October catches Lisbon in transition, suspended between the reliable sunshine of September and the grey uncertainties of November. This is autumn's true arrival, bringing a weather lottery that can deliver anything from beach-perfect afternoons to the season's first proper Atlantic storms. One morning might dawn crystal clear with temperatures climbing toward 25°C, while the next brings cool rain drumming on terracotta roofs. Yet these milder, changeable conditions often create the most comfortable weather for exploring the city's seven hills or day trips to the surrounding region.

The shift to low season transforms the city's character entirely. Where the summer months saw tour groups commandeering every viewpoint and filling every tram, October brings a remarkable calm. Alfama's narrow lanes return to their residents, the queue for Pastéis de Belém shrinks to manageable proportions, and you might find yourself entirely alone atop the Castelo de São Jorge, watching clouds roll in from the Atlantic. This isn't emptiness but rather Lisbon at its natural pace, unhurried and authentic.

The rewards for accepting October's unpredictability are substantial. Hotel rates drop significantly, restaurant tables require no advance planning, and even the famous number 28 tram might have empty seats.

Making the most of October requires flexibility and a certain optimism about the weather. The key is having options ready: Sintra for those perfect days, museums and traditional tascas when rain arrives, and always an umbrella tucked in your bag. This guide will show you how to navigate October's changing moods, ensuring you capture the month's particular charm regardless of what the Atlantic delivers.

The Arco da Rua Augusta on a bright sunny day in October

However, once the sun sets, you’ll want a jacket.

October marks Lisbon’s transition into autumn, a month where the lingering warmth of summer meets the first significant rains of the season.

On average, daytime temperatures remain a pleasant 23C (73F), with a nighttime minimum of 15C (59F). The city still enjoys around seven hours of sunshine each day, but the return of Atlantic weather systems means you can expect rain on around 9 days, contributing to 101mm of precipitation.

These averages, however, only tell part of the story. October can deliver two very different types of weather: there can be gloriously warm spells that feel like an extension of summer, with temperatures reaching 26C (79F) or higher. Equally, an Atlantic system can move in, bringing grey skies and rainfall. When it does rain, it typically arrives in heavy bursts rather than as a persistent drizzle.

The most noticeable change for visitors throughout October is the gradual shift in the season. While the month may begin with a summery feel, by the end of October autumn has firmly taken hold, with noticeably shorter days and cooler evenings that signal the approach of winter.

Insight: October in Lisbon often provides some of the best autumn weather in Europe, making it a fantastic month to visit.

October in Lisbon presents a beautiful mix of bright, sunny days and cooler autumn weather. It’s the perfect month to create a flexible itinerary that balances outdoor sightseeing with the city's world-class indoor attractions.

• Alfama & São Jorge Castle: Wander the maze-like streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, making your way up to the commanding São Jorge Castle. The clearer autumn air often provides fantastic visibility from the castle walls, offering sweeping views across the city’s rooftops to the Tagus River. - Alfama guide

• Sintra Day Trip: Reserve a sunny day for a trip to the enchanting town of Sintra. The cooler autumn temperatures are ideal for exploring the romantic Pena Palace and the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, without the intense heat and crowds of the summer months.- Sintra guide.

• A Quieter City Centre: October provides the ideal balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making the city’s top experiences much more accessible. This is the time to ride the famous Tram 28 with a good chance of getting a seat, enter the Jerónimos Monastery without the infamous summer queues, and enjoy the spontaneity of securing a table at a popular restaurant without a reservation. Tram 28 guide.

• Bairro Alto Nightlife: As dusk falls, experience the nightly transformation of Bairro Alto. The steep streets come alive as dozens of small, characterful bars open their doors, with crowds spilling onto the cobblestones to create a lively, open-air party atmosphere. - Lisbon nightlife guide.

• Museu Calouste Gulbenkian: For a rainy afternoon, immerse yourself in one of Europe's finest private art collections. The museum's extensive galleries contain treasures spanning 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian art to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Monet. - Lisbon museums guide.

• LX Factory: This repurposed 19th-century factory complex is a hub of creativity that thrives in any weather. Explore the independent boutiques, artist studios, and innovative restaurants, all connected by covered walkways perfect for an autumn day.

• Time Out Market: This bustling, covered food hall is an ideal destination for a drizzly day. It brings together dozens of Lisbon's best chefs and restaurants under one roof, allowing you to sample a huge variety of high-quality dishes in a vibrant setting. - Lisbon markets guide.

• Oceanário de Lisboa: A world-class aquarium renowned for its innovative design. The main attraction is an enormous five-million-litre central tank that creates the illusion of a single global ocean, home to sharks, rays, and massive sunfish.

The Oceanário de Lisboa

Sunset over the Tejo estuary in October

Republic Day – 5th October
Implantação da República is a national public holiday that commemorates the overthrow of the Portuguese monarchy and the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic on October 5th, 1910. The day is marked with official ceremonies and events held by state and municipal entities, but for the general population, it is a quiet public holiday.

October marks the beginning of Lisbon's low season, presenting excellent opportunities for accommodation bargains. While the city never becomes empty, the significant drop in visitor numbers means better availability and prices across all types of accommodation.

Use the interactive map below to explore available accommodation across Lisbon's different neighbourhoods. Simply adjust the dates to match your travel plans, and the map will show current availability and pricing for your stay:

Booking.com

October's cooler weather makes it an outstanding month for sightseeing, whether you're exploring Lisbon's diverse neighbourhoods on foot or venturing out on day trips to discover the surrounding region. Here are some of the best day trips from Lisbon:

Sintra - This hillside town draws visitors with its collection of extraordinary palaces and romantic gardens scattered through wooded hills. The colourful Pena Palace and mysterious Quinta da Regaleira are the main attractions, along with the ruins of an old Moorish castle that offers excellent views. Sintra guide

Cascais - The most elegant seaside resort within easy reach of Lisbon, Cascais combines attractive beaches with grand 19th-century architecture. It has managed to keep its sophisticated character while remaining a popular destination for both day trips and longer stays. Cascais guide

Setúbal - For authentic Portuguese life, this working fishing port south of Lisbon offers excellent seafood restaurants and a genuine harbour atmosphere. The daily catch arrives each morning, and the restaurants here serve some of the freshest fish you'll find anywhere. Setubal guide

Évora - In the heart of the Alentejo region, this ancient city preserves layers of Portuguese history. You'll find Roman ruins, medieval streets, and Renaissance buildings, all surrounded by the rolling countryside that produces much of Portugal's wine and cork. Evora guide

Óbidos - This small medieval walled town has kept its historical character remarkably intact. You can walk the ancient ramparts and explore narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses decorated with bright flowers. Obidos guide

Sesimbra - Originally a fishing village, Sesimbra has grown into a popular beach resort while keeping much of its original charm. It sits between excellent sandy beaches and the green hills of the Serra da Arrábida, making it appealing for both beach lovers and hikers. Sesimbra guide

Óbidos is a traditional Portuguese walled city

As autumn weather arrives, a rainy day in October is possible, however this is the perfect opportunity to explore Lisbon's outstanding indoor attractions.

The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian holds a world-class private collection spanning from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Impressionist art. For a uniquely Portuguese experience, the Museu Nacional do Azulejo reveals the country's beautiful tile-making history in a former convent.

The Museu Nacional dos Coches (Coach Museum) presents a spectacular collection of ornate royal carriages. The magnificent Oceanário de Lisboa is a world-class aquarium, celebrated for its enormous central tank which brilliantly creates the illusion of one vast, open ocean.

Shopping provides another excellent escape from the weather. For hundreds of stores under one roof, head to the Colombo Shopping Centre. For a more traditional experience, explore the elegant boutiques and historic bookshops of the Chiado district. Finally, a wet day is the best time to find a seat on the famous Tram 28, watching the city’s oldest neighbourhoods slide by from the dry comfort of your window.

For a more hands-on experience, the immersive Quake museum vividly recreates Lisbon's great earthquake of 1755 through a series of interactive exhibits. You could also spend an afternoon at the LX Factory, a creative hub where former warehouses shelter independent design shops, art galleries, and unique restaurants. Another great option is joining a Portuguese cooking class, where you can learn the secrets behind local dishes or master the art of the perfect pastel de nata.

October in Lisbon offers a wonderful balance of pleasant, mild weather and fewer crowds. This itinerary is designed with the autumn season in mind, blending the city’s essential attractions with excellent indoor alternatives, ensuring a memorable visit whatever the weather.

Day 1: The Historic Heart of Baixa and Alfama
The first day is dedicated to Lisbon’s two oldest and most significant districts. The cooler temperatures of October are ideal for a day of walking, starting in the grand boulevards of Baixa and finishing in the ancient, hilly maze of Alfama.

Your exploration begins in the Baixa district, an area of elegant 18th-century architecture built after the great earthquake of 1755. The monumental Praça do Comércio, a vast square on the banks of the Tagus River, serves as a magnificent entry point to the city. From here, the pedestrianised Rua Augusta is lined with shops and traditional cafés perfect for a stop to enjoy a bica (espresso). For a rewarding view over the district's grid-like streets, take the historic Elevador de Santa Justa.

From Baixa’s orderly layout, you can ascend into the winding, medieval streets of Alfama. This historic neighbourhood is a pleasure to explore on foot, with the crisp autumn air making the climb towards the castle more comfortable. Along the way, you will discover stunning viewpoints, such as the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which offers beautiful vistas over the terracotta rooftops.

At the top of the hill sits the impressive São Jorge Castle. The clear October skies often provide exceptional panoramic views from its ancient ramparts. As evening arrives, the narrow streets of Alfama are an atmospheric setting for dinner in a traditional tasca, where hearty Portuguese dishes are especially welcome on a cool autumn night.

Day 2: Maritime Monuments and Creative Hubs
This day focuses on the waterfront district of Belém, where Portugal's maritime history is on full display, before moving on to the contemporary buzz of Alcântara. The area's mix of monuments and museums makes it perfectly suited to October’s changeable weather.

The day begins in Belém at the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its intricate Manueline architecture is particularly striking in the soft autumn light. A short walk along the riverfront leads to the iconic Belém Tower, the 16th-century fortress that once guarded the city’s harbour. No visit to the district is complete without trying a warm custard tart from the original source, Pastéis de Belém.

Belém is also home to a superb collection of museums, providing excellent options if rain is forecast. You can explore modern and contemporary works at the Berardo Collection, admire a unique collection of royal carriages at the National Coach Museum, or visit the striking riverside MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology).

In the afternoon, head to the nearby LX Factory in the Alcântara district. This repurposed industrial complex is a thriving creative hub, and its mix of indoor spaces and covered walkways makes it an ideal all-weather destination. Here you can browse independent bookshops and design stores or relax in one of the many unique cafés and restaurants.

Day 3: A Fairytale Escape to Sintra (A Sunny Day Option)
This day trip is best saved for a clear forecast. If the sun is shining, an early train to Sintra is highly recommended. The mild temperatures of October are perfect for exploring the palaces and gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage town, which served as a summer sanctuary for Portuguese royalty.

Begin your visit at the spectacular Pena Palace. Perched high on a hill, its vivid red and yellow towers are an unforgettable sight. The soft autumn light enhances the palace's unique colours, and the morning mist that often blankets the surrounding forest can create a wonderfully dramatic atmosphere. Arriving early will help you avoid the largest crowds.

After exploring the palace, take a break for lunch in Sintra's historic village. For the afternoon, make your way to the Quinta da Regaleira, an estate filled with mystery and symbolism. The main attraction here is not the house but the enigmatic gardens, which feature hidden tunnels, grottoes, and the famous Initiation Well. An occasional October shower can even add to the mystical feeling of this unique landscape.

Day 4: Hilltop Neighbourhoods and a River Crossing
This day is perfect for exploring some of Lisbon's most characterful central neighbourhoods, offering plenty to see and do regardless of the weather. The journey begins in the leafy and sophisticated district of Príncipe Real. Its elegant squares are home to antique shops and concept stores, and on a Saturday, a popular organic farmers' market sets up beneath the trees. A highlight is the Embaixada, a 19th-century palace transformed into a unique shopping gallery with boutiques arranged around a beautiful covered courtyard.

From here, wander down through the narrow, cobbled streets of Bairro Alto towards Chiado, Lisbon's traditional and elegant shopping district. The low-angled October sun often creates perfect conditions for photography from the area's many viewpoints (miradouros). For lunch, a great all-weather option is the Cervejaria Trindade, a grand beer hall and restaurant located in a beautifully decorated former monastery.

In the afternoon, head to the Cais do Sodré ferry terminal for a short trip across the Tagus River to the town of Cacilhas. This area is well-regarded by locals for its excellent and authentic seafood restaurants that line the waterfront, offering the freshest catch of the day.

From Cacilhas, a bus will take you up to the towering Cristo Rei (Christ the King) monument. The main reason for the journey is to experience the unparalleled panoramic view from its observation deck. From this high vantage point, the entire city of Lisbon is laid out across the water, providing a magnificent perspective on the sweep of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the city's historic skyline.

Day 5: Modern Marvels or Classic Collections (An All-Weather Plan)

The final day is designed to be flexible, offering two excellent and distinct options that are perfectly suited for the variable weather of October. You can choose between exploring Lisbon's contemporary waterfront or immersing yourself in the country's rich artistic heritage.

Option 1: The Modern Waterfront of Parque das Nações
For a complete contrast to historic Lisbon, spend the day at Parque das Nações. This district, built on the site of the 1998 World Expo, showcases striking contemporary architecture and offers numerous indoor attractions.

The main highlight is the magnificent Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Europe. Its vast central tank and thoughtfully designed exhibits representing different ocean ecosystems can easily occupy several hours. The area also features a large covered shopping centre and a scenic cable car that provides great views along the riverfront on clearer days.

Option 2: A Day of Art and History
Alternatively, dedicate the day to exploring some of Lisbon’s finest museums. The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art) holds Portugal's most important public art collection, with masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Another unique choice is the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum). Housed in a beautiful former convent, it tells the fascinating story of the iconic painted tiles (azulejos) that decorate buildings all over Portugal. For a convenient and covered lunch stop between museums, the Time Out Market offers a huge variety of food stalls in a lively hall.

October's changeable weather requires strategic packing that covers multiple scenarios. Layering becomes essential, allowing you to adapt as conditions shift throughout the day.

Start with a reliable waterproof jacket – not just water-resistant, but properly waterproof. October's rain can be substantial when it arrives. A compact umbrella also proves invaluable, small enough to carry daily but sturdy enough to handle gusty conditions.

For clothing, pack layers that work together: t-shirts for warm afternoons, long-sleeved shirts for cooler mornings, and at least one warm jumper or fleece for chilly evenings. Jeans or long trousers suit most October days, though optimists might include one pair of shorts for those possible beach days. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for Lisbon's hills, especially when cobblestones turn slippery in the rain.

Evenings call for smart-casual attire as Lisbon's dining scene remains sophisticated year-round. October's restaurant terraces often provide blankets, but bringing a light scarf or pashmina adds comfort for outdoor dining. Don't forget sunglasses and sun cream – October's sun, when it appears, can still be surprisingly strong.

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