What to pack for Lisbon (by season)

Lisbon is a city of steep hills, tiled pavements and viewpoints, with a mild Atlantic climate. Summers are dry and sunny; winters are mild but can be wet.

The polished limestone pavements (calçada) get slippery, especially after rain, so shoes with real grip are the single most important thing you pack.

Typical weather by season

Spring Mar–May

68° / 52°F

20° / 11°C

Mild and bright, with some showers early on.

Summer Jun–Aug

82° / 64°F

28° / 18°C

Dry, sunny and warm; heatwaves bring hotter days.

Autumn Sep–Nov

72° / 57°F

22° / 14°C

Warm in September, rain returns in November.

Winter Dec–Feb

59° / 47°F

15° / 8°C

Mild but damp — the wettest part of the year.

Average daytime highs and night-time lows, rounded. Lisbon city. Evenings by the river and on the coast at Cascais and Sintra are cooler and breezier. Always check the forecast before you pack — Wayfold does this for you.

Eating out in Lisbon

Dishes to look for in Portugal: Pastel de nata, Bacalhau à Brás, Sardinhas assadas, Caldo verde. Tipping: Not expected. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good table service is appreciated. Tap water: generally safe to drink.

More in the Portugal travel guide: what to eat, diet flags and entry rules. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.

Local tips

1
Tram 28 and the busiest viewpoints are known for pickpockets; keep your bag in front of you.
2
Day trips to Sintra are usually cooler and mistier than the city — take a layer.
3
The Atlantic is cold even in summer, so expect bracing water at the beach.

Before you go

Entry (US and UK passports): Portugal is in the Schengen area. ETIAS is not required yet; the EU’s Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travellers at the border. Check the official source before you travel. European Union — ETIAS(opens in a new tab)
Border records: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) records fingerprints and a photo at your first entry, so allow extra time at passport control. European Union — EES(opens in a new tab)
Money: The currency is the euro. Contactless cards are widely accepted; carry a little cash for small cafés.

Entry rules change. This is general information, not legal advice — check the official source before you travel.

What to pack for Lisbon: packing list by season

Typical weather by season