The best time to visit Lisbon is either from March to May or September to October, because the weather is still warm, hotel rates are cheaper and there are fewer crowds than in summer. In those seasons, you might also be able to squeeze in a few beach days.

The best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). During these months, the city enjoys a "Goldilocks" climate—the weather is warm and sunny (averaging 18°C to 24°C), but it avoids the sweltering, humid heat of July and August. These periods also offer a much more relaxed experience, as the massive summer cruise ship crowds have dissipated, and wait times for iconic sites like the Belém Tower and the Santa Justa Lift are significantly shorter. Spring is particularly magical because the city is in full bloom and the light is exceptionally clear for photography. Fall is arguably the most underrated season, offering golden sunsets and the beginning of the "roasted chestnut" season on the street corners. If you are looking for festive energy, June is also a great time to visit for the "Festas de Lisboa" (specifically St. Anthony's Day), though you must be prepared for extreme crowds and noise. For budget-conscious travelers, the winter months of January and February offer the lowest prices on luxury hotels, and while it can be rainy, the temperatures rarely drop below 10°C, making it a very comfortable escape from the harsh winters of Northern Europe or North America.