Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers that make it one of Europe's sunniest capitals.

Rain falls primarily between November and March, meaning waterproofs are winter essentials but can be left at home from June through August.

Temperatures range from 8-15°C in winter to 20-28°C in summer, with occasional heatwaves pushing past 35°C but rarely any frost.

The Nortada wind blows in from the Atlantic during summer afternoons, dropping temperatures by several degrees and making evenings surprisingly cool even in July.

Lisbon's hills and cobblestones demand comfortable walking shoes year-round, while the intense sun reflecting off white buildings means sunglasses are a necessity even outside peak summer.