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Lisbon in August with highlights, sunny weather and fantastic festivals
Dreaming of a European summer escape with golden beaches and cobbled streets? Lisbon in August offers both. With a few surprises! August is one of the warmest months, but it’s the perfect time to combine a city trip with a beach holiday! Many people are enjoying the summer holidays, and it’s especially a popular time for families to travel. But there is also enough to see and do for couples and solo travellers!
As a local in Lisbon, I love visiting the stunning coastline near the city. In this guide, I will tell you more about that, but also what the weather is like in August in Lisbon and which events you can attend in the Portuguese capital.
In Portugal, people also celebrate their holidays, so you might find some local shops and restaurants are closed. Thankfully, you never need to be bored, and there is always something to do! Head out early or late to escape the Lisbon August heat!
Fun things to do in the morning are a photoshoot in Alfama for the best light and a tuk-tuk tour through the city to see the highlights without stressing the body. In the evening, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets from São Jorge Castle, or enjoy a boat tour on the Tagus River!
Of course, there are plenty of beaches nearby to discover as well. Enjoy a day at the Costa da Caparica, Cascais, or the Sintra beaches! Happy holidays!
What to expect in Lisbon in August?
Weather in Lisbon in August
The weather in Lisbon in August is warm! You can expect an average temperature of around 28°C degrees (83 °F). The average temperature at night is around 20°C (68 °F), so you can still enjoy shorts and a summer dress in the evenings!
You can expect an average low of 18°C and an average high temperature of 30 °C. It makes August the warmest month to visit Lisbon, and you can expect sunny days for the entire month. Rainy days are rare, and it’s a great month to have a fun time in the city!
Daylight hours, sunrise and sunsets
The sun rises in August in Lisbon before 6 AM. Earlier in the month, you can expect a sunrise around 5.30 AM, and later in the month, around 6 AM. The days are getting shorter, and the sunset happens around 8.10 PM in early August. In late August, the sunset is around 7.30 PM. You will enjoy around 14 hours of daylight, of which, on average, 12 hours of sun!
The sea temperature in August in Lisbon
If you have read my previous seasonal posts, you may recall that I mentioned the sea temperature is cold. Even in the hottest time of the year, that is not different! The average water temperature in August in Lisbon ranges from 17 °C to 22.3 °C.
Lisbon is near the Atlantic Ocean, and cold waves create plenty of refreshment! The sea temperature is perfectly average this time of year, but it may feel cool if you’re not accustomed to it. Take a deep breath, and jump in!
Average rainfall when you visit Lisbon in August
There are few to no rainy days in August in Lisbon, and if there are, it most likely won’t rain all day. The average rainfall in August is 4 mm per month. There might be some light showers, and thunderstorms are rare. The average humidity is around 65% during the day, but it can be around 80% in the morning.
What to pack for August in Lisbon?
With so much sun in the city in August, you can pack pretty light! You should always bring something with long sleeves and a pair of trousers, though. You can wear it on the plane to save space in your luggage, and you’ll stay comfortable inside the aircraft in colder temperatures.
In the evenings, it might get colder, too, and the coastal areas usually have cooler temperatures. Otherwise, you’ll wear plenty of shorts, t-shirts and dresses in the sunny city!
Remember to bring sunglasses and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. The UV Index reading is high this time of year, and a high SPF is recommended, even on cloudy days!
Must-see activities in August in Lisbon
When you visit Lisbon in August, you can enjoy many famous sights, festivals and beach activities nearby! I’ve outlined some ideas of things to do in the city with warm weather, including some tips to stay cool!
Enjoy a river cruise on the Tagus
When you visit Lisbon in August, you can enjoy some amazing summer activities in the city! One of the best ways to stay fresh is booking a boat tour on the Tagus River! You can enjoy a boat ride during the day or book a romantic sunset tour with stunning city views!
If you travel with children, the HIPPOtrip is incredible! You will travel on an amphibious vehicle suitable for the road and the water! This excursion can be combined with a visit to São Jorge Castle. Dolphin-watching experiences on the Tagus River are also loved by children and adults alike.
Many other options exist for enjoying the river and the sea in summer. You can book a catamaran tour with drinks and a DJ or rent a private boat for the day. They are all great experiences for solo travellers and groups that like a party atmosphere. For those looking for a calmer environment, the sailing excursions are incredible!
Discover the city by tuk-tuk
The tuk-tuk tours are fantastic for enjoying Lisbon in August without too much effort. You have many options to see the city with little to no walking! Perfect to stay cool while sightseeing in Lisbon.
Besides, most tuk-tuks have a sunroof, so you always sit in the shade. The tuk-tuks are ideal for exploring the seven hills of Lisbon, and the driver can take you to many different neighbourhoods.
There are short tuk-tuk tours that last 1 or 2 hours, but the 4-hour excursions are best for seeing most of the city’s highlights. Typically, you visit neighbourhoods like Alfama, Belém, and Baixa.
The guide will tell you many stories about Lisbon, and you can even book specially-themed tours! The old town with tons of history, food tours, and street art tuk-tuk excursions, are especially popular.
Book a photo shoot in Lisbon
The cobbled streets of Alfama are great to explore, and this neighbourhood creates a gorgeous backdrop for images! Over the years, I have taken many visitors to stunning locations in Alfama and the rest of Lisbon. There are 30-minute mini-shoots available to get a sense of Lisbon and for an original souvenir from your holiday!
But many tourists love the 90-minute walking photography shoots. This way, we can visit multiple city locations with stunning views and famous landmarks. So you get to see some areas in the city and take beautiful pictures home! The many parks are also great in summer and offer shade and cooler temperatures. Take a look at some examples and read more information, or contact me for availability.
Visit the beach!
Let’s take a look at the beautiful praias near Lisbon, which are perfect for hot days! You can easily reach many by train when you travel towards Cascais. The Portuguese Riviera contains beaches such as Praia de Caxias, Praia de Carcavelos, and Praia do Tamariz. Some beaches are located in Cascais, but they are small and can get busy.
You can also travel further afield by public transport or rental car. The Costa da Caparica, just south of the Tagus River, has enormous beaches, which are also great for surfing. Some of my favourites are Praia da Morena, Praia da Fonte da Telha, and Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira.
Praia do Magoito
The Sintra beaches are equally stunning! Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs are easy to reach and have excellent facilities. Praia da Ursa is great for hiking and a raw beach experience. It’s one of my favourite beaches in Portugal!
Famous landmarks that require upfront tickets
Lisbon is a busy destination all year round. I will happily share some attractions with you that require a booking upfront. This way, you are fully prepared to visit Lisbon! First, Belém is very busy, as you will find landmarks such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the MAAT Museum.
You need to pre-book a ticket for the tower and monastery, but there are no skip-the-line tickets. You will still have to wait in line to enter the landmarks, and there is no shade. Bring a sun umbrella and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sunshine!
To avoid the longest lines, arrive as soon as the doors open or just before closing. The Lisboa Card allows you to enter Torre de Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery for free.
São Jorge Castle is another highlight. It is located on the top of a hill in Alfama. The views are incredible from here, and many peacocks live in the gardens. Visit the castle during the week to avoid long queues and book tickets online. Castelo de São Jorge is open until 9 PM in summer, and it’s a stunning place to see the sunset!
Book your tickets in advance!
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
- Hop-on-hop-off bus Lisbon
- São Jorge Castle
- Pena Palace (Sintra) with time slot
- Quinta da Regaleira (Sintra) with time slot
- Moorish Castle (Sintra)
- Sintra National Palace (Sintra)
Day trips from Lisbon in August
With so much daylight in summer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a day trip from Lisbon! One of the most famous places nearby is Sintra! Most palaces can be busy in the high season. I recommend getting tickets for Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle, and Sintra National Palace in advance. If you decide to book a guided tour from Lisbon, booking this in advance is also best.
If you prefer visiting some hidden gems in Sintra, Biester Palace, Monserrate Palace, Queluz Palace, and the Convent of the Capuchos are fantastic. But Sintra is more than palaces! Visit towns like Azenhas do Mar or Praia das Maças, for example.
South of Lisbon, the Arrábida Nature Park is fantastic. Besides stunning spots like Praia de Galapinhos, you can enjoy many watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and co-steering. Join a boat tour to see the unique dolphins in the Sado estuary or visit one of the vineyards in Azeitão.
You can visit towns like Óbidos, Fátima, and Tomar north of Lisbon. Nazaré is a famous coastal town known for its big waves, but please note these waves are way higher in winter. Ericeira is a great place to visit if you like surfing! Or make an excursion to the beautiful Berlengas Islands for some quality time in nature!
Events and festivals in August
August is a relatively quiet month for events in Lisbon, but there are certainly some cool things happening! Nationwide, it’s one of the busiest months, with many festivals in the country. Let’s take a closer look.
OUT Jazz
SOMERSBY OUT Jazz is happening on multiple dates (click the link for details) throughout the summer, until mid-September. In August, the event takes place on Sundays in Oeiras. Please check the calendar and website for more information.
Jazz em Agosto
Another excellent festival for jazz lovers is Jazz em Agosto. This event is scheduled to take place at the Fundação Gulbenkian gardens from August 1st until the 10th.
Candlelight Concerts in Lisbon
We saw the Vivaldi Candlelight Concert in May, which was fantastic! This summer, enjoy much more romantic evenings with music from ABBA, Queen, Coldplay, Vivaldi, and more!
Assumption Day
The 15th of August is Assumption Day or Feast of the Assumption of Mary. It’s a public holiday, and there may be closures.
O Sol da Caparica
You can enjoy live music from August 14th until the 17th at Parque Urbano at the Costa da Caparica. O Sol da Caparica Highlights are Plutonio, Dillaz, Da Weasel, Lon3r Johny, Wet Bed Gang, and many more!
Eating out in Lisbon
Many restaurants in Lisbon have outdoor areas, so you can still enjoy the temperatures at night! Examples are Lost In, Ofício, and Lumi Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. It’s warm enough to have dinner outside, and many restaurants offer beautiful views over the city.
Money Saving Tip
Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
If you like going out, the areas around Pink Street and Bairro Alto are great places to be. There are many bars and some restaurants, too. Personally, I like Anjos and Príncipe Real for a drink or dinner. Some areas are quieter, and I tend to avoid the busy streets and bars in Bairro Alto as I get older.
Hotels in Lisbon in the summer
Booking a hotel with a swimming pool in summer is a fantastic idea in summer! That way, you can always enjoy a refreshing dip in the water and sunshine from a sun lounger. I’ve outlined some of my favourite hotels with a pool below, but you can also find the perfect accommodation on the map below. Great areas to stay are Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto, around Avenida da Liberdade and Príncipe Real.
📍 Tip for budget travellers: The Sunset Destination Hostel is located near Cais de Sodré and offers a plunge pool on the roof! You can choose between simple rooms and dormitories with air conditioning.
📍 Mid-range gem: PortoBay Liberdade offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool! It’s located near Avenida da Liberdade so you can enjoy the city easily too! The restaurant offers fantastic food, and the spa provides all the relaxation you want!
📍 Luxury hotel in Lisbon: The EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel has an incredible rooftop pool with a view over Lisbon! This 5-star hotel is located near Marquês de Pombal Square and has easy access to the centre. There are plenty of places to eat inside and nearby, and there is a spa and wellness centre inside.
FAQ
Is August a good time to visit Lisbon?
August is Lisbon’s warmest month, with an average high temperature around 30 °C (86 °F). Some days are warmer, and temperatures can exceed 35 °C (95 °F). The coast is very close, and you can always enjoy a day at the ocean for a swim. If you prefer cooler temperatures, May, June, or September might be better.
Is Lisbon worth visiting in the summer?
Lisbon in summer is great if you like good weather, festivals, and water activities! Take a boat tour on the Tagus River, discover the coastline near the city, and attend the many music festivals!
What is the hottest month in Lisbon?
July and August are the hottest months in Lisbon. You can expect temperatures with an average high of around 30 °C degrees (86 °F). The average rainfall is 4 mm in August and will be mostly dry.
Is Lisbon humid or dry?
Lisbon’s summer is hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. The Atlantic Ocean offers a breeze, and there are many cloudless days. The average humidity is 70% in August.
Conclusion
August in Lisbon is the best month for a city trip combined with a beach holiday! There is plenty of sunshine and no or not much rain. If you’re heading to Lisbon in August, you can also enjoy some fantastic festivals such as MEO Kolorama and OUT Jazz.
August is one of the warmest months, with an average temperature of 28°C (83 °F). If you prefer avoiding the heat, May, June, or September are great months to visit Lisbon. From October onwards, the chance of rainfall will increase.
Check out the other months and seasons in Lisbon Portugal
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