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Lisbon in February: Affordable, quiet, and beautiful
Wondering if Lisbon in February is worth the trip? It might just be the winter escape you didn’t know you needed. With lower hotel prices, fewer crowds, and lively Carnaval celebrations, this off-season gem offers a side of Portugal many travellers overlook.
I moved to Lisbon in 2021, and winter quickly became one of my favourite times to explore the city. Daytime temperatures hover around 12°C (54°F). Cool but perfect for wandering historic neighbourhoods, spending time in cosy cafés, and enjoying parades without the summer crush.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect when visiting Lisbon in February. From the weather and events to my go-to spots for rainy day adventures.
Lisbon weather in February
The weather in Lisbon Portugal in February is mixed. There will be plenty of sunshine, but there might also be some rainfall. The Lisbon weather is mild compared to the rest of Europe, so if you live in a colder climate, the weather in Lisbon will be very welcoming.
The average Lisbon temperature in February is 12°C (53.6°F). You can expect an average low temperature of 9ºC (48.2 °F) and a high of 16ºC (60.8 °F). The temperature is around 11ºC (51.8°F) at night, so you will need to bring some warmer clothes for cold weather too.
How rainy is Portugal in February?
January tends to be the wettest month, but even when the rain falls in Lisbon, there is plenty to do. The average rainfall is 84.9 mm, and it rains around 15 days a month. Thankfully, it hardly ever rains the whole day, but these tips for a rainy day will help you make the most of it! The Lisbon weather in February is usually a mix of sunshine and some rainy days.
Daylight hours, sunrise, and sunset
During the winter in Lisbon, the days are shorter. However, starting in December, the days have already been getting longer. The sunrise is around 7:40 AM at the start of the month and around 7:10 AM towards the end of February. The sunset is at 6 PM at the beginning of February and 6:30 PM at the end of the month.
With the mild weather in Lisbon and lots of sun, you can explore the city for hours! And on cold days you can explore some lovely places inside. I will give you some tips in a minute.
What to wear in Lisbon in February weather?
With an average low temperature of 12°C (53.6°F), you will have to bring some warm clothes. I would recommend bringing plenty of layers so you can always adjust accordingly. If you plan to explore other parts of Portugal, such as Sintra, the coast, or northern Portugal, I recommend bringing a windproof coat.
The February Lisbon weather might also be sunny, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin! I remember watching the big waves in Nazaré in the sun in February, and I nearly got sunburned!
So even though the average temperature might be low, you might end up sitting in the sunshine with a T-shirt. Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip if it rains, and the Portuguese calçada Portuguesa pavement can be very slippery.
Things to do in Lisbon in February
With fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to explore the Lisbon highlights! There will be few queues, so even the typically busy attractions are easy to visit. I’ve outlined some ideas below so you can make a fun itinerary for your trip.
A day in Belém
There is a lot to see and do in Belém, Lisbon! Start your day at the Jerónimos Monastery and take a look at the beautiful Manueline-style architecture. You can buy your ticket online for the monastery, and the church is free of charge. Afterwards, you can taste the original pastel de nata at the Pastéis de Belém bakery with a hot or cold drink.
Continue your way towards the Tagus River to see the famous Belém Tower! The Belém Tower is right next to the river, and you can enter it with a valid ticket by a footbridge. For a dose of art, you can explore the MAC/CCB Museu de Arte Contemporânea afterwards.
Does it rain? Then you can explore more museums in Belém! Recommendations are MAAT, Quake the Earthquake Museum, the National Coach Museum, or the Popular Art Museum. With dry weather, it’s a fantastic experience to enjoy a boat tour from Belém. There are also some lovely restaurants in Belém, so you can finish your day in this beautiful neighbourhood!
São Jorge Castle and Alfama
The crisp sunny days in Lisbon in winter are perfect for discovering the viewpoints. One of the best views is from São Jorge Castle. Castelo de São Jorge is located on top of a hill in Alfama’s neighbourhood. You can walk along the castle’s walls and find several towers. The garden is filled with peacocks, and you’ll discover some unique historical remnants.
Afterwards, you can explore the rest of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. Enjoy the views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, or visit Lisbon Cathedral when the temperatures are too cold. Are you in Alfama on a Tuesday or Saturday? It’s a great idea to go to the famous flea market, Feira da Ladra!
Tip!
The winter sun is also perfect for a photo shoot in Lisbon! I am a professional photographer, and I offer shoots in Alfama and other Lisbon neighbourhoods. Would you like a memorable souvenir from your trip and have your pictures taken? Please contact me to check availability!
Enjoy a tuk-tuk tour!
You might want to walk only a short distance with a low temperature. Thankfully, the tuk-tuk tours are an incredible way to see a lot of the city! The tuk-tuks have a cover to shield you from the cold, and the driver will even hand you a blanket to stay cosy!
The local guides are super knowledgeable, and the tuk-tuks can explore all the narrow streets in Lisbon! You can even combine a tuk-tuk tour with a food tasting or explore the old town with a guide. You can see a lot in a very short time, so if you don’t stay in Lisbon that long, these tours are perfect!
Explore the museums
Belém already has many museums, but you can also find some fantastic ones in other Lisbon districts. One of the most loved ones is the National Tile Museum! You can see azulejo tiles throughout the years and visit the Madre de Deus convent. In downtown Lisbon, you can visit the MUDE Design Museum, the Money Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Another favourite of mine is the Gulbenkian Museum and its stunning gardens. It’s a very diverse museum with furniture, paintings, jewellery, vases, coins, and much more! If you’re travelling with kids, the 3D Fun Art Museum is a super cool place to visit. Bring a camera!
February Lisbon events
Carnaval
Carnaval is mid-February this year, with the first events kicking off on the 13th.
Carnival Monday falls on February 16th, Carnival Tuesday on the 17th and Ash Wednesday on the 18th. You can expect street parties in Lisbon and many other Portuguese cities.
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is not a big deal for everyone, but maybe you plan to propose in Lisbon! There are also plenty of romantic places to enjoy a lovely dinner for two! Enjoy a special dinner at Marlene, Zunzum Gastrobar, or ÀCosta by Olivier near the Tagus River.
Or cosy up at Restaurante O Frade in Belém, Geographia or Páteo Alfacinha. One of our favourite sushi spots is Confraria LX, and dinner at Ofício is always amazing too!
Make sure to make a reservation!
Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
February day trips from Lisbon
While there are plenty of things to see and do in Lisbon, you might also want to see some places near the capital! Enjoy trips to Óbidos, Setúbal, Tomar or Évora, for example, or enjoy some of these below that are extra special in February!
Torres Vedras Carnaval
Carnaval in Lisbon is fun, but in Torres Vedras, the party doesn’t stop! If you want to stay the night, book your hotel as soon as possible, as there are limited hotels! During the day and evening, you can watch the parades, and at night, there will be lots of music and parties.
You can take a direct bus from Campo Grande, and the journey is just under 1.5 hours. The Torres Vedras Carnaval in 2026 is from February 13th until February 18th.
Watch the big waves in Nazaré
In February 2022, I was super lucky to have watched the big waves in Nazaré! The fishing town is known for the tallest waves on earth, and you can watch the surfers break record after record!
The winter months have the best conditions for seeing the waves, and February is usually a good month to witness this spectacle. You can visit Nazaré on a guided tour or rent a car. Please remember that the town will be busy when the waves are high!
See the palaces in Sintra
Sintra is amazing at any time of year, but it can be super busy! In February, the sights are much quieter and, therefore, perfect to explore at your own pace. Discover Pena Palace and the beautiful gardens, or see the well and gardens at Quinta da Regaleira.
It is wise to bring some warm clothes, as Sintra is always a bit colder. The Moorish Castle, especially, can feel chilly when it is windy!
You can visit Sintra National Palace in Sintra town, and Biester Palace is next door to Quinta da Regaliera. You can explore Monserrate Palace further out of town or see the Capuchos Convent, which is entirely made from rocks, moss, and cork! The Sintra beaches might be too cold for swimming, but you can visit Cabo da Roca, and Azenhas do Mar along the Sintra coast.
Snow at Serra da Estrela
Do you want to see snow in Portugal? Then you can enjoy a trip to the mountains of Serra da Estrela. It’s a 3-hour drive from Lisbon, so I recommend staying one or two nights. From October until March, you might be able to catch snow in the mountains, and there is even a small ski resort at Torre, the highest peak of Serra da Estrela.
If you love nature, you will have an amazing time even without snow! Enjoy the thermal baths, or try the famous Serra da Estrela cheese! There are also many hiking trails and some amazing villages to explore nearby. Examples are Manteigas, Belmonte, Covilhã, Seia and Piódão.
Hotels in Lisbon City
With some rain and sun, booking a cosy February Lisbon hotel is a great idea! How about a hotel with an indoor pool and a spa? Or book a room with a stunning view over the city! The average prices of hotel rooms are lower in February, so you might be able to find a luxury hotel for less money. You can use the map below to find your favourite accommodation. But I also highlighted three of my favourite spots for each budget.
📍Great value for money: Staying in a former convent in Alfama is certainly a unique experience, and the rooms at Hotel Convento do Salvador are super charming. The modern rooms have private bathrooms, and some have river views.
📍 Mid-range gem: Would you like to stay in a former palace? Then, Palacio das Especiarias is perfect! This boutique hotel is right in the centre of Lisbon and has stunning rooms! It also has a fitness centre, spa facilities, and several restaurants.
📍 Luxury stay in Lisbon city: Enjoy a sublime stay at the Four Seasons Ritz near Park Eduardo VII. You can enjoy amazing views over the city from the fitness centre, indoor pool, and the rooms. There are spa facilities where you can book treatments and massages.
FAQ
Is it worth going to Lisbon in February?
February in Lisbon is much quieter than other months, and the cost of hotel rooms is also lower. With fewer tourists in the city, there also won’t be any crowds. February is fantastic if you prefer to travel outside the tourist season with cooler temperatures!
How hot is Lisbon in February?
The average temperature in Lisbon in February is 12 °C (53.6 °F). There might be some rain, but the city has many indoor activities to explore. The sun will also shine, and the temperature can be as high as 16 °C (60.8 °F). Dress in layers to stay warm. The Lisbon February weather is perfect for avoiding the heat in summer.
Do you need a coat in Lisbon in February?
Yes, you probably do. Nighttime temperatures can be as low as 11 °C (51.8 °F), with an average maximum of 16 °C (60.8 °F). Bring at least some cardigans and a light jacket. With sunshine, you can always take your coat off.
Are you considering a trip to Lisbon in February?
Lisbon in February is a fantastic month to visit the capital! The climate is mild, and the average temperature is 12 °C degrees (53.6 °F) during the day. The weather in February is often a mix of rain and sunshine, so dress in layers to be prepared for all types of weather. If you spend 3 days in Lisbon or more, you can also enjoy nearby locations. Go to Nazaré to see the spectacular waves or enjoy the Carnaval parties in Torres Vedras.
The Lisbon temperature in February might be too cold for the beach, but there is plenty of sightseeing to do. Explore places like the Carmo Convent, Arco da Rua Augusta or the Santa Justa Elevator without the crowds. February is quiet, so you can enjoy the city without the masses. Accommodations are also often cheaper, making February a very attractive month to visit the Portuguese capital!
Check out the other months and seasons in Lisbon Portugal
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