Sintra in May

In May, Sintra averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (75 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Sintra, with some rain to plan around.

20°C
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
10
Rain days
75 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Sintra

6th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 17 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Sintra (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs 2°C warmer than April (18°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (23°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Sintra

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:25 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:42 PM
Day length
14 h 17 min

Times shown for Sintra 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 Sintra — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:25 AM – 6:05 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:05 AM – 7:05 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:02 PM – 9:02 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:02 PM – 9:42 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 — Sintra 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 Sintra'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 Sintra

High season

This is a busy month in Sintra — 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 Sintra

☀️ 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
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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.

Sintra in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 15°C / 59°F 8°C / 46°F 140 mm 12 0
February 16°C / 61°F 9°C / 48°F 115 mm 11 0
March 18°C / 64°F 10°C / 50°F 90 mm 11 0
April 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 90 mm 11 0
May 20°C / 68°F 13°C / 55°F 75 mm 10 0
June 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 30 mm 5 0
July 25°C / 77°F 17°C / 63°F 5 mm 1 0
August 25°C / 77°F 17°C / 63°F 5 mm 1 0
September 24°C / 75°F 16°C / 61°F 55 mm 7 0
October 21°C / 70°F 14°C / 57°F 140 mm 11 0
November 17°C / 63°F 11°C / 52°F 155 mm 12 0
December 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 48°F 170 mm 12 0

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Sintra in May?

In May, Sintra averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Sintra in May?

May can be fairly wet in Sintra, with about 10 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Sintra?

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 Sintra in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Sintra for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Sintra on the interactive map

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