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10 Amazing reasons to explore Lisbon in November
Lisbon can be a busy city, but what is it like in November? Well, if you want to avoid the crowds, you’re in for a treat! But there’s so much more to love about Lisbon in November! Especially if you enjoy cosy local experiences.
I live in the city and I love this time of year! The chestnuts are roasting on every street corner, the temperatures are mild, and there are barely any queues at the sights. And the best thing? The Christmas decorations will be up at the end of the month!
If you’re wondering what Lisbon is like in November, here are ten reasons it might be the perfect time to visit. Whether you’re a culture lover, off-season traveller, or just want to explore Lisbon without the long lines, November has a lot to offer.
I hope you find the seasonal festivals and fun activities also inspiring so you can bring a visit to the city. Let’s discover the best things to do in Lisbon in November!
Why visit Lisbon Portugal in November?
Lisbon can be a busy city with large summer crowds, especially between May and September. November has a totally different vibe to the town, and it’s become one of my favourite months. Let’s take a closer look at the ten reasons why and what to do in Lisbon in November.
1. The mild weather in Lisbon in November
Lisbon’s pleasant November temperatures make it the perfect destination for a getaway. The Lisbon weather in November is lovely, with average high temperatures of 18°C (64.4°F) during the day. The average temperature might drop to about 12 °C (53.6 °F) at night.
It might be warmer on some days, but towards the end of the month, you’ll need a jacket. You might have sunny days over 20 °C (68 °F) if you’re lucky! Expect a mix of sunny weather and clouds, so be prepared to wear layers.
The weather in Lisbon in November might be rainy, but thankfully, there are plenty of sights to visit on a wet day. It usually doesn’t rain the whole day, and most days still have 5 ½ hours of sunshine! You can expect an average of 128 millimetres of rainfall in November.
A wet day in Lisbon?
This travel guide includes lots of tip on what to to in Lisbon with rain!
Within 10 hours of daylight, you have plenty of time to explore the sights of Lisbon. The sun rises just after 7 AM at the beginning of the month. Later in the month, the sun rises at around 7.30 AM. Sunset is at 5:30 PM at the start of November and around 5:15 PM later in the month.
2. Fewer tourists in the city
Besides the fabulous weather in Lisbon in November, there are also fewer crowds! The winter months are ideal for seeing highlights such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and São Jorge Castle.
You will have no problems booking a guided tour when visiting Lisbon in November. For example, you can book a tuk-tuk tour, and the rooftop will keep you dry in any weather! The drivers also offer blankets so that you will be cosy during the tour.
It’s the easiest way to see the city in a short time, and they will tell you more about the Portuguese explorers and each national monument you will see along the way.
3. Beautiful autumn colours
Many trees in Lisbon keep their leaves, and some trees will change colour. Explore nature in the many parks in Lisbon, including the Botanical Gardens and Parque Eduardo VII. Parque Florestal de Monsanto is perfect for a long hike if you’re up for it.
🍂 Capture the magic of Lisbon in November!
The crowds are gone, the light is golden, and the city is glowing with chestnuts and Christmas lights. November is the perfect time to book a cosy, crowd-free photoshoot in Lisbon!
✨ Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or your whole family, let’s create memories you’ll love to look back on.
📸 Spots are limited: book your shoot now and let’s make some November magic!
4. Cultural events in November in Lisbon in 2026
There are plenty of events to attend throughout the entire month! I’ve listed them below so that you might enjoy some during your holiday!
- November 1st is All Saints Day in Portugal, a national holiday. In some regions, the Portuguese tradition is for children to go from door to door asking for Pão por Deus (Bread for God). It’s a bit like Halloween, and the children even dress up. November 1st was also the day of the devastating Lisbon earthquake in 1755. Thousands of people lost their lives in the aftermath of the earthquake. Visit the interactive Quake Museum to learn more!
- The Web Summit in Lisbon takes place from November 9th to the 12th of this year. There are numerous speakers and workshops available for you to attend. It’s one of the world’s largest technology events, and it’s also fantastic for networking.
- The Leffest Lisboa Film Festival runs from November 6th until the 15th. The Film Festival will host events, shows, and meetings featuring some of the great names in cinema, literature, and the arts.
- Saint Martin’s Day is annually on November 11th, and the celebrations are known as the Magusto of São Martinho. The celebrations are for multiple reasons, such as the wine harvest season and, of course, Saint Martin’s Day. It’s also the time that the chestnuts or castanhas are back in season!
5. Start of Christmas markets
November also marks the start of the Christmas markets in Lisbon! The Christmas market on Rossio Square is usually the first to open, followed by Wonderland Lisboa. Christmas, with average temperatures of 18 °C, might feel unusual, but the atmosphere in Lisbon is fantastic around Christmas.
Enjoy a glass of Glühwein and discover the market stalls. Towards the end of the month, enjoy the Christmas decorations at Armazéns do Chiado and Praça do Comércio. It’s a big celebration each year when the lights are turned on for the first time.
🎄 Click here to check all specific dates, events, and Christmas markets in 2026. I am always very active during this time, and I update the posts as soon as the updates are available!
6. Try the seasonal Portuguese dishes
There are some fantastic dishes to try in Lisbon in winter, and one of them is available on each street corner: roasted chestnuts! Local street vendors sell them in paper bags on the streets in half a dozen or a dozen. They are hard to miss, and the chestnuts are a great little snack.
Other popular winter dishes include the famous Caldo Verde. This cabbage and potato soup is a great winter warmer!
A good Feijoada also does the trick. It’s a delicious meal with meat or fish, beans, rice, and some vegetables. Duck rice (arroz de pato) and salted cod (Bacalhau à Brás, pictured) are also excellent dinner options.
😋 Not sure what to eat in Lisbon? Join a food tour and learn more about Portuguese cuisine and wines!
7. Day trips with no crowds
November through April is the best time to visit Sintra to avoid the crowds. Just remember to bring something warm, as it is always colder in the Sintra Mountains than in Lisbon.
You can join a guided tour from Lisbon or take the train from Lisbon to Sintra. The queues at Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace will be much less off-season!
There are also some hidden gems to visit in Sintra. Examples are Biester Palace, Monserrate Palace and the Convent of the Capuchos. Queluz Palace is located closer to Lisbon, but is also a great spot off the radar! In Sintra town, you can visit the Sintra National Palace.
Please note that some palaces still require an upfront ticket, as you’ll receive a specific time slot.
Although it might be too cold for a beach day, there are still some fun outdoor activities available. Head over to Nazaré, for example, which is famous for its big waves in winter! Or discover the coastal hikes along the Sintra beaches.
Beautiful cities to visit are Tomar, Óbidos, Setúbal, Cascais, and Caldas da Rainha. It’s the perfect time for a fun day trip from Lisbon!
You’ll have a great time in Évora if you like visiting the nearby vineyards to try the famous Alentejo wine.
My Go-To Travel Essentials
8. Start your seasonal shopping
November is also the time to start your Christmas shopping, and you can bring home some unique gifts! Enjoy the Lisbon shopping streets around Rua Augusta or visit the many markets in Lisbon.
The LX Factory is an excellent spot for clothes, skin care products, books, and unique gifts. Or discover the wide range of souvenirs from Portugal!
There are also many shopping malls in the city, such as Colombo, Armazéns do Chiado, and Amoreiras Shopping Centre.
Almada Forum and RioSul Shopping are great when you’re on the south side of the Tagus River. In Alcochete, it’s also great to visit the Freeport Fashion Outlet for some great deals, and you’ll get nice discounts at more than 140 shops!
9. Explore the museums
Lisbon in November is a great month to visit the renowned museums. MAAT has a temporary contemporary exhibition in the modern museum. Next door, you can visit MAAT Central Tejo, the former power plant. MAAT is located in Belém, where you can find many more museums. Recommendations are:
- Quake
- Popular Art Museum
- MAC/CCB Museu de Arte Contemporânea
- National Coach Museum
- The Marine Museum
In downtown Lisbon, you’ll find even more incredible museums. Here are some of my favourites:
- Gulbenkian Museum
- MUDE
- Museu do Oriente
- Carmo Convent and the Archaeology Museum
- The National Tile Museum
- The Money Museum
- The Fado Museum
10. Cheaper accommodations
You can benefit from lower accommodation prices in the winter months compared to the summer months. You often see a drop in price from October onwards, followed by a spike around Christmas and New Year’s.
November in Lisbon is a great time to save money or splurge on luxury hotels for less! Some nice areas to stay in are Alfama, Alcântara, Saldanha, Baixa, Bairro Alto, Belém and Príncipe Real.
You can discover your favourite stay on the map below, but I have also selected three of my favourite hotels in Lisbon.
📍 Tip for budget travellers: Chalet D´Ávila is located near the Saldanha Metro Station, with great access to the city centre of Lisbon. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and you have access to shared bathrooms and kitchens. A tasty breakfast is included!
📍 Mid-range gem: PortoBay Liberdade is centrally located and within walking distance of many famous Lisbon sights. After a day of sightseeing, you can use the gym and pool area (pictured) or enjoy the sauna and steam room. You can even book a massage or beauty treatment.
📍 Luxury stay in Lisbon: Lisbon has many palaces, and you can even stay in some! Book a luxury stay at Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument, for example, in Alcântara! The 5-star hotel is located in a 19th-century palace with an incredible interior. It has two swimming pools and a wellness centre with a steam bath and a hot tub.
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
Famous landmarks that require upfront tickets
When you visit Lisbon, some sights are always busy. You won’t see the summer crowds in November, but there will be people. Some attractions also operate on a timed-entry basis, so it’s always a good idea to book your tickets online in advance.
I’ve created an easy overview for you, so you know which tickets are still available to book in time.
- Lisbon Oceanarium at Parque das Nações
- Jerónimos Monastery (or free with the Lisboa Card)
- Belém Tower with time slots (or free with the Lisboa Card)
- MAAT Museum
- National Coach Museum
- Gulbenkian Foundation
- Pena Palace with time slots (Sintra)
- Quinta da Regaleira with time slots (Sintra)
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
How rainy is Portugal in November?
The weather in Lisbon in November can be quite wet, and it’s actually one of the rainiest months of the year. It hardly ever rains the entire day, and there are many indoor attractions to enjoy. On average, there are 128 millimetres of rainfall spread over the month.
What should I wear in Portugal in November?
November is a good time for layers. On a sunny day, you might walk around in a T-shirt, but it might also rain later in the day. Definitely bring long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. When it gets cold, you can wear a hood, jumper, or coat. Good walking shoes are always a must, especially after rain. At night, it will cool down, too, and a jacket is most likely needed.
Is November a good time to visit Lisbon?
A trip to Lisbon in November is a fantastic time to visit. It’s still one of the warmest capitals in Europe, with an average high temperature of 18 °C (64.4 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F). The prices of accommodations are also lower, which, of course, makes a stay always more fun!
Are you visiting Lisbon in November?
November in Lisbon is one of my favourite times of year to see the city. From October onwards, it’s less busy, and the prices drop. But in November, the Christmas atmosphere is coming to life!
The temperatures in Lisbon in November are still mild, although it might rain sometimes. But there are so many sights to explore in any weather! Visit the museums, join a pastel de nata baking class or enjoy a wine tasting on those rainy days!
Check out the other months and seasons in Lisbon Portugal
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