As far as the weather goes, May is usually a good month to visit Lisbon. It begins the drier part of the year, with less rain than April.
Every once in a while there may be a partial rainy day, but it won’t be a couple of hours until the rain passes and the skies open up.
Many days already feel like summer, with longer daylight hours for exploring the city.
Weather in May: What to Pack, What to Wear
- Average High: 22ºC / 72ºF
- Average Low: 14ºC / 57ºF
- Average Rainfall: 54 millimetres / 2.13 inches
There might be a few days when the thermometer goes over 30ºC / 86ºF. Lisbon receives on average 54mm / 2.13in of rainfall during May. Occasional thunders are not unusual.
Layers may come in handy during your May visit to Lisbon. Layers will allow you to be prepared if it becomes windy, or the weather suddenly changes. We recommend bringing along a lightweight jacket as well as a number of short sleeve shirts. Long pants or jeans are what the locals usually wear in May, but there are a few days when you could wear shorts.
Events in May
- Workers’ Day: The first day of May is a public holiday in Portugal. It’s usually celebrated with parades and demonstrations organised by the two main Portuguese trade unions in Alameda D. Afonso Henriques (CGTP) and Belém Tower (UGT).
- Indie Lisboa: An independent 11-day film festival that offers documentaries, shorts and experimental film exhibitions (both Portuguese and foreign) of all genres.
- Lisbon Under Stars: An immersive show that combines visual effects and virtual musicians and actors. Carmo Convent’s Ruins are the stage of a virtual journey through 600 years of Portuguese history.
- Out Jazz Festival: Every Sunday from May to September, enjoy jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop music in Lisbon’s public gardens. This month the concerts take place in the gardens next to Belém Tower, and start at 5pm. Admission is free.
- ARCO Lisboa: An international contemporary art fair that brings together emerging and renowned artists in an event that promises to have an impact on the Portuguese contemporary art market.
Having Fun
The best scenic view of Lisbon is from the River Tejo. There are several boat tours that vary in price and duration. Choosing the right one for you might be easier after you read this page: Boat Trips in Lisbon.
Be Prepared
The weather averages help you get an idea. If you’re not sure what time of year to visit, check our Lisbon weather page.
