Lisbon in Spring – what to see, do and.. wear
The Portuguese capital is a growingly popular city-break destination, much appreciated for its somewhat exotic character, yet within a reach of a couple of hours flight from most European airports.
Lisbon is a fascinating mix of contemporary and old. Here the exquisite historic architecture blends with elegant modern quarters, nostalgic, rundown neighbourhoods and many vantage points which invite to contemplating the unusual panorama of the city. It is also a paradise for photography lovers; Lisbon is famous for its excellent light, perfect blue skies and many hours of sunshine reflected in the traditional white washed façades of the buildings.
Although, thanks to its mild climate, Lisbon is considered a year round destination, some of its charms can be fully enjoyed only with a nice, sunny weather. The most important city’s landmarks, such as Sao Jorge Castle, the Terreiro de Paço Square, the historic Alfama quarters or the Belem monument complex gain a new life on a sunny day. Not to mention the plentiful city’s green areas and parks, riverside promenades and vast stretches of beaches along the Lisbon Coast, just a short drive away from the city centre.
Get a glimpse of Lisbon cityscape:
Lisbon – spring weather
March, April and May are, in the opinion of many tourists, the best time to visit Lisbon. Although usually a beach weather is not guaranteed before late May, all of the urban attractions of Lisbon can be enjoyed with virtually no risk of excessive cold. Scorching heat, which can easily spoil an July or August visit to Lisbon, is unlikely in the Spring too.
Please note that despite the ever present palm trees, Lisbon is not a tropical destination and in March, the temperatures often drop to 10 degrees Celsius. Although on a sunny day, solid 20 degrees at noon are common, it will get chilly in the morning and then again, as soon as the sun is down. Less temperature amplitudes are to be expected on cloudy or rainy days – April is the wettest of the spring months in Lisbon, with an average of 13 rainy days.
Since the spring weather in Lisbon is known to be quite unstable, it is recommended to wear layers and have a rain jacket at hand.
Rain or not, the nature in Portugal follows its course and in already in March most of the city will be covered in flowers.
Join the locals and relax at the Gulbenkian Foundation Gardens, one of the favourite green retreats in the very city centre of Lisbon.
The temperatures increase considerably form mid-April reaching often 25 or even 30 degrees in late May. Bring your beachwear when visiting Lisbon in late Spring.
Please note that there is no city beach in Lisbon itself. A variety of different sized beaches can be accessed by train from Lisbon. The suburban train on the so called Linha de Cascais / Cascais Line, departs frequently from Cais de Sodre station.
Should you have an own means of transportation, for example a rental car, do take the opportunity to drive to Guincho beach, some 23 miles west of Lisbon or much closer, to Costa da Caparica, on the opposite side of the Tagus River.
A useful piece of advice: bring your most comfortable walking shoes. Apart from Lisbon being a very hilly city, the traditional cobble stone paving for as beautiful as it is, is very challenging to walk on and extremely slippery when wet. Ladies, save your heels only for the evening outings which do not involve a lot of walking.
Cultural activities and events in Lisbon
After the winter, which although milder than in the rest of Europe, often obliges to staying indoors, as soon as the warmer weather settles in, Lisbon’s inhabitants go out to soak in the sun in the open air cafes and parks. A wide choice of open-air events takes place in the city. If you are a Portuguese speaker, check out the cultural agenda of Lisbon City Council for current list of concerts, theatre shows, fairs and activities for children.
The Spring Feast / Festa da Pirmavera held in the Botanical Gardens of the Ajuda Palace around the 25th of April public holiday has been attracting growing numbers of participants, both local and tourists.
Active holidaymaker may combine their visit to Lisbon with the half-marathon. The course of the race follows the 25 de Abril Bridge and the scenic Belem waterfront.
Find out more information about Lisbon Half Marathon.
