What's The Weather Like in Lisbon in May?
May brings pleasant, warm temperatures to Lisbon in Portugal.
How Hot Is Lisbon In May?
The average temperature reaches around 17°C and dips no lower than 13°C in the evenings. Warm days are the norm in May and over half the month you will feel the temperature rise above 21° C and at least five or six days it will range between 26°C and 30°C for highs.
Warmest and Coldest Mays In Lisbon
The highest ever recorded temperature for the month of May was a steamy 35°C and the lowest temperature ever experienced in May for the last thirty years was around 7°C.
May Sunshine Hours In Lisbon
You will get about 14 hours of daylight and an average of nine hours of sunshine daily during May.
Does It Rain In Lisbon In May?
The average monthly rain is only around 13 mm for the month of May. At most you may see a brief thunderstorm one day during the month.
Is Lisbon WIndy In May?
The wind blows at about 16 km/hr. Dust or other particulate matter in the atmosphere can be felt on average for four days per month, with some sort of visual obstruction occurring for part of the day half the month.
Can You Swim In The Sea In Lisbon?
The average sea temperature is about 17°C, so you can head to the nearby beaches to top up your tan or try your hand at swimming or surfing.
Lisbon Hotels in May
Hotel Mundial
If you have a car the Hotel Mundial has free parking. A 4-star hotel, it is located in the Baixa Pombalina district right by Rossio Square. Another centre city hotel is the Beautique Hotel Figueira. Located close to the Rossio Train Station, the Beautique has a rooftop spa and overlooks Sao Jorge Castle.
VIP Executive Eden
If you are looking for something larger or perhaps for a longer stay, try the VIP Executive Eden. With large studios and apartments including well equipped kitchens, there is a roof top pool and solarium.
VIP Inn Veneza Hotel
The VIP Inn Veneza Hotel, part of the VIP chain like the VIP Eden, is located in an old 18th century palace. The location is almost perfect, right on Avenida Liberdad near the Avenida Metro Station. There is cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a very nice bar.
InterContinental Lisbon
The InterContinental Lisbon is a 5-star hotel by Eduardo VII Park. The rooms and amenities are what one would expect from a luxury hotel of this sort. There are several restaurants and lounges inside the hotel.
Boat Palmayachts
For something really unique you can stay at the Sail in Portugal. Anchored next to the Belem Tower it is a fully equipped yacht with 2 cabins. The cabins each have a private bathroom and shower and you are about 15 km from the International Airport. Another yacht close by that rents to visitors is the Boat Palmayachts. There are 3 double cabins with a baths.
Famous Crows
The Famous Crows is almost next door to the Jeronimos Monastery. With both private and shared accommodations, this hostel has a great location for a very reasonable price and includes a continental breakfast.
Lisbon Beaches for May
Guincho Beach
Guincho Beach is very family oriented with sand dunes and child-play areas. One some days there are hundreds of kites being flown along the beach front. The winds are perfect for surfing and the location great for kite flying and many world-class events have been held here related to those activities.
Praia do Tamariz
The Praia do Tamariz is a small, quaint beach near the Estoril train station. Another family oriented beach, there are many places to eat and lots of small cafes scattered along the surf front. It is very popular so in the summer months you need to come early if you want to rent an umbrella or beach chair as it gets very crowded early in the day.
Bars and Restaurants
100 Maneiras
The 100 Maneiras gives you a unique dining experience. There is no set menu. They serve a 10 course meal of Portuguese culinary dishes along with excellent wines, all for one set price. This is ideal for families, friends and couples.
The Sacramento
The Sacramento is a nice little Portuguese restaurant in Bairro Alto. Seafood dominates the menu. They have a very nice dessert list with interesting sweet concoctions. It's definitely essential to try the seafood when visiting Lisbon as it's so fresh.
Clube de Jornalistas
For over 30 years the Clube de Jornalistas has been a fixture in downtown Lisbon on the Rua das Trinas. The Brazilian cuisine is among the best in the city.
Quermesse
The food at the Quermesse is excellent and the price extremely reasonable. Dishes range from seafood to pork and meat plates. This place has been recommended by both tourists and locals.
Café de Sao Bento
If you're craving a juicy steak then one of the best places in town for you is the Café de Sao Bento. They only serve steak, along with good wine and beer, ideal for a relaxed evening meal.
Incognito Bar
The bars scene is extensive in Lisbon. The Incognito Bar is one of the "in" places to be. They have a basement dance floor and play retro pop and alternative rock.
Lux Bar
The Lux Bar is considered one of the hottest clubs in Europe. John Malkovich the actor owns part of the club. Cost of admission is high but a drink or two is included in the price.
Capito
If you like to be entertained while you drink, try the Capito. Magicians, jugglers and other types of performers wonder throughout the tables wowing diners. Kids will definitely enjoy this place and stay entertained throughout your meal.
Bar Bicaense
The Bar Bicaense is a favourite with the artsy crowd. Jazz music forms the backdrop of the laid-back drinking establishment, with film screenings taking place on Tuesdays. There is a small dance floor too.
The Old Vic
The Old Vic is a period bar that will remind you of Victorian London. They have a menu that includes toasties as well as steak. Everyone will like this restaurant. You will most likely want to revisit after eating a meal here.
Panorama Bar
The Panorama Bar on top of the Sheraton is an ideal place to unwind. The relaxing atmosphere and views over the city are one of the best in town.
The Wine Lover
Another great wine bar is The Wine Lover in Bairro Alto. Tapas are served here too along with great local varieties of cheese and sausage.
Things to do in Lisbon in May
Parque das Naçoes
The Parque das Naçoes, or the Lisbon Nations Park, is situated around the River Tagus and houses the Oceanário de Lisboa. This Oceanarium contains a huge range of sea life as well as a life-size exhibit of extinct sea creatures. There are also backstage tours explaining about the conservation work and care of sea animals.
Sanctuary of Fatima
One of the most important Christian sites in the world, the Sanctuary of Fatima, is well worth a day-trip. Situated only about an hours drive from Lisbon to the North, it is open to the public 24 hours a day.
Museu do Oriente
The Museu do Oriente contains exhibits related to Portugal's historical ties to Asia. It is located on the Doca de Alcantara. Another interesting museum is the Museu da Marioneta or Puppet Museum. Russian puppets, Sicilian opera marionettes and other intriguing types of marionettes are housed here.
Tennis
Tennis enthusiasts can head to the Estoril Open to cheer on some of the world's most famous players as they compete.