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How hot does Lisbon get in July and August?
Short answer: Lisbon's official 1991–2020 averages put the typical afternoon high at 28.2°C (about 83°F) in July and 28.8°C (about 84°F) in August (checked Oct 12, 2026). Those are averages, not ceilings. Heat waves can bring days much hotter, and sun-baked stone streets feel hotter than the shade-temperature numbers.
The details
- Daytime highs. The IPMA is Portugal's national weather service. At its Lisbon observatory (Instituto Geofísico), the average daily maximum is 28.2°C in July and 28.8°C in August, with 18.2°C and 18.8°C as the average minimums. That's roughly 83°F and 84°F by day, and 65°F and 66°F overnight (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Overall average. The mean temperature over the whole day and night is 23.2°C in July and 23.8°C in August (about 74°F and 75°F) (checked Oct 12, 2026). August is the warmer of the two months, but the gap is small.
- Rain. Almost none. A second IPMA station (Gago Coutinho) averages 2.9 mm in July and 5.0 mm in August (checked Oct 12, 2026). Expect dry, sunny days.
- Heat waves are the real risk. Averages hide hot spells. In early July 2026, the Lisbon district went under a red heat alert, and the city council pointed residents to its network of "climate refuges" (checked Oct 12, 2026). Heat waves can come any time in summer, so check the forecast just before you travel and again each morning.
- Where you stand matters. Typically the coast toward Cascais and the Sintra hills runs noticeably cooler than central Lisbon. Neighborhoods away from the river, and paved squares with no shade such as Praça do Comércio, feel hottest at midday.
- Nights. Nights are mild on paper. In a heat wave, though, an old building without air conditioning can stay stuffy after the evening Atlantic breeze fades. Confirm air conditioning in your room before you book.
Tips
- Do hilly walking (Alfama, Graça, Bairro Alto) early in the morning or after about 6 pm. Save midday for museums, a long lunch or a ferry ride.
- Book a hotel or apartment with confirmed air conditioning, not just a fan. This matters most for August stays.
- Use the city's cool spots in a hot spell. The council's list of refuges includes the Museu do Fado, MUDE – Museu do Design, Casa dos Bicos and the Cinema São Jorge (checked Oct 12, 2026). Check each venue's own page for hours and entry rules.
- Carry water, a hat and sunscreen. Cobblestones and white limestone pavements reflect a lot of heat.
- If you want a cooler day trip, aim for the coast or the Sintra hills, but pack a light layer for the breeze.
FAQ
Which is hotter in Lisbon, July or August?
August, by a small margin. IPMA's 1991–2020 averages show a 28.8°C average high in August against 28.2°C in July (checked Oct 12, 2026). In practice the two feel alike, and a hot spell can land in either month.
Is Lisbon too hot to sightsee in summer?
Not usually, if you adjust your schedule. Average highs in the low 80s°F are manageable with early starts, shade breaks and indoor stops at midday. In a heat wave, cut back on long uphill walks and follow local heat warnings.
Does Lisbon cool down at night in summer?
Somewhat. The average overnight low is about 18–19°C (65–66°F) (checked Oct 12, 2026). During heat waves, nights run warmer, and older buildings without air conditioning can stay stuffy.
Will it rain in Lisbon in July or August?
Very unlikely. Average rainfall is only a few millimeters per month at Lisbon's IPMA stations. For example, Gago Coutinho shows 2.9 mm in July and 5.0 mm in August (checked Oct 12, 2026). Pack for sun, not rain.
Where do I check for heat warnings?
Use the IPMA website (ipma.pt) for the official forecast and weather warnings, and the Lisbon city council (lisboa.pt) for local heat-response news. Check both before you set out on any hot day.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Lisbon guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Lisbon guide
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See every question about Lisbon → /answers/lisbon/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Forecasts and heat alerts change daily, so check IPMA's warnings page at ipma.pt before you go.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.ipma.pt/bin/file.data/climate-normal/cn_91-20_LISBOA_GEOFISICO.pdf
- https://www.ipma.pt/bin/file.data/climate-normal/cn_91-20_LISBOA_GAGO_COUTINHO.pdf
- https://sapo.pt/artigo/onde-fugir-ao-calor-em-lisboa-camara-aponta-bibliotecas-museus-e-jardins-como-refugios-climaticos-6a44f4574787f02fc8ce0882
- https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/camara-de-lisboa-aponta-rede-de-refugios-climaticos-para-ajudar-a-enfrentar-onda-de-calor_n1750616