taxis, especially for longer distances or when traveling in groups. They offer convenience and predictable pricing.

Cost:Varies by distance and time, but generally competitive with taxis. Expect around €5-€10 for short to medium trips within the city center.

Tip:Download both apps as prices can fluctuate. Bolt is often slightly cheaper. Ensure your driver's license plate matches the one in the app before getting in. Surge pricing can occur during major events or holidays.

Ferries (Transtejo/Soflusa)

Ferries connect Lisbon to the south bank of the Tagus River (e.g., Cacilhas, Barreiro), offering stunning city views and a pleasant way to reach areas like Cristo Rei or explore the Almada coastline.

Cost:Around €1.30-€2.70 per ride, depending on the route. Viva Viagem card is accepted.

Tip:The ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas is a must-do for sunset views of Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Check schedules in advance, especially for return trips, as services can be less frequent late at night.

Funiculars & Elevators (Ascensores & Elevador de Santa Justa)

These historic funiculars (like Ascensor da Bica, Glória, Lavra) and the Elevador de Santa Justa help conquer Lisbon's steep hills, providing unique transport and panoramic viewpoints.

Cost:Elevador de Santa Justa: €5.30 (round trip, includes viewpoint access). Funiculars: €3.80 per ride or covered by Viva Viagem card.

Tip:The Elevador de Santa Justa often has long queues; consider accessing the top platform via the Carmo Convent ruins for free (just pay for the elevator down if you wish). Funiculars are charming but slow; walking might be faster for short distances if you're fit.

Walking & Scooters

Lisbon is a walkable city, especially its historic neighborhoods, but its hills can be challenging. Electric scooters offer a fun, albeit sometimes precarious, way to cover shorter distances.

Cost:Walking is free! Scooters typically cost €1 to unlock and €0.15-€0.30 per minute.

Tip:Wear comfortable shoes! For scooters, be aware of pedestrian traffic and designated parking zones to avoid fines. Apps like Bolt, Lime, and Bird operate in Lisbon. Always check the battery level before starting a ride.

💡 Travel Tip: This season usually means better deals — check what's available on Trip.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When's the absolute best time to visit Lisbon to truly soak it all in, without the massive crowds?

For that perfect sweet spot, I always recommend the shoulder seasons: April to May or September to October. The weather is glorious – warm enough for exploring but not oppressively hot – and you'll find fewer tour groups jostling for space at iconic spots like Belém Tower. Plus, the city buzzes with a local energy that can sometimes get lost in the peak summer rush.

I've heard Lisbon is hilly! What's the secret to getting around without exhausting myself?

Oh, those hills are no joke, but they're part of Lisbon's charm! My top tip is to embrace the public transport, especially the historic trams like the famous Tram 28 – it's an adventure in itself and saves your legs. For steeper climbs, the 'elevadores' (funiculars) and the Santa Justa Lift are not just transport, but also fantastic viewpoints. Don't be afraid to use them; they're a lifesaver and a quintessential Lisbon experience.

Beyond the usual pasteis de nata, what's a must-try local treat or drink I might miss?

You absolutely *must* try a 'ginjinha'! It's a sweet cherry liqueur, often served in a tiny chocolate cup, and you'll find little hole-in-the-wall 'ginjinhas' all over the older neighborhoods like Alfama. It's a true local ritual, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. Also, keep an eye out for 'sardinhas assadas' (grilled sardines) during the summer festival season – they're incredibly fresh and flavorful.

Are there any neighborhoods that offer a more authentic, less touristy vibe for exploring or dining?

Absolutely! While Alfama is beautiful, it can get crowded. For a more local feel, I adore exploring the streets of Graça, which offers stunning viewpoints without the throngs, or heading over to Campo de Ourique, a charming residential area with a fantastic market where you can sample local delicacies. These areas feel more like stepping into everyday Lisbon life.

What's a common mistake tourists make in Lisbon that I should avoid?

One common pitfall is trying to see *everything* in just a couple of days. Lisbon is a city to be savored, not rushed. My advice is to pick a few neighborhoods and really get lost in them, enjoy a leisurely coffee at a local 'pastelaria,' and let the city reveal itself. Rushing from one major sight to the next will mean you miss the subtle magic that makes Lisbon so special.

How many days do you need in Lisbon, Portugal?

We recommend spending 3-5 days in Lisbon, Portugal to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. This gives you time to explore the top sights, experience local culture, and take a day trip if desired. Budget travelers might do 2-3 days, while those wanting a deeper experience should plan for a week.

Is Lisbon, Portugal expensive to visit?

Lisbon, Portugal can be enjoyed on various budgets. Daily costs typically range from $50-80 for budget travelers, $100-200 for mid-range visitors, and $250+ for luxury experiences. Prices are highest during Feb and lowest during off-season months. Book accommodations early to secure better rates.

What is Lisbon, Portugal famous for?

Lisbon, Portugal is famous for its unique attractions, rich culture, and memorable experiences. The destination is best known for its architectural landmarks, local cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere. Visit during Feb or Mar for the best experience.

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