Autumn brings fewer crowds and several special events to Lisbon. The weather in October is ideal for sightseeing as temperatures are still mild and pleasant.
Temperatures are usually enjoyable throughout the month. A few afternoons can even see temperatures up into the 30sºC (around 85ºF). A mix of sunny, cloudy and partly rainy days are not uncommon, especially towards the end of October.
Weather in October: What to Pack, What to Wear
- Average High: 23ºC / 73ºF
- Average Low: 15ºC / 59ºF
- Average Rainfall: 100 millimetres / 3.94 inches
Some late night and early morning lows can be a bit chilly, falling to about 10ºC (50ºF) by late in the month.
Skies can be expected to be clear or partly sunny for at least half of the month. In October, there are in average 11 rainy days in Lisbon, but it may less, depending on the year. Significant and intense rainfalls, when they occur, last for only short periods. A mix of sunny and partly rainy days become more common as November approaches.
In October, it is best to dress in layers. You may be tempted to wear shorts on a few warmer days, but jeans or long pants will leave you prepared for rainy and colder days.
A sweater and a light jacket should do fine in October. Comfortable closed-toe shoes, or a pair of sneakers, are the best option for Lisbon’s steep paved streets. You may want to carry an umbrella for cloudy days.
Lisbon October Events
- Lisbon Marathon: With the starting line in Cascais, Lisbon marathon offers 42 kilometres / 26 miles of stunning views along the waterfront to the finishing line in Lisbon. The event includes two shorter distance races: the Luso Half Marathon that crosses Vasco da Gama bridge, one of the longest bridges in Europe, and the Vodafone 10K, previously Vodafone Mini Marathon, that crosses 25 de Abril bridge.
- Moda Lisboa: Europe’s oldest independent fashion week presents Portuguese designers’ new collections.
- French Film Festival: October also brings an annual festival that promotes the French cinema in Lisbon, organized by the French Embassy and the Portuguese Cinematheque.
- DocLisboa: This is another festival that happens in Lisbon, but exclusively devoted to documentaries. This 11-day event screens the best contemporary documentaries made by acclaimed international filmmakers.
- Daylight saving time ends: Days are still relatively long this month, but on the last Sunday in October clocks are set back one hour at 2am, and sunset starts happening much earlier.
Public Holidays in October
- 5 October: Republic Day
Fun in October
October’s mild temperatures and sunny days make it the ideal time to know Lisbon on foot. Ditch the maps and wander through the medieval streets of Alfama, before visiting Lisbon’s Castle. Take a look at our walking itineraries. Explore Lisbon’s neighbourhoods – Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto and Belém, each has its own feel.
With seven hills, Lisbon offers some stunning views from the right spots. Check out a list of the top 20 viewpoints in the city. To help you manage Lisbon’s paved steep streets, you may consider a tour on a tuk tuk.
If it rains, don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do. The Gulbenkian Museum is a great option for a rainy day, covering an impressive range of periods and areas, from the Mesopotamians to the Impressionists and from old coins to European painting.
One of the largest collections of vehicles in the world can be seen in Lisbon’s Coach Museum. The museum in located in the Belém district, known for being the area with the highest concentration of monuments and museums in Lisbon.
You may also consider a visit to Lisbon’s Oceanarium in Parque das Nações for a great half day with sea life swimming around you.
Be Prepared
The weather averages help you get an idea, but occasionally some autumn rains may be more intense. Check Lisbon’s weather forecast before you leave home.
