Question 1

What is the sunniest time of year in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Lisbon is during the summer months, with August 2024 recording an impressive 405.5 hours of sunshine—the highest of any month that year.

Lisbon enjoys approximately 3,049 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of Europe's sunniest capital cities. In 2024, the peak sunshine period ran from May through September, with the top three months being August (405.5 hours), July (387.2 hours), and May (352.1 hours). During August, Lisbon averaged 13.1 hours of sunshine per day, while July saw 12.5 hours daily.

The summer months from June to August collectively delivered 1,074 hours of sunshine, more than double the 509 hours recorded during the winter months of January, February, and December combined. Summer temperatures in Lisbon during this sunny period averaged 21.3°C (70.3°F), creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

For visitors planning a trip to Lisbon, the period from May to September offers the most reliable sunshine, with minimal rainfall—August 2024 recorded zero precipitation. However, even winter months provide decent sunshine, with December 2024 offering 207.5 hours despite being the coldest month at 11.1°C (52.0°F) average temperature.

Question 2

What is the driest month in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

August is the driest month in Lisbon, receiving virtually no rainfall based on 2024 weather data. The city recorded 0.0mm of precipitation during August 2024, making it an exceptionally dry period for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

July comes in as the second driest month with just 2.4mm (0.09 inches) of rain, followed by May with 7.8mm. Together, the summer months from June to August saw only 56.8mm (2.24 inches) of total precipitation, while average temperatures during this dry season reached a pleasant 21.3°C (70.3°F).

Lisbon's Mediterranean climate creates a stark contrast between wet and dry seasons. The dry period from May through September totaled just 82.8mm of rainfall, while the wet season from October through April brought 836.1mm. For comparison, January 2024 was the wettest month with 183.3mm (7.2 inches), accounting for nearly 20% of the city's annual rainfall.

The total annual precipitation in Lisbon reached 918.9mm (36.2 inches) in 2024. If you're planning a visit and want to avoid rain, August offers the most reliable dry weather in Lisbon, with warm temperatures around 22.4°C (72.3°F) and essentially zero chance of precipitation disrupting your plans.

Question 3

What was the hottest day in Lisbon in 2024?

Accepted Answer

The hottest day in Lisbon in 2024 was July 22, when temperatures soared to 38.1°C (100.6°F). This scorching peak marked the only day of the year when Lisbon crossed the 100°F threshold.

The intense heat wave in late July 2024 produced several extreme days in Lisbon. The second and third hottest days followed closely: August 16 reached 37.5°C (99.5°F), and July 29 hit 37.0°C (98.6°F). In total, Lisbon experienced 8 days with temperatures at or above 35°C (95°F) throughout the year.

For context, Lisbon's average daily high during summer 2024 (June through August) was 28.1°C (82.5°F), with July being the warmest month at an average high of 29.5°C (85.2°F). This means the July 22 peak was roughly 10°C above the typical summer day.

Visitors planning trips to Lisbon should note that mid-to-late July often brings the most extreme heat. During such hot spells, locals recommend seeking shade in historic neighborhoods like Alfama, enjoying the cooling Atlantic breezes along the waterfront, or retreating to air-conditioned museums during peak afternoon hours.

Question 4

What is the weather like in Lisbon in December?

Accepted Answer

Lisbon enjoys mild winter weather in December, with average temperatures around 11.1°C (52.1°F) based on 2024 data. The city offers pleasant conditions compared to much of Europe during this month.

Daily highs in Lisbon typically reach 15.2°C (59.4°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to an average of 7.5°C (45.5°F). December 2024 saw the warmest day reach 18.7°C (65.7°F), with the coldest night dipping to 3.2°C (37.8°F). About 7 days experienced lows below 5°C (41°F), so packing layers is advisable.

December brings moderate rainfall to Lisbon, with 47.4mm (1.9 inches) of precipitation spread across approximately 8 rainy days in 2024. Despite occasional showers, the city still recorded 207.5 hours of sunshine throughout the month, averaging 6.7 hours of sunlight per day.

The humidity level averages 78.2%, creating occasionally damp conditions but rarely uncomfortable. With 19 days featuring pleasant daytime highs between 14-19°C (57-66°F), December remains an excellent time for sightseeing, exploring historic neighbourhoods, and enjoying outdoor cafés in Lisbon without summer crowds.

Question 5

How much total rainfall did Lisbon receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Lisbon received a total of 918.9mm (36.2 inches) of rainfall throughout 2024, with precipitation heavily concentrated in the cooler months.

January was the wettest month in Lisbon during 2024, recording 183.3mm (7.2 inches) of rain. March followed closely with 179.9mm, while October brought 152.6mm as autumn storms arrived. In contrast, summer months were remarkably dry, with August recording no measurable rainfall at all and July seeing just 2.4mm.

The seasonal distribution of Lisbon's 2024 rainfall shows a clear Mediterranean pattern:

- Winter (January–February 2024): 320.1mm (12.6 inches)
- Spring (March–May 2024): 218.1mm (8.6 inches)
- Summer (June–August 2024): 56.8mm (2.2 inches)
- Autumn (September–November 2024): 276.5mm (10.9 inches)

This rainfall pattern is typical for Lisbon's Mediterranean climate, where wet winters and dry summers define the annual weather cycle. For visitors planning outdoor activities, the summer months from June to August offer the most reliable dry conditions, while those visiting in winter should prepare for frequent rainy days, particularly in January and March. The autumn transition in October can bring sudden heavy showers as Atlantic weather systems move inland.

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FAQ

What is the sunniest time of year in Lisbon?

What is the driest month in Lisbon?

What was the hottest day in Lisbon in 2024?

What is the weather like in Lisbon in December?

How much total rainfall did Lisbon receive in 2024?