Lisbon Region in May

May through October gives you the full Lisbon Region experience – warm beaches, outdoor dining, and those legendary Portuguese sunsets. July and August bring crowds and 35°C heat that makes exploring Sintra's palaces feel like a marathon. But the coastal breeze in Cascais keeps things bearable, and beach clubs stay open until midnight. Spring arrives early here – April already feels like summer in most of Europe. The jacaranda trees bloom purple along Avenida da Liberdade, and restaurant terraces reopen after winter. October might be the sweet spot: still warm enough for beach days, but tourist numbers drop significantly. Winter isn't written off completely. December brings Christmas markets to Rossio Square, and Sintra's palaces look magical shrouded in morning mist. Just pack layers – Atlantic weather changes fast.