May is when Lisbon becomes the city you've seen in photographs. Picture sun-drenched terraces overlooking terracotta rooftops, purple-flowering jacaranda trees shading historic plazas, and the sun setting over the Tagus late into the evening. This is the month when locals declare their winter officially over, throwing open windows, claiming outdoor tables, and living life decidedly outside.

The weather in May is remarkably reliable. Gone are April's temperamental showers, yet summer's crushing heat remains weeks away. Instead, days are bright and sunny, with refreshing Atlantic breezes keeping the air fresh. This is weather for exploring, comfortable enough for climbing Alfama's steep streets, warm enough for sunset drinks on rooftop bars, and perfect for those first beach trips to Cascais or Costa da Caparica.

May does mark the true beginning of tourist season, with visitor numbers climbing steadily toward summer peaks. Yet the atmosphere remains manageable rather than overwhelming; you'll share the city's attractions with fellow travellers, but won't battle crowds to admire views or face reservation misery for restaurant tables. For many, this balance between vibrant atmosphere and relative accessibility makes May Lisbon's most appealing month.

This guide will show you how to make the most of near-perfect conditions, from essential city sights to day trips that show the region at its finest.

The purple blooming Jacaranda trees in Rossio plaza

Lisbon’s outdoor café culture starts in earnest during May – this is the Miradouro da Graça viewpoint

May is a fantastic month to visit Lisbon, as the unpredictable spring weather gives way to the settled warmth and sunshine of the approaching summer.

The average daytime high reaches a very pleasant 22C (72F), with a mild nighttime minimum of 14C (57F). The city enjoys nearly ten hours of sunshine a day, although you can still expect some rain on around nine days, contributing to 54mm of precipitation.

The appeal of May is that it offers summery weather without the intense heat of the later months. While the majority of days are bright and sunny, occasional wet spells can be blown in from the Atlantic. These tend to pass very quickly, rarely lasting long enough to disrupt plans.

Visitors will notice the weather gradually improving throughout the month, and by the end of May, it is often warm enough for a day on the beach. The sun is strong, with a high UV index, so sun protection is essential. After a warm day, the evenings are refreshingly cool, often with a pleasant breeze.

Insight: May offers some of the best weather of the year in Lisbon, providing the ideal climate for sightseeing before the peak summer crowds and heat arrive.

May is an outstanding month to discover Lisbon and its surrounding region. Some of the highlights which you should not miss include:

• Alfama & São Jorge Castle: Climb through the historic labyrinth of Alfama’s streets to the city’s highest point, São Jorge Castle. After exploring the ancient Moorish fortress and its ramparts, descend back through the neighbourhood’s cobbled alleys to discover hidden courtyards and viewpoints. - Alfama guide.

• Belém District: Journey to the monumental riverside district celebrating Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Here you can explore the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower, two UNESCO World Heritage sites that define the city's waterfront.- Belém District guide.

• Sintra Day Trip: Escape to the enchanting palaces and mystical forests of Sintra, a nearby town that feels a world away. Choose between the romantic Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its initiation well, or the ancient Castle of the Moors for a memorable day trip. - Sintra day trip guide.

• The Miradouros: To truly appreciate Lisbon's cityscape, find your way to one of its famous viewpoints (miradouros). In the longer evenings of May, these terraces become social hubs. Choose the highest panorama from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or the tiled charm of Miradouro de Santa Luzia, grab a drink from a kiosk bar, and watch the sunset over the city's rooftops.

• Feira da Ladra Flea Market: Hunt for treasures at Lisbon’s most famous flea market, held every Tuesday and Saturday. Sprawling across the Campo de Santa Clara, its stalls are filled with everything from antique tiles and vintage clothing to handmade crafts and quirky collectibles. Feira da Ladra guide.

• Bairro Alto Nightlife: As evening falls, head uphill to the Bairro Alto district, the epicentre of Lisbon’s nightlife. The neighbourhood’s narrow streets transform into a massive open-air party, as dozens of small bars serve drinks to crowds socialising on the cobblestones - Lisbon nightlife guide.

• Cristo Rei Statue: For a unique perspective on Lisbon, take the ferry across the Tagus to Almada. From there, ascend to the base of the towering Cristo Rei statue. The panoramic viewpoint offers an unparalleled view of the 25 de Abril Bridge, with the entire cityscape stretching out behind it - Cristo Rei guide.

• Sunset River Cruise: See the city from its best angle on a sunset cruise along the Tagus River. As the sun dips towards the Atlantic, watch the hills of Lisbon glow in the golden light, sailing past landmarks like the Belém Tower and under the 25 de Abril Bridge.

A sunset cruise passing the Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Belem

May is a fantastic time to visit Lisbon, but it's important to book your accommodation early to secure the best prices. While May is not quite the peak season, demand for hotels and rentals can still be high as the city gears up for summer.

To find the perfect place to stay, use the map below to see the location of hotels and rental rooms in Lisbon. Adjust the dates to fit your trip, and the map will display current availability and prices:

Booking.com

May in Lisbon offers the first true promise of summer, with long, bright days and pleasantly warm sunshine perfect for relaxing on the sand. The coast is wonderfully uncrowded, retaining a relaxed, local feel before the summer rush begins.

The scenic train journey from Cais do Sodré is a peaceful ride to a coastline that feels spacious and calm. Praia de Carcavelos is a vast, open expanse, ideal for long walks, learning to surf in a wetsuit, or simply enjoying the feeling of having the beach almost to yourself. In Cascais, the town beaches of Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa are tranquil spots where the main pleasure lies in combining a quiet hour on the sand with a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, savouring the town's charm without the crowds.

Across the bridge, the Costa da Caparica has a laid-back, authentic feel in May. The surf schools are just starting for the year, and the beach bars are relaxed and unhurried. It’s the perfect time to watch the surfers, enjoy a quiet drink, and witness the spectacular sunset without the summer crowds.

For truly breathtaking scenery, May is perhaps the best month to visit the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. The journey south is blissfully easy, and the park’s hills are at their most lush and green. This vibrant landscape provides a stunning backdrop to the turquoise, crystal-clear water of coves like Praia de Galapinhos. While the water is cold, the sheer beauty and easy accessibility make it an unmissable experience.

The Praia de Carcavelos

The Serra da Arrábida coastline

Labour Day – 1st May
Dia do Trabalhador is a national public holiday in Portugal, as it is in many countries around the world. The day is traditionally marked by parades and demonstrations organised by trade unions, particularly in Lisbon and other major cities. For most people, however, it is simply a welcome day off to spend with family and friends, often marking the unofficial start of the spring season for outdoor gatherings and picnics.

May's bright, warm weather makes it the perfect month for exploration, and some of the best excursions from Lisbon include:

Sintra - A hill town filled with romantic palaces, including the colourful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, all surrounded by cool forests that provide relief from the summer heat - Sintra guide

Cascais - Lisbon's favourite beach resort, combining sandy beaches with a charming town centre and easy train connections from Cais do Sodré station - Cascais guide

Setúbal - A working fishing port south of Lisbon, known for exceptional seafood restaurants and as the gateway to the beautiful beaches of the Arrábida Natural Park - Setúbal guide

Évora - The historic capital of the Alentejo region, featuring a Roman temple, medieval cathedral, and the macabre Chapel of Bones - Évora guide

Óbidos - A small medieval town enclosed by ancient walls, famous for its cherry liqueur (ginjinha) served in chocolate cups and picturesque white houses - Óbidos guide

Sesimbra - A fishing village turned beach resort with excellent seafood restaurants and a protected bay perfect for families with young children - Sesimbra guide

Costa da Caparica - A 15km stretch of Atlantic beaches across the river from Lisbon, popular with surfers and locals looking for waves and beach bars.

Óbidos is a traditional Portuguese walled city

With the arrival of reliably sunny days and calmer seas, May is the perfect time to explore Lisbon's stunning coastline through a bit of adventure.
Coasteering at Sesimbra - For a truly thrilling experience, try this unforgettable mix of cliff scrambling, sea swimming, and daring jumps from heights of up to 8 metres into crystal-clear Atlantic waters. It's an incredible way to experience the raw beauty of Portugal's rugged coast - Coasteering by GetYourGuide

Kayaking the Sesimbra Coast - Paddle along one of Portugal's most scenic shorelines to discover hidden coves and the secluded 'wild beach' of Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, which is only accessible by sea. More adventurous kayakers can continue onwards to explore the magnificent Boca do Tamboril sea cave . Kayak tour from Lisbon

Surfing at Costa da Caparica - Catch the perfect wave at Portugal’s premier surfing destination. . Whether you're a complete beginner looking for a gentle lesson or an experienced surfer seeking a challenge, the expansive beaches here have a wave for everyone. Numerous local surf schools offer expert instruction and equipment rental.

The Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo beach

Climbing down the cliffs for the first jump into the freezing sea

This 5-day itinerary takes full advantage of May's excellent weather, balancing Lisbon's essential sights with coastal escapes and regional excursions. The warmer, more reliable conditions make this the perfect month for outdoor exploration and day trips beyond the city.

Day 1: Grand Plazas and Historic Hillsides
The first day is dedicated to Lisbon’s contrasting historic districts, beginning in the grand, sunlit plazas of the Baixa before ascending into the ancient, labyrinthine alleys of Alfama. May's excellent weather provides the perfect conditions for a day of walking and soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

The journey begins in Baixa, the city’s elegant neoclassical heart. Rebuilt on an orderly grid after the 1755 earthquake, its wide avenues and grand squares feel particularly welcoming in the spring sunshine. The magnificent Praça do Comércio serves as a monumental gateway to the city from the Tagus River, while the bustling Rossio Square is a hub of local life, famed for its wave-patterned cobbles and baroque fountains.

Exploring this district offers several essential Lisbon experiences. A stroll down the main pedestrian thoroughfare, Rua Augusta, reveals a lively mix of shops and cafés. For a unique perspective, the ornate, 19th-century Elevador de Santa Justa provides panoramic views over the downtown rooftops. Conclude the exploration of Baixa with a visit to a historic bar for a taste of ginjinha, the traditional sour cherry liqueur served in a small glass.

In the afternoon, the exploration moves from the orderly grid of Baixa to the steep, winding streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. The climb through this atmospheric maze leads to the Castelo de São Jorge, whose ancient walls offer commanding views across the city. Within the district, you can also visit the fortress-like Lisbon Cathedral (Sé). The adjacent neighbourhood of Graça is home to some of the city's best viewpoints and vibrant street art that transforms its walls into an open-air gallery. A ride on the iconic yellow Tram 28 is another classic way to experience the tight turns and steep gradients of these historic quarters.

Day 2: The Fairytale Palaces of Sintra
A full day should be dedicated to exploring Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of forested hills and fantastical palaces. May’s reliable sunny weather makes it the ideal month for this excursion, allowing you to fully appreciate the magnificent gardens and breathtaking views. Given the number of attractions, it is best to select two or three main sites for a more immersive and rewarding experience.

The most famous landmark is the Pena Palace, a whimsical Romanticist castle whose vibrant red and yellow towers create a fairy-tale silhouette against the sky. Perched atop the highest peak in the hills, its opulent staterooms and panoramic terraces offer stunning views across the surrounding landscape to the Atlantic coast. Another essential visit is the Quinta da Regaleira, an enigmatic estate where the main allure is its mysterious gardens, filled with hidden tunnels, symbolic grottoes, and the famous initiation well that spirals deep into the earth.

Sintra offers several other treasures worth considering. The atmospheric ruins of the Moorish Castle snake along a high ridge, offering rugged beauty and more incredible vistas. In the centre of the town lies the Sintra National Palace, the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal, easily recognised by its distinctive twin chimneys. For garden lovers, the exotic, Arabian-inspired Monserrate Palace is a must-see, as its world-renowned botanical gardens are in full bloom and at their most beautiful in May.

Day 3: Maritime Grandeur and Modern Creativity
This day is dedicated to the waterfront districts of Belém and Alcântara, where the monumental legacy of Portugal's Age of Discoveries meets the vibrant energy of contemporary Lisbon. The pleasant May weather is perfectly suited for exploring this open, riverside part of the city.

The journey begins in Belém, the historic launching point for Portugal’s 15th and 16th-century voyages. The district's magnificent centerpiece is the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose elaborate Manueline stonework was funded by the wealth of the spice trade. A visit is incomplete without tasting the original custard tarts at the nearby Pastéis de Belém, where they have been made from a secret recipe since 1837. From here, a pleasant walk along the riverfront leads first to the towering Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument honouring Portugal's great explorers, and then to the iconic Torre de Belém, the elegant 16th-century fortress that once guarded the entrance to the harbour.

In the afternoon, transition from the grandeur of the past to the creative spirit of the present at the LX Factory in the Alcântara district. This sprawling industrial complex has been repurposed into a vibrant hub for Lisbon's contemporary culture, where former warehouses now house independent boutiques, artist studios, and innovative restaurants. It provides a fascinating look at the city’s modern renaissance and is an ideal place to spend the late afternoon and evening.

Day 4: A Coastal Escape to Cascais and Beyond
May's warm and sunny weather makes it the perfect time to explore the beautiful coastline just a short train ride from the city centre. While the Atlantic water remains cool even in late spring, the region offers a variety of seaside experiences, from elegant resort towns to expansive, surf-friendly beaches.

For sophisticated seaside charm, the scenic coastal train journey to Cascais is highly recommended. This elegant former fishing village became a fashionable royal retreat in the 19th century, and it retains an atmosphere of Belle Époque grandeur with its grand villas, charming town centre, and pristine marina. You can stroll along the tree-lined avenues, browse the upmarket boutiques, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many excellent restaurants overlooking the bay. The town's sheltered, golden sand beaches are perfect for relaxing in the sun.

For a more traditional beach day, Carcavelos Beach is one of Lisbon's most popular and accessible coastal destinations. This vast expanse of sand is popular with both locals and visitors, offering excellent facilities, lively beach bars, and reliable waves that are ideal for swimming and bodyboarding. Alternatively, for surfing enthusiasts, the beaches of Costa da Caparica, located south of the river, are the premier destination. This area offers miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coastline with consistent swells, numerous surf schools, and a vibrant beach culture.

Day 5: Bohemian Quarters
The final day is an immersion into the lifestyle of Lisbon’s most charming and fashionable districts, flowing from peaceful parks and elegant avenues down to a vibrant culinary market and into the historic bohemian quarter.

Begin the morning in the tranquil and refined neighbourhood of Estrela, where you can experience authentic Lisbon life. The area is dominated by the magnificent, dome-topped Estrela Basilica. Opposite lies the lush Jardim da Estrela, a beautifully landscaped garden that is a favourite green space for locals. From here, a pleasant stroll leads into the adjacent, fashionable district of Príncipe Real, renowned for its upmarket boutiques, art galleries, and the elegant 19th-century mansions that line its streets.

As lunchtime approaches, make your way downhill towards the river to Cais do Sodré. Here you will find the bustling TimeOut Market, a vibrant culinary hub that brings many of Lisbon's finest food vendors and top chefs together under one roof. This converted historic market hall offers an incredible variety of options, from traditional Portuguese seafood and cured meats to modern culinary creations, providing a perfect snapshot of the city's dynamic food scene.

In the afternoon, ascend back into the hills by riding one of the city's charming funiculars, such as the Elevador da Bica, which climbs one of Lisbon’s most picturesque streets into the Bairro Alto. This is the ideal time to explore the bohemian quarter’s narrow, cobbled streets while they are still quiet. A visit to the Igreja de São Roque is essential; its modest, plain exterior conceals a breathtakingly opulent interior of gold leaf, marble, and intricate tilework, which is considered one of the finest examples of baroque art in Europe. This provides a memorable cultural finale to your Lisbon journey.

When packing for Lisbon in May, it's important to consider the city's mild but variable spring weather. To stay comfortable, focus on layering: pack lightweight, breathable items such as t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and a medium-weight sweater or cardigan. A waterproof or light raincoat is maybe needed for the occasional showers. For bottoms, comfortable jeans or trousers are suitable, and towards the end of May, you might also consider shorts or a skirt.

Footwear should prioritize comfort and versatility, as Lisbon's cobbled streets and hills can be challenging to navigate. Comfortable walking shoes, preferably waterproof, are a must, and you might want to include a pair of more formal shoes for evening outings. Lisbon's nightlife and dining scenes are vibrant yet relaxed, so pack a smart-casual outfit for these occasions.

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