Weather in Lisbon in October

How October compares

October is the 5th warmest month of the year in Lisbon and ranks 95th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Within Portugal it is 12th of 13 (Portugal in October). Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Lisbon is 6.6°C warmer by day and 7.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Lisbon peaks at 21.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.5°C or more. Roughly 1 in 8 days top 25°C and 1 in 91 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.7°C; one night in ten drops to 13.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 32.8°C (2017-10-02) and the coldest night 9.2°C (2018-10-28).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 9 days with 1 mm or more, 78 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 1993 with 168 mm, the driest 1998 with 13 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 18.2°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.8°C to 19.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (19.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:46 and sets about 18:59 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 50%.

Is October a good time to visit Lisbon?

October is not the strongest month here: warm days and frequent rain. The best months for Lisbon on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Warm days, with a cooler edge after dark

Lisbon offers a noticeable step up from London’s October daytime average of 14.6°C. Short sleeves can work during warmer parts of the day, while a jumper or light jacket is sensible once the temperature drops. The average night low of 15.7°C is mild rather than reliably warm enough to sit outside without a layer. Colder nights can fall to 13.1°C or below, so do not pack only for the daytime high. This is a useful balance if you prefer walking in warmth to coping with persistent heat. On warmer afternoons, put more demanding walks earlier in the day and take a break around midday.

Rain is the main compromise

October is a wet month, so the catch is not usually the temperature but the chance of rain interrupting outdoor plans. About 9 days have measurable rain, making a light waterproof a practical part of your daily bag. That does not tell you how long each wet spell will last, so avoid assuming either constant drizzle or a quick shower. There are about 5.5 hours of sunshine within 11.0 hours of daylight: enough scope for time outdoors, but not a promise of clear skies throughout the day. Keep your schedule flexible and use dry periods for the activities you most want to do outside.

Better for a city break than a swimming holiday

The sea averages 18.2°C, which puts it firmly in bracing territory rather than comfortably warm swimming weather. Its October range of 17°C to 19°C means even a warmer year does not make this a reliable month for lingering in the water. If swimming is central to your holiday, that is a stronger reason to reconsider than the air temperature alone. For a city break, the balance is more favourable: warm afternoons can still be useful even when the sea feels chilly. Choose October for time outdoors with layers and flexible plans, not for a holiday built around daily swims.