The Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Weather, Events & Prices

Planning a trip to Portugal’s capital? Knowing the best time to visit Lisbon can make all the difference. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, lower prices, fewer crowds, or unforgettable festivals, Lisbon’s changing seasons offer something for every type of traveller. In this guide, we break down Lisbon’s weather by month, compare travel costs across seasons, highlight major events and cultural festivals, and help you choose the ideal time based on your travel style and budget.

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When Should You Visit Lisbon?

What is the ideal season for weather and prices?

Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures (20–25 °C), lower crowds, and more affordable hotels.

How does summer compare?

Summer (June to August) brings dry, hot weather – often exceeding 35 °C -and full beaches. Major festivals such as Santo António in June bring lively street parties, grilled sardines, and neighbourhood competitions (Marchas Populares)

Is winter a budget-friendly time to visit?

Winter (November–February) offers the lowest prices and fewer tourists. Although rain is more frequent, many hotels and attractions remain open, and cosy cafés and river views still shine .

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Lisbon’s Yearly Events to Consider

• April–May: IndieLisboa Film Festival, Lisbon Design Week, ARCO Lisboa Art Fair
• June: Santo António Festivals, Marchas Populares, Lisbon Pride Parade
• June–July: Lisbon Book Fair at Parque Eduardo VII
• September: MOTELX Horror Film Festival
• November: Lisbon & Estoril International Film Festival

More details on each below!

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IndieLisboa Film Festival (April–May)

What it is: A globally respected independent film festival showcasing thought-provoking cinema from emerging and established filmmakers.

Why go: It’s a chance to experience world-class films you won’t find on mainstream platforms. Many screenings feature Q&As with directors.

Need to know: Held at venues like Culturgest and Cinema São Jorge. Book tickets early for popular films. Some screenings are English-subtitled.

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Lisbon Design Week (April–May)

What it is: A citywide celebration of Portuguese and international design, featuring open studios, gallery pop-ups, and product showcases.

Why go: Great for creatives, shoppers, or anyone into interior design, innovation, or sustainable trends.

Need to know: Most events are free. Check the official website for a map of participating districts like Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real.

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ARCO Lisboa Art Fair (May)

What it is: Lisbon’s premier contemporary art fair, bringing together galleries, artists, and collectors from across Europe and Latin America.

Why go: An insider look into Portugal’s fast-growing art scene. Perfect for art lovers and collectors.

Need to know: Held at Cordoaria Nacional. Public entry is usually on the weekend days of the event. Expect a mix of installations, talks, and curated spaces.

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Santo António Festivals & Marchas Populares (June)

What it is: Lisbon’s biggest celebration, honouring the city’s patron saint with parades, music, grilled sardines, and late-night dancing in Alfama.

Why go: Pure Lisbon energy. It’s fun, local, and unforgettable — especially the colourful street processions known as Marchas Populares.

Need to know: Streets in central Lisbon close to traffic. Book accommodation early and wear comfy shoes. The biggest night is June 12.

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Lisbon Pride Parade (June)

What it is: A vibrant, inclusive parade through Lisbon, championing LGBTQIA+ rights and community.

Why go: Expect music, parties, and colourful floats — one of the most joyful days of the year in Lisbon.

Need to know: The parade usually starts at Jardim do Príncipe Real and ends with a big celebration at Terreiro do Paço. Free to attend.

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Lisbon Book Fair (June–July)

What it is: A long-running, open-air book market with dozens of stalls from Portuguese publishers and international authors.

Why go: A relaxing local experience blending books, music, food trucks, and views in one of Lisbon’s most scenic parks.

Need to know: Held at Parque Eduardo VII. Many events and talks are in Portuguese, but English books are available.

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MOTELX Horror Film Festival (September)

What it is: Europe’s premier horror and fantasy film festival, screening cult classics and new genre films.

Why go: Great for horror buffs or those looking for something different. Atmosphere is eerie but fun.

Need to know: Held at Cinema São Jorge. Nighttime showings are especially popular. Tickets are affordable, and some films are in English or subtitled.

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Lisbon & Estoril International Film Festival (LEFFEST) (November)

What it is: A prestigious film festival bridging Lisbon and nearby Estoril, featuring auteur cinema, masterclasses, and industry panels.

Why go: You might catch European premieres or meet renowned directors. A favourite for serious cinephiles.

Need to know: Screenings take place across Lisbon and Estoril. Look for events at venues like the Gulbenkian Foundation or Cinema Monumental.

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Seasons – Pros & Cons: Summary:

Season	Pros	Cons
Spring / Early Autumn	Mild weather, fewer crowds, cheaper hotels	Some attractions may close early in spring
Summer	Warmest weather, festivals, local Lisbon energy	High prices, crowded beaches, some closures in August
Winter	Budget-friendly, peaceful city, cosy cafés	Cooler weather, occasional rain, reduced service hours

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Travel Tip: Booking Strategy

Aim to book hotels 2–3 months ahead for spring and autumn peaks. Not surprisingly, May and June fetch higher rates due to rising demand

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Seasonal Price Guide for Visiting Lisbon

Whether you’re travelling on a budget or planning a more comfortable getaway, Lisbon offers good value across the year. Here’s what you can expect to spend on average, per day, depending on the season:

Season	Travel Season	Budget (£ / $ / €)	Mid-Range (£ / $ / €)	High-End (£ / $ / €)
Spring (Mar–May)	Medium Season	£55 / $105 AUD / $70 USD / €65	£110 / $205 AUD / $135 USD / €130	£220+ / $400 AUD / $270 USD / €260+
Summer (Jun–Aug)	High Season	£65 / $120 AUD / $80 USD / €75	£130 / $235 AUD / $160 USD / €150	£250+ / $460 AUD / $300 USD / €290+
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	Medium Season	£50 / $95 AUD / $65 USD / €60	£100 / $190 AUD / $130 USD / €120	£210+ / $390 AUD / $270 USD / €250+
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Low Season	£45 / $85 AUD / $60 USD / €55	£95 / $180 AUD / $120 USD / €110	£200+ / $370 AUD / $260 USD / €240+

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What Do These Budgets Include?

• Budget: Hostel dorm bed, local eats, free walking tours, metro or bus.
• Mid-Range: Private Airbnb or boutique hotel, cafés, museum tickets, daily transport pass.
• High-End: 4–5 star hotel, fine dining, private guides, Ubers or rental car.

Tip: To avoid crowds but still enjoy good weather, spring and early autumn offer the best value-for-money mix in Lisbon.

Want to read more of our Lisbon Resources?

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• Where to Eat in Lisbon: Must-Try Local Spots & Hidden Gems
• Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Lisbon: Stylish Stays Worth Booking
• Best Day Trips from Lisbon by Train: Scenic Escapes
• Budget Accommodation in Lisbon for Digital Nomads
• Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Lisbon First-Timers