Alright, so I decided to head over to Lisbon back in February a while ago. I’d been wanting to go for ages, and February just kind of worked out schedule-wise. I did a bit of looking around, you know, trying to figure out what the weather would be like, but you never really know until you get there, do you?
My Lisbon Weather Journal – February Edition
So, I packed my bags, thinking, “Okay, it’s winter, but it’s Portugal, so maybe not Arctic conditions.” And I wasn’t entirely wrong, but it wasn’t exactly beach weather either, let me tell you.
First impressions when I landed: It was definitely cool. Not freezing, but you needed a proper jacket. The air felt fresh, a bit crisp, especially in the mornings and evenings. I remember stepping out of the airport and thinking, “Yep, glad I brought my warm coat.”
Over the course of my stay, the weather was a real mixed bag, which I guess is pretty common for that time of year. Here’s a bit of a rundown of what I experienced:
- Sunny Days: We actually got a good few days with bright sunshine. On these days, it felt quite pleasant, especially if you were walking around and out of the wind. I remember sitting at a cafe, sun on my face, and it was lovely. You could almost trick yourself into thinking spring was just around the corner. But don’t let that fool you, the temperature would still drop once the sun went down.
- Rainy Spells: Oh yeah, we had rain. A couple of days it was more of a persistent drizzle, the kind that just makes everything damp. Then there was one afternoon it properly chucked it down. I was very glad I’d thrown a small, foldable umbrella into my bag. And a waterproof jacket? Absolute essential.
- Wind: Lisbon can be windy, especially near the Tagus River or up on some of the viewpoints. Some days that wind had a real bite to it, making it feel colder than the thermometer said.
- Temperatures: I’d say during the day, it hovered mostly between maybe 12 to 16 degrees Celsius (that’s like, high 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit for my American friends). Evenings and nights were chillier, definitely dropping below 10°C (into the 40s F).
What I Actually Wore (and Was Glad I Did)
My packing strategy turned out to be pretty decent. Layers were the key, for sure.
I mostly wore:
- Long-sleeved tops or t-shirts as a base.
- A jumper or a fleece over that.
- A decent windproof and at least showerproof jacket. A proper waterproof one would have been even better for those heavier downpours.
- Comfortable trousers or jeans.
- Comfortable walking shoes. This is non-negotiable for Lisbon with all its hills and cobbled streets. Make sure they can handle a bit of wetness too.
- I also had a scarf and a hat, which came in handy on the colder, windier days, especially in the evenings.
I didn’t really bother with super heavy winter gear, like thermal underwear or anything, because it wasn’t that cold. But you definitely couldn’t get away with just a light jacket most of the time.
Did it Spoil the Trip?
Honestly, not really. You just have to be prepared for it. We still did loads of walking, explored Alfama, rode Tram 28 (packed, as always!), and ate far too many pastéis de nata. The rain meant we ducked into a few extra museums and cozy little bars, which wasn’t a bad thing at all. It’s just part of the experience of travelling in Europe during the off-season. Fewer crowds too, which was a big plus for me.
So, yeah, that was my experience with Lisbon weather in February. If you’re planning a trip then, just pack smart, be ready for a bit of everything, and you’ll have a great time. It’s a fantastic city, no matter what the clouds are doing.
