Lisbon Weather & Climate Guide: Year-Round Expectations

Lisbon possesses a subtropical Mediterranean climate, uniquely tempered by the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike many southern European cities that experience oppressive summer heat, Lisbon remains relatively fresh, balanced by maritime breezes and significant sunlight throughout the year.

Typical Weather Patterns

Lisbon is characterized by a binary seasonal cycle: a long, warm, and dry season from May to September, and a mild, wet season from late October to March. The city is one of the sunniest in Europe, boasting over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually. Even in the depths of winter, it is common to experience bright blue skies immediately following a heavy rainstorm.

Seasonal Climate Dynamics

Summer (June – August)

Summertime is dominated by the Azores Anticyclone, which brings stable, sunny weather and almost zero precipitation. Daytime temperatures typically hover between 25°C and 28°C (77°F–83°F).

• The Feel: Low humidity makes the heat manageable, but the UV index is very high. The evenings are surprisingly crisp due to the ocean's influence, often requiring a light layer after sunset.
• The Wind: Locals are intimately familiar with the Nortada, a strong northerly wind that kicks up in the late afternoon, providing a natural air-conditioning effect but occasionally making beach-going on the Atlantic side (like Guincho) quite gusty.

Autumn (September – October)

September often feels like an extension of summer, known as the Veranico de São Martinho (St. Martin's Summer) if warm spells occur later in the season. Rainfall begins to increase in late October, usually arriving in the form of fast-moving Atlantic fronts.

Winter (November – February)

Winter in Lisbon is exceptionally mild compared to Northern Europe. Temperatures rarely drop below 8°C (46°F) at night and stay around 15°C (59°F) during the day. Snow is practically non-existent; the last significant snowfall occurred in 1954.

• The Feel: While temperatures are mild, the high humidity (averaging 80%) can make the air feel "bone-chilling" inside traditional stone buildings which lack central heating.
• Rainfall: November is typically the wettest month. Rain often comes in heavy bursts rather than a persistent drizzle.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is a transitional and volatile season. One day may mirror mid-summer, while the next brings "April showers." By May, the landscape is at its most verdant before the summer drought sets in.

Microclimates and Regional Variations

Lisbon’s topography of seven hills creates subtle variations, but the most significant microclimate is found just 30km away in Sintra.

• Sintra vs. Lisbon: The Serra de Sintra hills trap Atlantic moisture, meaning Sintra is frequently 2°C to 5°C cooler than Lisbon and shrouded in an ethereal mist (nevoeiro) even when the capital is basking in full sun.
• The River Influence: Areas directly along the Tagus River (Tejo) like Belém often feel a few degrees cooler and windier than the sheltered, inland valleys of the city center.

Historical Context and Local Adaptation

Historically, Lisbon’s architecture was designed to manage heat rather than cold. The narrow, winding streets of Alfama provide natural shade, while the iconic pombalino buildings utilize thick walls to maintain a steady internal temperature.

Locals adapt to the weather through the "onion" method—wearing multiple layers to handle the sharp temperature shifts between sun and shade. You will often see residents enjoying esplanadas (outdoor cafés) in the middle of January, as the standard for "good weather" in Lisbon is simply the presence of sun, regardless of the thermometer reading.