Lisbon in May

In May, Lisbon averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (45 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

May is a great month to visit Lisbon: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

22°C
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
6
Rain days
45 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Lisbon

5th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 16 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Lisbon (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (21°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (19°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (26°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Lisbon

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:24 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:41 PM
Day length
14 h 16 min

Times shown for Lisbon local time (Europe/Lisbon), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Lisbon — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Lisbon's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:24 AM – 6:04 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:04 AM – 7:04 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:01 PM – 9:01 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:01 PM – 9:41 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Lisbon in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Lisbon's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Lisbon

High season

This is a busy month in Lisbon — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Lisbon

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Lisbon — May

17.5°C (64°F)
cool
swimmable but bracing — wetsuit helps for long sessions

Across the year Lisbon's sea swings from 14.7°C (February) to 19.5°C (June) — May sits at 17.5°C.

Lisbon in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 15°C / 59°F 8°C / 46°F 110 mm 11
February 16°C / 61°F 8°C / 46°F 75 mm 9
March 18°C / 64°F 10°C / 50°F 55 mm 9
April 19°C / 66°F 11°C / 52°F 65 mm 9
May 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 45 mm 6
June 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 20 mm 3
July 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 63°F 5 mm 1
August 29°C / 84°F 18°C / 64°F 6 mm 1
September 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 63°F 30 mm 5
October 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 85 mm 9
November 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 110 mm 11
December 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 48°F 110 mm 12

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lisbon in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lisbon in May?

In May, Lisbon averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Lisbon in May?

May sees occasional rain in Lisbon, with about 6 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Lisbon?

May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Lisbon in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Lisbon for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lisbon on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.