What's the Weather in Lisbon? And What to Wear, Month by Month.


If you are planning a trip to Lisbon, you are probably asking two very practical questions.
What's the weather in Lisbon?And just as important, what should I actually wear?
The short answer is this. Lisbon has a mild, sunny climate most of the year, but it is also a city of hills, wind, changing light, and surprising evenings. Packing well is less about fashion and more about comfort, layers, and being ready to walk.
If you’re planning to explore the city on foot and discover local places along the way, this can make a real difference.
Let's break it all down, season by season and month by month, so you're fully ready.
Lisbon Weather by Season. When is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon.
Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Average daytime temperatures range from around 15°C (60°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer. Rain is mostly limited to late fall and winter, and even then, it rarely lasts all day.
That said, Lisbon weather is not just about temperature. Wind from the Atlantic, humidity in winter, and cool evenings year round are what catch visitors by surprise.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Lisbon.
Temperatures slowly rise from around 17°C (63°F) in March to about 23°C (73°F) in May. Days are sunny and bright, but mornings and evenings can still feel cool.
Jaracuanda, purple-blue flowers trees are in full bloom. It feels fresh, breezy, and full of light. You will see locals sitting outside again, jackets open, sunglasses on.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is warm, dry, and very sunny.
Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F. Heat waves happen, but the Atlantic breeze keeps things more comfortable than in many European capitals.
Evenings cool down more than people expect, especially near the river or in higher neighborhoods. This is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is calm, golden, and underrated.
October still feels like summer light with temperatures around 23°C or 73°F. November cools down slightly and brings occasional rain.
The city slows down, the light softens, and walking becomes a pleasure again.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Lisbon is mild but humid.
Temperatures hover between 10°C and 16°C or 50°F to 61°F. Snow is unheard of, but humidity can make it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Think soft light, cloudy mornings, sunny afternoons, and quiet streets.
What to Wear in Lisbon. The Big Picture.
Before we go month by month, here is the most important thing to know.
Lisbon is a walking city.
Between hills, cobblestones, viewpoints, and long strolls along the river, comfort matters more than looking perfect in photos.
Locals dress simply, practically, and in layers. There is an unspoken rule here. Be comfortable, be relaxed, and be ready to walk.
This is where the famous 3 3 3 packing rule comes in handy.
The 3 3 3 Packing Rule, Lisbon Edition.
The idea is simple.
3 tops. 3 bottoms. 3 pairs of shoes
Mix and match. Add layers. Keep it light.
What makes Lisbon a good fit for the 3 3 3 rule is its mix of conditions. Days are often warm, nights can feel surprisingly chilly, and a light rain is always possible outside of summer. That means versatility matters more than variety.
Think breathable tops you can layer, bottoms that work day to night, and shoes you can actually walk in. This approach lets you adjust easily as the weather shifts, without overpacking for every possible scenario.
What to Wear in Lisbon. Month by Month.
January
Weather snapshot
Cool, mild, sometimes rainy. Around 15°C or 59°F during the day.
What locals wear
Coats, sweaters, scarves, waterproof shoes.
What visitors get wrong
Packing like it is summer Europe. It is not.
What to pack
A warm sweater, a light coat, comfortable closed shoes, and something water resistant.
February
Weather snapshot
Similar to January but slightly brighter.
What locals wear
Layers, ankle boots, simple coats.
What visitors get wrong
Underestimating humidity.
What to pack
Layers you can remove, a scarf, and shoes that handle wet pavement.
March
Weather snapshot
Spring starts to show up. Around 17°C or 63°F.
What locals wear
Light jackets, sweaters, sneakers.
What visitors get wrong
Packing only winter clothes.
What to pack
A mix of winter and spring layers. Think flexibility.
April
Weather snapshot
Sunny days with cool evenings.
What locals wear
Light coats, jeans, sneakers, sunglasses.
What visitors get wrong
Forgetting a jacket for the evening.
What to pack
Breathable tops, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes.
May
Weather snapshot
Warm, bright, and ideal. Around 23°C or 73°F.
What locals wear
Light layers, dresses with jackets, trainers.
What visitors get wrong
Overpacking summer clothes.
What to pack
Summer pieces plus one light layer for evenings.
June
Weather snapshot
Summer begins. Warm days, cool nights.
What locals wear
Loose clothing, sandals, sneakers.
What visitors get wrong
Only packing beachwear.
What to pack
Light clothing, a sweater for evenings, proper walking shoes.
July
Weather snapshot
Hot and dry. Around 28°C or 82°F.
What locals wear
Breathable fabrics, neutral colors, comfortable shoes.
What visitors get wrong
Fashion over comfort.
What to pack
Linen, cotton, sunscreen, and shoes you can walk in for hours.
August
Weather snapshot
Similar to July but quieter in the city.
What locals wear
Very light clothing, sandals, casual outfits.
What visitors get wrong
Ignoring the hills.
What to pack
Light clothes and shoes with good grip.
September
Weather snapshot
Still warm, less intense. Around 26°C or 79°F.
What locals wear
Summer clothes with light layers.
What visitors get wrong
Thinking summer is over.
What to pack
Summer outfits plus a light jacket.
October
Weather snapshot
Warm days, cooler evenings.
What locals wear
Jeans, light sweaters, jackets.
What visitors get wrong
Packing too heavy.
What to pack
Layerable pieces that work day to night.
November
Weather snapshot
Cooler, occasional rain.
What locals wear
Coats, scarves, boots.
What visitors get wrong
Expecting constant rain.
What to pack
A coat, water resistant shoes, layers.
December
Weather snapshot
Mild winter. Around 15°C or 59°F.
What locals wear
Winter layers without bulk.
What visitors get wrong
Packing for cold winter destinations.
What to pack
A warm sweater, light coat, comfortable shoes.
Common Packing Mistakes in Lisbon
Packing too many dressy outfits. Lisbon is casual. Comfort wins.
Bringing brand new shoes. Cobblestones will remind you immediately.
Ignoring layers. Even summer nights can feel cool.
How to Explore Lisbon Comfortably and Consciously
Lisbon rewards slow exploration.
Walking through neighborhoods, stopping at small cafés, climbing viewpoints, and discovering places that do not appear on every list is how the city reveals itself.
When you dress comfortably, pack lightly, and move through the city with curiosity, you experience Lisbon differently.
That is also the idea behind the Circular Pass by The Circular Shift. It helps you discover local places, support community projects, and explore the city beyond the obvious, at your own pace.
If you want to experience Lisbon in a way that feels more local, more human, and more connected, you can learn more about it here.
Lisbon is waiting. Just pack smartly, lace up your walking shoes, and let the city do the rest!