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Visit Lisbon in summer and discover the best activities
What to expect in Lisbon in summer?
The Lisbon summer weather
The average temperature in summer in Lisbon is warm. You can expect an average low of 18°C (64.4 °F) to an average high of 30°C (86 F°). Some days in July and August might be over 30°C, but with a fresh wind from the Tagus River and the sea, it remains a lovely climate. The evenings might be a bit cooler, and the temperature is often lower along the Atlantic coast.
There is little rainfall in summer in Lisbon. The average amount of rain is between 1 to 3 days a month, with 4mm of rain, but it hardly ever rains the whole day. If it does, there are plenty of things to do in Lisbon in the rain!
Summer in Lisbon, Portugal, is the perfect time to visit the beach, too, but the sea temperature remains cold throughout the year. You can expect 17 °C (62.6 °F) in June and up to 20°C (68°F) in July and August.
What to pack for Lisbon summer?
You can pack very light as the sun will shine most days. Remember to bring enough protection, such as sunglasses, SPF, and a sun hat. A jumper or light jacket will be perfect for staying warm in the evenings when the temperature can drop. You can wear this on the plane to save space in your luggage!
Overall, tourists need to bring shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and swimwear. Flip-flops are great for the beach, but in the city, I recommend wearing sturdy sandals or runners with good soles. The Calçada Portuguesa pavements can be very slippery and uneven.
5 fun summer activities in Lisbon
When the sun shines, Lisbon is even prettier! Many tourists visit Lisbon in summertime, so it can be busier at certain times. I’ve outlined some fun activities in and around the city for you to choose from!
Book a boat tour on the Tagus River
The best way to stay cool on hot days? That is, of course, on the River Tagus! The city is located along the shores and has multiple boat ride options! There are catamaran tours, sailing excursions and sunset cruises.
Boats depart daily from the harbour in Belém and Doca Da Marinha near Praça do Comércio. Most Tagus River cruises take around 2 hours, and your guide will also explain a lot about the city. There are options for a shorter 45-minute boat ride or full-day excursions on a private yacht.
Discover the praias in Portugal
Besides the waterfront in Lisbon’s city centre, you can also explore the Atlantic coast! Cascais is a popular day trip, and you can easily reach the coastal town in 40 minutes by train. Along the train line between Lisbon’s Cais de Sodré and Cascais, there are many beaches to visit. Praia do Tamariz, Praia de Carcavelos and Praia de Santo Amaro are great options.
But the best beaches are along the Sintra Coast and Costa da Caparica. It is the ideal place for surfing, swimming and sunbathing! Locals love places like Praia da Ursa and other Sintra beaches. Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira-Mar is great with small kids, and Praia da Saúde and Praia da Fonte da Telha are fabulous for all ages. Tip: Bring a picnic to see the sun go down!
Explore Lisbon by tuk-tuk
Lisbon is built on seven hills, but there are other options for climbing every steep hill! The hop-on-hop-off bus is a convenient way to see the city, but the tuk-tuk tours are best for navigating the narrow streets! It’s one of the most popular tours in Lisbon, and it’s the best way to see the city when you’re short on time.
The city’s tuk-tuks are also great to avoid breaking a sweat! They help you get up the hills to enjoy the many viewpoints in Lisbon, and you’re in the shade, as most tuk-tuks have a sunroof. The guides are very knowledgeable and can show you all the highlights of Lisbon in 2 to 4 hours!
Visit a museum
The famous Lisbon museums are not just for the winter months but are also great to visit on hot days! Spend some time indoors (with air conditioning!) to avoid the hottest times of the day and enjoy art, tiles, history and much more!
Some of my favourite museums are the Quake Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB, the National Tile Museum and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
Enjoy Lisbon’s parks
Lisbon also has many green spaces, which are great for enjoying the shade. Next to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, you can find a stunning garden. Or enjoy the nearby Parque Eduardo VII. Inside this park, you will also discover Estufa Fria, a hidden gem away from the crowds! Read more about Lisbon’s parks!
Besides Estufa Fria, Lisbon has more botanical gardens, such as the Tropical Botanical Garden in Belém and the Botanical Garden of Lisbon in Príncipe Real. Nature is always close, and if you like hiking, you can venture out to Parque Florestal de Monsanto (pictured) or discover the beauty of the Sintra mountains.
Lisbon sights that need pre-booked tickets
Summer is the high season in the city, and I compiled a handy list of places that require pre-booked tickets. They don’t always include a skip-the-line ticket, but at least you’ll secure your entrance beforehand. You can always cancel up to 24 hours ahead of time if needed.
- Jerónomis Monastery (or free with the Lisboa Card)
- Belém Tower (or free with the Lisboa Card)
- São Jorge Castle (or free with the Lisboa Card)
- A boat tour on the Tagus
- Tuk-tuk tours in Lisbon
- Pena Palace (Sintra)
- Quinta da Regaleira (Sintra)
Festivities in Lisbon in summer
Portugal is a country full of culture, with many cultural activities in the summer. It starts in June with Festas dos Santos Populares. The popular saint’s party is celebrated in multiple cities in Portugal, but in Lisbon, it’s known as Festas de Lisboa. The saint that is celebrated in Lisbon is Saint Anthony, and the biggest party is on June 12th. Alfama and Bairro Alto are the best neighbourhoods in which to enjoy the night!
There are several parties at Costa da Caparica, such as Sumol Summer Fest and O Sol do Caparica. But there are also big festivals such as Rock in Rio Lisboa in June, NOS Alive and Super Bock Super Rock in July, and Festival MEO Kalorama in August. You can also expect outdoor jazz festivals, outdoor cinema nights, and more.
Book an excursion to nearby places
If you stay in Lisbon for 3 days or longer, you can also enjoy a day trip near the city. Visiting Sintra is a must if you love palaces and gardens. There is so much to see! Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira and Sintra National Palace are the most famous and crowded.
A day trip to a palace is often combined with visiting Cascais and Cabo da Roca, the most western point of mainland Europe. If you prefer hidden gems, visit the Convent of the Capuchos, Biester Palace, Queluz Palace, or Monserrate Palace.
If you want to relax in the sand, visit Parque Natural da Arrábida. You can also enjoy a day at Galapinhos Beach or lunch at Portinho da Arrábida. Setúbal is a great city if you prefer a quieter option than Cascais.
If you like history, a day trip to Tomar is fantastic. The Knights Templar city has an amazing vibe, and there are many things to see! Tomar Castle, the Convent of Christ, and the old town are some highlights. You can also stroll the streets of Évora, where you can admire the local architecture and many UNESCO sights.
The best hotels in Lisbon for summer (with a pool)!
Summer in Lisbon gets busy, and prices are higher during the main season. Therefore, it’s important to book your hotel ahead of time to have the best choice and cheaper options. With the warmer weather, booking a hotel with a swimming pool is also great. I selected some fantastic options below, but you can also use the map to research.
📍 Tip for budget travellers: Selina Secret Garden Lisbon has a stunning outdoor pool located centrally in Bairro Alto. You can rent an apartment, studio, or double room with breakfast options.
📍 Mid-range gem: The stylish 3-star hotel JAM Lisbon has an outdoor pool, terrace and a bar. You can enjoy a meal in the restaurant, but it’s centrally located with restaurants nearby.
📍 Luxury hotel in Lisbon: Hotel Valverde Lisboa—Relais & Chateaux is very near Rossio Square. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool, and breakfast is included. It is centrally located, with all the facilities to stay cool!
FAQ
Discover Lisbon in other seasons:
Conclusion
The Lisbon summer is a great season to visit the capital city. The weather is great, with no to minimum rainfall. You can see the many praias near Lisbon to swim, or explore the many landmarks in the centre. Remember to add a day excursion to your itinerary to discover beautiful places outside the centre or enjoy one of the many events and festivals!
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