Lisbon, Portugal – Climate and Average Weather Year Round: A Comprehensive Guide

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.

The hottest month in Lisbon is August, with average highs reaching 83°F and lows around 65°F. This makes summer an ideal time for beach visits and exploring the city’s historic sites.

During the cool season, which spans from mid-November to early March, average daily high temperatures drop below 63°F.

January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging from a low of 47°F to a high of 58°F.

Rainfall in Lisbon is relatively low, with an annual average of about 1.75 inches, ensuring many sunny days throughout the year.

Thanks to its favorable weather conditions, Lisbon is a welcoming destination year-round. Whether enjoying the summer warmth or the mild winter, visitors can experience the rich culture and beauty of this vibrant city.

For detailed climate information, you can refer to this resource.

Average Temperature in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal experiences a variety of temperatures throughout the year. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are mild.

January is the coldest month, with average highs of 58°F and lows of 47°F. The temperature starts rising in March.

Below is a table showing the average temperatures by month:

August is the hottest month with temperatures reaching an average high of 83°F. The low temperature stays around 65°F.

The weather in Lisbon is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which helps to moderate temperatures. This means you can expect warm, pleasant summers and cooler winters.

The average annual temperature in Lisbon is about 63°F. It’s this mild climate that makes it a great destination year-round.

Average Precipitation in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon experiences varied precipitation throughout the year, with distinct patterns in rainfall and rare snowfall events.

Average Rainfall in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s rainfall is unevenly distributed across the months. The wettest months are typically during the fall and winter.

The monthly precipitation is highest in November and December, each getting around 3.11 inches, while July is the driest month with only 0.12 inches.

Lisbon generally has more rainy days in the winter, reaching up to 13 days in January, November, and December. Summer months see significantly fewer rainy days.

Average Snow in Lisbon, Portugal

Snowfall in Lisbon is extremely rare due to its Mediterranean climate. The city’s mild winters make it unlikely to experience snow and ice conditions.

Lisbon’s winter temperatures hover around 47-58 °F, well above freezing, making snow and ice virtually unheard of.

The city’s coastal location and mild climate ensure that precipitation falls as rain, even in the coldest months.

Average Sun in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making it a bright and appealing destination. The city experiences significant variations in daily shortwave solar energy, primarily influenced by the time of year and atmospheric conditions.

Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Lisbon, Portugal

In Lisbon, the average daily shortwave solar energy varies significantly from month to month.

The city typically receives the highest solar energy during the summer months (June, July, and August). This period is marked by long days filled with ample sunshine, contributing to the warm and dry conditions typical of Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate.

In contrast, the winter months (December through February) see shorter days and less solar energy.

The sun’s intensity and duration decrease, resulting in cooler temperatures.

July is the sunniest month in Lisbon, boasting an impressive 7.38 kWh/m² of daily solar energy.

Conversely, December is the least sunny, with an average of 1.91 kWh/m².

These variations highlight the city’s diverse climate and the significant impact of seasonal changes on sunlight availability.

Average Humidity in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year. Humidity is an important aspect of its climate.

Monthly Average Humidity

Dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture. It varies with humidity and temperature.

Monthly Dew Point

Lisbon’s relative humidity changes with the seasons. In summer, lower humidity makes the heat more bearable. In winter, higher humidity can make it feel colder.

Seasonal Variations

• Winter (December – February): High humidity around 80%. Dew points in the mid-40s.
• Summer (June – August): Lower humidity around 64-68%. Dew points in the high 50s to low 60s.

Average Wind in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year. The city is generally breezy, influenced by its coastal location.

Monthly Average Wind Speeds:

Lisbon’s windiest month is usually January, with average speeds reaching around 9.5 mph. During the summer months, the wind speeds tend to drop slightly, with August being one of the calmer months.

The city often experiences breezes coming from the northwest, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. This helps to cool the area during the hotter months.

For those interested in the dynamics of wind and weather patterns in Lisbon, articles on wind provide further insight.

Average Air Quality in Lisbon, Portugal

Air quality in Lisbon tends to be quite good throughout the year. According to the IQAir, Lisbon’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls into the “Good” category.

Monthly Average AQI Levels:

Particulates (PM2.5) are often the primary pollutants. Still, levels usually stay low and safe for most people. Given this, outdoor activities are generally safe throughout the year.

For anyone sensitive to air quality, it’s always wise to check real-time updates. Websites like AccuWeather provide localized air quality forecasts.

Lisbon benefits from its coastal location. Sea breezes help disperse pollutants, contributing to cleaner air. Therefore, the water temperature in Lisbon also plays a key role in influencing local weather patterns. The average water temperature ranges from 59°F in the winter to 72°F in the summer.

Topography of Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has a varied landscape, with a combination of hills and flatter areas. It’s situated along the Atlantic Ocean, giving it significant coastal influence.

The city stands on a series of hills, adding a lot of visual interest. These hills offer great viewpoints, like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Elevation

Lisbon’s elevation varies widely. At its highest points, Lisbon reaches about 361 feet (110 meters) above sea level. Lower parts of the city sit right at sea level, particularly those along the coast.

Coastal Influence

Being close to the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon’s coastal areas, such as the famous waterfront in Belém, play a big role in daily life. The ocean moderates temperatures, making even hot days a bit more bearable due to the coastal breeze.

Notable Landmarks

• Cabo da Roca: About 25 miles west of Lisbon, it’s the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Although not in Lisbon, it’s a popular day trip.
• Tagus River: This river flows into the Atlantic at Lisbon. It’s an essential feature of the city’s landscape.

Climate Influence

The topography and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean heavily influence Lisbon’s mild winters and warm summers. Hills help channel cool breezes from the ocean through many parts of the city.

Here’s a simple climate fact table to illustrate:

Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Lisbon, Portugal

Heatwaves

Lisbon experiences intense heatwaves, especially during the summer months. Temperatures can soar to 109°F (43°C), making it one of the hottest places in Europe during these periods. These extreme temperatures are often accompanied by dry winds, which can enhance the feeling of heat and dryness.

Dry Season

Lisbon has a notable dry season extending from June to September. During these months, the city receives very little rainfall, often leading to drought conditions. The lack of rain, combined with high temperatures, can severely affect water supply and agriculture.

Monthly Extremes

Lisbon’s weather can vary greatly throughout the year. Here’s a look at some of the notable extremes:

Fires and Smoke

During extreme heatwaves, Lisbon can experience wildfires, especially in the forested hills surrounding the city. These fires can spread quickly due to dry conditions and high winds. Residents and visitors might notice a smoky haze in the air and sometimes even ash falling from the sky.

Flooding Risk

Though less common, intense rainfall can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas. This can occur when short, heavy downpours overwhelm the drainage systems.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Lisbon, Portugal

The best time to visit Lisbon is during spring or fall when the weather is mild, hotel rates are reasonable, and the crowds are smaller compared to summer. Each season in Lisbon offers a unique experience for travelers.

What is Lisbon, Portugal Like in Spring

Spring in Lisbon, from March to May, features temperatures in the 60s to low 70s during the day, dropping to the 50s at night. Days are mostly sunny with occasional rainfall, especially in April. This period is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing as the city is less crowded compared to summer.

During spring, visitors can enjoy blooming flowers and festivals such as the Lisbon Fish and Flavors festival. Navigating the city’s narrow streets and historic neighborhoods is comfortable with the pleasant weather.

What is Lisbon, Portugal Like in Summer

Summer, from June to August, brings hot temperatures with average highs around 82°F and minimal rainfall. Evenings remain comfortably cool, making it perfect for experiencing Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife. Crowds peak during these months, making popular tourist spots busy.

What is Lisbon, Portugal Like in Fall

Fall, from September to November, sees temperatures cooling from the high 70s to the low 60s by November.

This season offers a second chance for pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

September can still feel like summer with average highs of around 79°F.

Fall is a great time for wine tasting tours and enjoying the local cuisine at outdoor terraces.

The weather is warm enough for beach visits and exploring cultural attractions without the intense summer heat.

What is Lisbon, Portugal Like in Winter

Winter in Lisbon, from December to February, is mild compared to other European cities.

Average highs range from 56°F to 61°F, while nights can be chilly, dropping to the 40s.

Rainfall increases during this season, making the streets wet but adding a certain charm to the city.

Despite cooler temperatures, Lisbon’s winter is attractive for those looking for a cozy experience.

The city’s Christmas markets and light displays provide festive cheer. Plus, hotel rates are at their lowest, making it an affordable time to visit.