The Discover Portugal blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer for more information.
Weather in Lisbon in September and the best activities
Wondering if September is a good time to visit Lisbon? You’re not alone, and the answer is a resounding yes. As someone who’s lived in Lisbon, I can say that May, June, and September are some of my favourite months in the city!
After Lisbon’s sizzling summer, I’m always relieved when September rolls in with cooler breezes and fewer crowds, and you can expect an average of 26°C (78.8 °F) with little rain. Lisbon in September is a little less busy, and the weather is still incredible, so you can certainly enjoy a day at the beach.
There are some amazing events, such as Chefs on Fire (perfect for foodies) and the Caixa Alfama Festival, where you can enjoy Fado. Other fun activities are a boat tour on the Tagus River, and kids love visiting the Oceanarium! Whether you’re planning your first trip to Lisbon or returning for a late-summer trip, there is something to do for everyone.
In this guide, I’ll cover the weather, key festivals, outdoor activities, and insider tips to help you make the most of your time in September in Lisbon.
Lisbon in September weather data
The weather in Lisbon in September is still hot, with an average high of 26°C degrees (78.8 °F). You can expect an average low of 17°C (62.6 °F), and the later in September, the colder it can be. It can be colder in the evenings too, so bring a jumper or light jacket to keep you warm.
There might be some rainy moments, but overall, you will enjoy plenty of sun and optimal weather conditions. With the overall sunny weather in Lisbon, you will be spending most of your time outside, but I will add some things to do on rainy days in this blog post, too, just in case 😉
The temperature can still be over 30°C (86 °F), especially at the beginning of the month. The closer it gets to October, the cooler the temperature tends to be. Thankfully, Lisbon is located near the river and the sea, so there is often a refreshing wind to keep you cool.
Daylight hours, sunrise and sunset
At the start of September, Lisbon has a sunrise around 7 AM and a sunset at 8 PM. But later in the month, the days are already much shorter. The sun rises at 7:30 AM, and sunset is at 7:20 PM.
The sea temperature in September in Lisbon
With plenty of sunny days, visiting the Lisbon beaches is an excellent idea! But even after warm summer temperatures, the sea remains cold. Actually, the sea temperature in September tends to be the warmest, with an average of 20 °C (68 °F). But trust me… this is still cold!
Between Lisbon and Cascais, you can visit beaches such as Praia de Carcavelos, Praia de São Pedro do Estoril, and Praia do Tamariz. The Sintra beaches are also incredible, and Praia da Ursa is one of my favourite beaches in Portugal! It requires a hike but is well worth it. Alternatively, you can visit the Costa da Caparica, on the south side of Lisbon.
Average rainfall when you visit Lisbon in September
Although the sun shines most days in Lisbon in September, the chance of rainfall will increase slightly. The average amount of rain in September in Lisbon is around 26 to 32mm for the whole month. The average amount of days with rain is 5 to 6. Overall, it is the perfect sunny weather, with a chance of a drop of rain.
Thankfully, it hardly ever rains all day. And there is a lot to do in Lisbon when it rains! For example, visit a museum, enjoy a spa day, or go shopping in Lisbon. Children love the 3D Fun Art Museum and the Oceanário de Lisboa, which has sea otters, sharks, and plenty of fish!
My favourite museums are MAAT, the Gulbenkian Foundation, the Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB, and the National Tile Museum. The National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea (MNAC), and the Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros are some fun hidden gem museums in downtown Lisbon.
What to pack for September in Lisbon?
You can still pack very light for Lisbon in September, but I would also add some warm options to my suitcase. You can easily wear a jumper or light jacket on the plane to safe space in your suitcase, and long trousers will also come in handy. Other than that, bring plenty of T-shirts, shorts and dresses.
Good shoes are certainly a must, as the typical Portuguese pavement can be very uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Sturdy sandals or runners with a good grip are recommended. Remember to pack sunglasses, SPF sun lotion and a refillable bottle to stay hydrated.
Must-see activities in September in Lisbon
Visiting Lisbon in September offers plenty of outdoor activities and fun events. If you visit Lisbon for 3 days or more, you can also add a visit to Sintra or other cities. Let’s take a look at some popular options.
A day in Belém
Belém is one of the most famous neighbourhoods in Lisbon, and there is a lot to see and do! You can reach Belém easily by train from Cais de Sodré, but you can also book a bicycle tour with Baja Bikes from Lisbon before exploring the famous sights.
The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most visited sights in Belém, followed by the Belém Tower. Both monuments are built in the Manueline architecture style and are well worth visiting.
However, they can be busy, and waiting lines for two hours in summer are common. Another busy place is the bakery from which the original pastel de nata comes! So tasty 🙂
Belém is also famous for its many museums, such as MAAT, the National Coach Museum, Quake, and the Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB. Perfect for a rainy day! But when the sun is out, and you want to admire breathtaking views over Lisbon, book a sunset cruise on the Tagus River.
A food tour in Lisbon
A food tour in Lisbon is fantastic for learning more about Portuguese food. You will taste incredible food and learn a lot more about Portuguese culture. Most excursions are in the Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto neighbourhoods. And besides the pastel de nata mentioned, there is much more to try!
Some famous snacks and meals in Portugal are sardines, bifana, dried bacalhau, and São Jorge cheese. But there are also some fantastic alcoholic drinks to try. Think of Port wine, wines from the Alentejo and Douro regions, and Ginjinha. Bom appetite!
Discover the streets of Alfama
The Alfama neighbourhood is one of the oldest in Lisbon and is known for its Fado music. You can find the Fado Museum, and at night, Alfama is a famous spot to enjoy dinner in a Fado restaurant. But during the day, you can also do many activities here.
You can start your day at Sāo Jorge Castle on the tallest hill in Alfama. The Castle offers stunning views over the city centre and the Tagus River. After that, you can spend time in the narrow streets and find more gems. Discover the viewpoints of Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, or see the Cathedral in Lisbon and learn more about the history of Portugal.
Book a photoshoot in Alfama
(or in another area of Lisbon!)
I am an Alfama local and know the labyrinth of tiny streets like the back of my hand! Let me take images of you and your loved ones in this picturesque neighbourhood, so you have a memorable souvenir from Portugal! It’s like a photo shoot and photo walk in one, usually taking 30 minutes to 1,5 hours.
Click here for more information, or click here to book your photo experience! I’d love to show you the city with great views, famous landmarks, and plenty of hidden gems!
A tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon
Not only is Alfama located on a hill, but as a matter of fact, Lisbon is built on 7 hills! That means a lot of walking, and a lot of it upwards. One of the easiest ways to conquer these hills is with a tuk-tuk ride. The Lisbon tuk-tuk tour is immensely popular, as you get to see a lot of the city and learn tons about Portuguese culture in a short period of time.
I recommend booking a tuk-tuk tour with a reputable guide or tour company online. This way, you know exactly what the price will be ahead of time, and you can even book guides who speak languages other than English and Portuguese. You can even combine a Portuguese food or street art tour with a tuk-tuk excursion!
The Lisbon viewpoints
With so many hills, it’s no surprise you can find many viewpoints in the city. You can discover many more besides Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is the highest of them all, offering some stunning views! Miradouro da Graça is one of my favourites during the day and night, and it’s an excellent spot for sunset.
You have Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara on the other side of downtown Lisbon. In summer, there is often a nice Lisbon market here. You can also bring some snacks and drinks to Miradouro de Santa Catarina and enjoy the sunset with live music.
Famous landmarks that require upfront tickets
Lisbon is still busy in September, and specific iconic landmarks require advance ticket booking. I have created this easy list for you so you can prepare ahead and book tickets.
- Jerónimos Monastery (free with the Lisboa Card)
- Belém Tower (free with the Lisboa Card)
- Hop-on-hop-off bus Lisbon
- São Jorge Castle (free with the Lisboa Card)
- Pena Palace (Sintra)
- Quinta da Regaleira (Sintra)
- Moorish Castle (Sintra)
- Sintra National Palace (Sintra)
Day trips from Lisbon in September
If you have time, I recommend taking a day trip from Lisbon. Sintra is one of the most popular day trips, and there are many options to choose from. You can take the train from Lisbon to Sintra and visit famous sights such as Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira.
I would stick to 2 to a maximum of 3 Sintra sights per day, but staying a night is a great option to see more spots! Some hidden gems in Sintra are Monserrate Palace, the Capuchos Convent, Queluz Palace, and Biester Palace. You can also join an organised tour from Lisbon to Sintra, which often includes visiting 1-2 palaces, Cabo da Roca, and the beach town of Cascais on the same day.
There are many more lovely towns nearby. Some popular options are Nazaré (famous for its big waves in winter), the medieval village Óbidos, the religious pilgrimage Fátima, and the Knights Templar city of Tomar. Some other ideas for Lisbon day trips are Évora, Setúbal, and Arrábida Nature Park. If the weather conditions are good, visiting the Berlengas Islands is also fantastic!
Lisbon events September
There’s no need to sit still in Lisbon in September, as there are plenty offun events to attend, and even more in the rest of Portugal. Here is a list of some of the highlights.
Out Jazz Festival
From May until September, you can enjoy the Somersby Out Jazz Festival in Oeiras. There are five more Lisbon September events, so check the calendar to see what’s on!
Caixa Alfama Festival
Do you like Fado? Then the Caixa Alfama Festival is a must. The dates are usually late September, and we are waiting for the details. Explore the streets of Alfama and enjoy the sound of Fado songs! Tickets can be bought on the official site.
MOTELx – Lisbon International Horror Film Festival
MOTELx is for those who love a good horror movie! This unique Lisbon International Horror Film Festival takes place from September 8th until the 14th, 2026, at Cinema São Jorge on Avenida da Liberdade. There is also a special section dedicated exclusively to short films, as well as three major premieres.
Chefs on Fire
This one is for the foodies! Chefs on Fire takes place from September 19th to the 20th in Parque Marechal Carmona (in Cascais). You can expect plenty of food, drinks, and music. You need to book tickets, which are available from €50 per day.
Restaurants in Lisbon
There are also plenty of wonderful restaurants in Lisbon, and you can still dine outside in these pleasant temperatures! You can explore the Príncipe Real neighbourhood for amazing restaurants, such as Restaurante Pica-Pau, Zazah, ZeroZero and Lost In.
And around the stunning park, Jardim Fialho de Almeida are more tasty options. Some favourites are Caféh Tehran, Magnolia Bistrot & Winebar and Flores da Pampa.
Here are some more personal favourites to choose from:
Bairro Alto and Pink Street are the places to go for a night out, and there are many bars in these areas. Time Out Market is another famous spot to wine and dine for lunch and dinner. These locations get very busy, though.
Cost Saving Tip!
Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
Hotels in Lisbon in the summer months
Lisbon in September is a popular month for visiting the city, so it’s recommended that you book your accommodation on time. I highlighted three fantastic hotels in Lisbon for you below, but you can, of course, also use the map below to find the perfect spot for your stay.
📍 Tip for budget travellers: Sant Jordi Hostels is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city. Dorm beds (mixed or female dorms) are affordable, and you can enjoy a stay in style. Double rooms with shared bathrooms are also available, and they serve an incredible breakfast!
📍 Mid-range gem: The TURIM Iberia Hotel is located near Campo Pequeno on the yellow metro line and São Sebastião on the blue line. The rooms have air conditioning, and family rooms are available.
📍 Luxury hotel in Lisbon: Lux Lisboa Park near Parque Eduardo VII is centrally located and offers great views over the city. The soundproofed rooms ensure a good night’s sleep, and the rooftop pool is perfect for sunny days. There is a gym onsite, and the hotel offers a tasty breakfast in the morning!
FAQ
Is September a good month to visit Lisbon?
September is a great time, and the Lisbon weather is usually lovely! You can expect mostly sunny days with some rain here and there. You can enjoy the many sights in the city centre and spend time on the beach. The average temperature is 26 °C degrees (78.8 °F), with plenty of daylight hours to make the most of your Lisbon city trip!
Is Lisbon rainy in September?
July and August are the driest months, and there might be a bit more rain from September. On average, there are 5 to 6 rainy days in Lisbon in September, but it usually does not rain all day. Of course, there are plenty of things to do when the weather isn’t great, such as museums, shopping, and famous sights such as the Oceanário de Lisboa.
Is Lisbon still hot in September?
The average temperature in Lisbon in September is around 26 °C, around 78.8 °F. Most days are sunny, and there will not usually be much rain. It can be cooler in the morning and evening, so bring something warm just in case. At the beginning of September, Lisbon will be warmer compared to the last days of the month.
Conclusion
September is a fantastic month for visiting Lisbon. With so many sunny days and pleasant temperatures, visitors can still enjoy the beach! The average low temperature is 17 °C (62.6 °F), and the average high is 26 °C degrees (78.8 °F). It might be a bit cooler in the morning and at night.
There are also some fun Lisbon events in September, such as Chefs on Fire, and you can, of course, enjoy a visit to other cities nearby. Enjoy a ride on the famous tram or book a tuk-tuk tour to see the city. You can also discover must-visit sights like the Belém Tower and the Alfama neighbourhood.
Check out the other months and seasons in Lisbon Portugal
Pin to read later!
