October is an excellent month to visit Lisbon, offering a mix of late summer warmth and the first hints of autumn rain.

This transitional month brings varied weather to Portugal's capital. You might find yourself enjoying a beach day in Cascais under bright sunshine, only to wake the next morning to the sound of rain drumming on cobblestones, which is a welcome relief after the parched summer months. This variability actually works in your favour, as October's conditions are perfect for sightseeing, and taking day trips to the surrounding regions.

The start of the low season means Lisbon feels refreshingly calm after the summer tourist surge. Popular attractions like São Jorge Castle and Jerónimos Monastery no longer have snaking queues, restaurants don't require advance bookings, and you can actually find a seat on Tram 28. The city returns to a more authentic and calmer atmosphere, with locals reclaiming their favourite spots and empty streets in the narrow streets of Alfama.

October rewards flexible travellers who can adapt their plans to the weather. When the sun shines – which it often does – head straight to Sintra or the coast. When rain arrives, Lisbon's wealth of museums, traditional restaurants, and covered markets provide endless alternatives. The key is maintaining an open itinerary that allows you to make the most of whatever conditions October delivers.

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

October marks Lisbon's transition into autumn, bringing cooler temperatures and the return of Atlantic rain systems after the dry summer months. Understanding this variability is essential for planning your visit.

Official statistics for Lisbon in October show a daytime high of 23°C (73°F) and a night-time minimum of 15°C (59°F). The city receives an average of 101mm of rain spread across 9 days, while still enjoying approximately 7 hours of sunshine daily. The UV index drops to a moderate 5, though sun protection remains advisable on clear days.

These averages tell only part of the story. October can deliver gloriously warm spells that feel like an extension of summer, with temperatures climbing to 26°C or higher. Equally, Atlantic weather systems can sweep in, bringing grey skies and persistent rainfall.

The rain, when it comes, tends to arrive in bursts rather than persistent drizzle, as with Porto and norther Portugal.

By month's end, autumn has properly arrived, with noticeably shorter days and cooler evenings that hint at the winter ahead.

October's changeable conditions require a varied itinerary that combines outdoor exploration with some indoor sights. Here are the month's standout experiences:

Sintra on sunny days: When October delivers blue skies, make Sintra your immediate priority. The cooler temperatures are perfect for climbing to Pena Palace or exploring Quinta da Regaleira's gardens without the exhausting heat of summer.

São Jorge Castle: The castle's hilltop position offers spectacular views whatever the weather, and October's clearer air often provides exceptional visibility across the city and beyond to the Serra da Arrábida.

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian: One of Europe's finest private art collections deserves several hours of your time, making it perfect for October's rainy spells.

LX Factory: This creative quarter in Alcântara thrives regardless of weather, with its covered walkways connecting independent shops, galleries, restaurants and bars housed in former industrial buildings.

Alfama wanderings: October's cooler temperatures make exploring Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood's steep, winding streets much more comfortable. The ancient neighbourhood feels particularly atmospheric when autumn rain glistens on its cobblestones.

Time Out Market: The covered food hall provides an excellent rainy-day option, gathering dozens of Lisbon's best chefs and food vendors under one roof.

Tram 28 ride: With fewer tourists, October offers better chances of actually getting a seat on this famous route through Lisbon's most characterful neighbourhoods.

Belém district: The riverside monuments and museums here work well in any weather, and October's dramatic skies often create stunning backdrops for photography.

Cascais or Costa da Caparica beaches: Those lucky warm days still allow for beach visits, though the Atlantic remains bracing and beaches are wonderfully uncrowded. Visit Cascais or Costa da Caparica.

Bairro Alto nightlife: This hilltop neighbourhood transforms completely after dark. You can catch traditional fado music in one of the small restaurants, hop between the many bars or head to Pink Street for serious partying. (Lisbon nightlife guide)

The Ponte 25 de Abril as seen from the Cristo Rei viewpoint

October brings a noticeable shift in Lisbon's atmosphere as the city settles into its autumn rhythm. The frenetic energy of summer gives way to a more measured pace that many visitors find particularly appealing.

The tourist infrastructure remains fully operational – all attractions, restaurants, and tours continue running – but without the overwhelming crowds that can diminish the experience during peak season. You'll share major sites with other visitors, certainly, but gone are the cruise ship hordes and the need to book everything weeks in advance.

Locals return to their favourite restaurants and bars after avoiding them during the tourist-packed summer. This creates a more authentic atmosphere throughout the city, particularly in neighbourhoods like Príncipe Real and Campo de Ourique. The famous Feira da Ladra flea market feels especially local in October, with fewer tourists competing for vintage treasures.

Weather becomes the dominant factor in daily planning. Most visitors quickly develop the habit of checking forecasts each evening and adjusting the next day's itinerary accordingly. This might sound restrictive, but it actually encourages a more spontaneous, go-with-the-flow approach that suits Lisbon's laid-back character.

Prices begin their low-season descent in October, though Lisbon never becomes truly cheap. Hotels offer more reasonable rates, restaurants may feature special menus, and you'll find better availability for everything from fado shows to cooking classes.

The number 24 tram passing through Príncipe Real neighbourhood

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 categories. Many hotels introduce autumn promotions during October, particularly mid-range and boutique properties looking to maintain occupancy.

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

This six-day itinerary has been designed with October's variable weather in mind, providing alternatives for both sunny and rainy conditions. The schedule balances must-see attractions with seasonal experiences that make the most of autumn in Lisbon.

Day 1: Baixa, Alfama, and São Jorge Castle
Begin your Lisbon adventure in the grand Baixa district, where wide boulevards and elegant squares reflect the city's 18th-century reconstruction. Start at Praça do Comércio, the magnificent waterfront square that served as Lisbon's gateway for centuries. From here, walk the pedestrian Rua Augusta, Browse shops and stopping for a bica (espresso) at one of the traditional cafés.

Take the Elevador de Santa Justa for panoramic views, then wind your way into Alfama's medieval maze. October's cooler temperatures make climbing these steep streets much more pleasant than in summer. Navigate towards São Jorge Castle, pausing at viewpoints along the way – Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers particularly photogenic vistas.

The castle itself rewards with some of Lisbon's finest views, especially clear in October's crisp air. Explore the ramparts and archaeological site before descending through Alfama as evening approaches. End your day with dinner at a traditional tasca, where October's cooler evenings make hearty Portuguese stews and grilled fish even more appealing.

Day 2: Sintra (if sunny) or Museums (if rainy)
Check the morning forecast carefully – if sunshine prevails, catch an early train to Sintra. October's mild temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring this magical town's palaces and gardens. Start with Pena Palace, arriving early to beat any remaining tour groups. The autumn light enhances the palace's vivid colours, while morning mist often creates dramatic effects in the surrounding forest.

After lunch in Sintra village, explore Quinta da Regaleira, where October's occasional showers add to the mystical atmosphere of its enigmatic gardens and tunnels. Return to Lisbon by late afternoon, perhaps stopping in Belém to catch the sunset by the tower.

If rain threatens, dedicate your day to Lisbon's excellent museums. The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga houses Portugal's finest art collection in a beautiful setting, while the Museu Nacional do Azulejo tells the story of Portuguese tile-making through stunning displays. Between museums, the covered Time Out Market provides an ideal lunch stop, letting you sample offerings from multiple vendors while staying dry.

Day 3: Belém and Alcântara
Head west to Belém, timing your arrival for when the Jerónimos Monastery opens to avoid queues. This masterpiece of Manueline architecture impresses even more in October's softer light. After exploring the monastery, walk to Belém Tower – if rain threatens, the tower's interior provides shelter while you wait for clearer skies.

The cluster of Belém attractions works well in changeable weather. The Berardo Collection offers modern art, the Coach Museum displays royal carriages in covered splendour, and the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) provides contemporary edge. Don't miss pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém – the cooler weather makes queuing outside more bearable.

Spend your afternoon at LX Factory in nearby Alcântara. This converted industrial complex thrives whatever the weather, with bookshops, design stores, and cafés connected by covered walkways. The rooftop bar Rio Maravilha offers stunning views if the weather clears, or cosy indoor seating when it doesn't.

Day 4: Cascais Coast or Parque das Nações
October's weather lottery determines today's destination. If you wake to sunshine, take the train along the coast to Cascais. The journey itself provides beautiful views, and October often delivers spectacular light over the Atlantic. Walk the seafront promenade from Cascais to the dramatic coastline at Boca do Inferno, where October's larger swells create impressive displays.

The beaches at Cascais and nearby Carcavelos may still be warm enough for sunbathing, though only the brave attempt swimming in the chilly Atlantic. The reduced crowds make beach walks particularly pleasant, and Cascais's old town restaurants serve excellent seafood year-round.

For rainy days, Parque das Nações offers extensive covered options. The Oceanário, one of Europe's largest aquariums, easily occupies several hours. The modern district's covered shopping centre, cable car (which operates except in strong winds), and riverside restaurants provide plenty of weather-proof entertainment. The stark contemporary architecture creates interesting contrasts with yesterday's historical sites.

Day 5: Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Chiado
These adjoining hilltop neighbourhoods offer excellent exploring whatever October delivers. Start in leafy Príncipe Real, where Saturday brings an organic farmers' market under the trees. The area's antique shops and concept stores provide covered Browse, while the Embaixada gallery occupies a stunning palace with shops and cafés arranged around a covered courtyard.

Descend through Bairro Alto's narrow streets towards Chiado, Lisbon's elegant shopping quarter. The October light filtering through the neighbourhood's many miradouros creates perfect photography conditions. Stop for lunch at Cervejaria Trindade, a former monastery turned beer hall that epitomises the kind of atmospheric indoor spaces perfect for October.

Spend your afternoon exploring Chiado's bookshops and traditional stores, perhaps catching a film at the historic São Jorge Cinema. As evening falls, return to Bairro Alto to experience Lisbon's nightlife – October's cooler temperatures make bar-hopping between the district's tiny venues much more comfortable than in summer's heat.

Day 6: Setúbal or Évora Day Trip
Your final day offers two exceptional excursions from Lisbon, each providing a different perspective on Portuguese culture and landscapes.

Setúbal, just 45 minutes south of Lisbon, offers authentic maritime character and spectacular natural beauty. This working fishing port maintains its traditional atmosphere, with the morning fish auction and waterfront restaurants serving the freshest catch in the region. The nearby Serra da Arrábida Natural Park provides dramatic coastal scenery, with pristine beaches tucked beneath limestone cliffs. October's clearer days reveal stunning views across the Tróia Peninsula, while the sheltered beaches of Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha may still be warm enough for a final swim of the season.

Alternatively, journey east to Évora, the magnificent capital of the Alentejo region. This UNESCO World Heritage city preserves two millennia of Portuguese history within its medieval walls. The remarkably intact Roman Temple of Diana anchors the historic centre, while the macabre Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) provides an unforgettable meditation on mortality. October's cooler temperatures make exploring Évora's narrow streets and numerous monuments much more comfortable than in summer. The city's traditional restaurants serve hearty Alentejo cuisine – perfect for autumn appetites.

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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