Lisbon in Summer: Festivals, Beaches and Beating the Heat

Lisbon in summer is sunny, lively and full of street parties, with long evenings on viewpoints and beaches a short train ride away. It can also be hot and crowded. Here’s how to enjoy Lisbon from June to August.

Quick answer: expect highs of 28–30°C, with occasional heatwaves. Don’t miss the Santo António festival (12–13 June) and NOS Alive (July). Sightsee early, spend afternoons at the beaches of Cascais, Carcavelos or Costa da Caparica, and enjoy sunsets from the miradouros and rooftop bars. Book hotels early.

The weather

• Days: 28–30°C, sometimes much hotter during heatwaves.
• Nights: warm, around 18–20°C.
• Breeze: a cooling breeze from the river and the Atlantic.
• Sea: cool, around 18–20°C on the Lisbon coast.

Summer highlights

• Santo António (12–13 June): sardines, music and street parties in Alfama. See Alfama.
• NOS Alive (July): big-name music festival by the river in Algés.
• Open-air cinema and concerts around the city.
• Sunset sails on the Tagus. See sunset sails.
• Rooftop bars and miradouros at sunset. See rooftop bars.

Beat the heat

• Beaches: Cascais and Carcavelos by train, Costa da Caparica by bus, and Arrábida (with the summer shuttle). See beaches near Lisbon.
• Air-conditioned sights: the Oceanário, the Gulbenkian and the MAAT.
• A pool: see Lisbon hotels with a pool.
• Sintra: often cooler in the hills. See Sintra in one day.

Tips

• Sightsee early and late, and rest in the afternoon heat.
• Book early: hotels and popular tours fill up, especially in June.
• Drink water and wear sun protection; the breeze hides the strength of the sun.
• Watch your bag in crowds and on tram 28. See is Lisbon safe?

More: Portugal in summer, June and things to do in Lisbon.

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