September in Lisbon feels like a secret season. You’ll catch the tail end of summer heat, but with smaller lines and cooler evenings. Swim in Atlantic waters still warmed by the August sun, enjoy early harvest wines, and wander Belém or Alfama without jostling crowds. Local festivals, from horror films to Fado, return after the August lull. For best beach days, go early in the month. Don’t skip the Feira da Luz fair in Carnide—a true neighborhood scene.
| Category | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|
Weather | Hot, ~28 °C, peak heat | Still warm (26 °C), water swimmable | Cooler (22 °C), rain increases |
Crowds & vibe | Packed with tourists | Mid-high early month, mellows after | Moderate; more locals out |
Key events | Jazz em Agosto | Santa Casa Alfama, MOTELx | Lisbon Marathon, DocLisboa |
Best for | Beachgoers, nightlife fans | Balanced mix: city + coast | Culture-lovers, hikers |
Book early? | Yes, all of August | Early Sept yes; mid-late flexible | Only if visiting during events |
Transport notes | Beach trains full weekends | Smoother rides post-summer | Possible closures for races |
Budget | High (peak rates) | Eases mid-month | More value deals |
| Event | Dates | Event Type | Location | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Santa Casa Alfama Fado Festival | 26–27 Sept 2025 | Cultural Festival | Alfama neighborhood courtyards | Outdoor Fado concerts in Lisbon’s historic heart. Ticketed headline acts plus free plaza sets. |
MOTELx Horror Film Festival | 10–15 Sept 2025 | Film Festival | Cinema São Jorge | Cult-favorite genre fest with premieres, campy classics, and late-night shorts. |
Feira da Luz (Carnide) | Through mid-Sept 2025 | Local Fair | Largo da Luz, Carnide | Historic fair with food stalls, games, and local concerts. Family-friendly, community vibe. |
Greenfest Lisbon | 19–21 Sept 2025 [TBC] | Sustainability Expo | Estoril Congress Center | Portugal’s largest eco-lifestyle event with talks, exhibits, and green products. Easy train ride; pair with a beach day. |
Out Jazz (final shows) | Sundays through 22 Sept 2025 | Live Music Series | Rotating Lisbon parks | Free outdoor jazz concerts. Bring a blanket and wine for a picnic-style groove. |
1. Book your accommodation early for the first week—rates are still high post-August.
2. Take the Cacilhas ferry around 6 pm for golden light and cheaper sunset views
4. Avoid Tram 28 midday—lines spike by 10:30 am; go before 9 am or after 7 pm
5. Bring a light jacket: evenings can dip to 15 °C even after hot days.
6. The metro runs until 1 am, but buses and ferries scale back after 11 pm.
7. For fado shows, choose weeknights for smaller crowds and lower prices.
8. Order vinho verde or sangria by the jug to save euros when dining al fresco.
9. Many shops close Sundays—but parks and kiosks buzz all weekend.
10. Use Viva Viagem cards on all transit—reload at metro stations, not on buses.
11. Avoid Alfama stairs in slippery sandals; cobblestones + incline = fall risk.
Yes. The weather’s warm, the crowds are lighter after early September, and cultural festivals like Santa Casa Alfama are back.
Absolutely. The water remains warm enough for swimming, especially in the first half of the month.
Pack light clothes for the day, but bring a jacket for cooler nights. Comfortable shoes are a must on Lisbon’s hills.
Yes. Museums, markets, and major sights run normal hours, and many summer experiences (like cruises) continue into late September.
Yes. With locals back from holidays, services run smoothly. Avoid peak hours on trams and bring a Viva Viagem card.
Baixa-Chiado is central and walkable. Belém offers calm and culture; Cais do Sodré is good for nightlife
Early September still sees summer pricing. From mid-month, hotel and airfare rates drop slightly.
Generally excellent. Atlantic breezes help keep the air fresh, even in warm months.
Yes for popular spots, especially on weekends. Weeknight shows are easier to get last-minute.
The metro (Red Line) takes about 30 minutes to downtown. Taxis and rideshares are also quick and affordable.
Still in season, these are flame-charred outside and buttery inside. Eaten whole, bones and all.
Where to eat: Casa da India, Rua do Loreto 49
Fresh fig season peaks now. These sweet treats pair flaky pastry with warm fruit.
Where to eat: Aloma, Campo de Ourique
Savory and brothy, this seafood rice warms up September nights.
Where to eat: A Marisqueira do Lis, Avenida Almirante Reis
Young, slightly fizzy, and light—ideal for hot afternoons.
Where to drink: By the glass at Quiosque Ribeira das Naus
Year-round staple, but best enjoyed warm from a Belém bakery.
Where to eat: Pastéis de Belém, Rua de Belém 84
