What May feels like in Lisbon
For Lisbon, May is late spring on the calendar. Mild afternoons make it easy to spend hours outdoors. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay mild, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is fairly humid, though at these temperatures it rarely feels oppressive.
Rain in Lisbon in May
Wet days are occasional rather than regular, about one day in 8. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 9.1 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. Across the year Lisbon averages about 7.7 mm per rainy day, so May is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 6:25 am and sunset at about 8:40 pm (local time) — 14 h 15 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 1 h 5 min. Measured sunshine covers about 88% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Lisbon. Compared with April, afternoons are 3.1°C (5.6°F) warmer, with 25 mm less rain. June continues the upward trend. By June, typical highs are 24.4°C (75.9°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: a good fit — warm and mostly dry on the coast.
Tips for visiting Lisbon in May
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Lisbon in May?
It feels mild: typical highs are 21.9°C (71.4°F), with lows near 14.5°C (58.1°F).
Does it rain a lot in Lisbon in May?
Not especially. There are about 4 rainy days (36 mm), mostly moderate rain.
What should I wear in Lisbon in May?
Pack sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Lisbon?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #3). June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.