Lisbon When To Go

June and September are perfect months to visit, with lovely weather and plenty of outdoor action. Summer can get pretty hot (average highs are around 80 degrees) and most attractions and hotels are crowded with tourists; in August, many locals leave town and some places shut down.

Despite frequent rains and overcast skies, it never gets very cold in Lisbon (average lows are around 50 degrees), plus the prices are lower and crowds thinner during this time.

The weather turns pleasant and fresh, spring blossoms lace the city in pink and white, and prices remain reasonable until the deluge of summer tourists. April brings an international indie film festival with a focus on discovering hot new directors, while May ushers in bullfighting season at the almost 10,000-seater Campo Pequeno. Hop a train 30 minutes west to Cascais to watch the King Juan Carlos Sailing Cup (held every March) and dip your toes into the Atlantic. October also offers nice weather, shoulder-season rates, and few crowds.