Are you wondering what to wear in Lisbon in May? Well, fear not, our Lisbon Spring Packing List for Spring will cover everything that you need for the weather, sightseeing and more.
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Weather in Lisbon in May
Spring in Lisbon is a great time to visit the Portuguese Capital. In fact May is often cited as the perfect time to visit Lisbon due to the comfortable temperatures and the beautiful spring blooms.
In other words, May has the perfect sightseeing weather!
Note: the weather between months changes quite dramatically in Lisbon therefore if your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly:
- What to wear to Lisbon in April
- What to wear to Lisbon in June
And if you are traveling to other regions on your trip be sure to check out our other Portugal guides:
How hot is Lisbon in May?
The average high temperature in May in Lisbon tends to be around 72Fs / c.22C and the low around 13C which for me is the perfect temperature for sightseeing in Lisbon.
As you would imagine the beginning of May is much cooler than towards the end of the month but is still great for those walking about the city.
Does it rain a lot in May in Lisbon?
Rain is actually a rarity in Lisbon in May. In fact it is so rare that on average you only get around 13mm of rain in May, which usually comes in the form of one thunderstorm.
Is it warm enough to swim in Lisbon in May?
For me, it is not warm enough to swim in Lisbon in May. However, you may be able to sunbathe in late May.
What to Wear in Lisbon in May
Best Shoes for Lisbon in May
Sneakers
The perfect shoe for Lisbon at any time of year is a sneaker in my opinion.
Lisbon is a really hilly city, in fact Lisbon is famous for having seven hills.
It is also a city full of cobbled stones and uneven walkways so having a shoe like a sneaker is really the safest option for doing lots of walking.
Personally, I recommend sneakers that I am most comfortable walking in which include brands such as Hoka , Sketchers Go Walks or All Birds for wandering around Barcelona. But go with whatever you feel most comfortable in.
Sandals
The weather in Lisbon in May really suits a sandal. While I recommend walking around the city in a sneaker, a sandal is better for going out to dinner in Lisbon.
If you Arne’t planning on walking in your sandals and like a heel I would opt for a wedge as these are best on the cobbles.
Flip Flops (optional)
Although there are beaches in and near Lisbon, it is not warm enough to go swimming in the sea. However if you are planning on spending time on the beach a flip flop is a good addition to your packing list.
If you aren’t however planning to head to the beach you might swell leave the flip flops at home.
What to Wear in Lisbon in May for women
Jeans
Although May is warming up I still think it is worthwhile taking a pair of jeans with you to Lisbon, especially at the beginning of the month.
As Lisbon is quite a casual city you will find a variety and styles on the streets of the city.
Trousers
On top of jeans I would add some more light weight trousers to your Lisbon Spring packing list for the hotter days.
I think Chinos are the perfect weight trousers for traveling in May but you could consider linen trousers if you are traveling towards the end of the month.
Skirts and dresses
As I have mentioned before, in Lisbon really anything goes so select skirts and dress types that you are most comfortable in. However there is one location where you need to be more conservative. Lisbon Cathedral as with many European churches such as the Sagrada Familia and the Vatican, require visitors to keep shoulders and knees covered.
Therefore on days you plan to visit religious settings remember to be more conservative in your attire.
Blouse
A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights in Lisbon of which there are several.
T Shirt
Lisbon in May is warm, and being a casual city short sleeve t shirts are the perfect addition to your packing list.
One of the things I like about Lisbon is that it is actually quite a vibrant city. Therefore you can go a bit bolder with the color palette of your capsule wardrobe. However one of my favorite colors to wear in Lisbon in Spring is blue.
Jacket
It is highly unlikely you will need a coat when visiting Lisbon in May a jacket or blazer is essential for evenings and cooler days.
A nice blazer is also perfect for restaurants coupled with blouses and trousers.
Pashmina
A pashmina is on all of my European packing lists no matter the month of travel. They are perfect for cooler days as an extra layer and also can make outfits more modest if your top does not meet churches dress code rules.
PJs or Nightie
Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are perfect especially towards the end of the month.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential in Lisbon whatever the month but May and Summer in particular.
Sunhat
I always recommend taking a sun hat if you are visiting Lisbon in summer but I would also say that the sun is strong enough in May to warrant a sunhat.
Swimwear (optional)
I personally do not find the sea warm enough to swim in in Lisbon in May. However it can be warm enough in May to sunbathe on the beach.
Also if your hotel comes with a heated pool you will definitely want to consider adding swimwear to your list.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
What to pack for Lisbon in May for Men
The rules of what to pack for Lisbon in Spring for men is similar to women. We recommend packing
Chinos/Jeans
Chinos and jeans are perfect for Lisbon in May as they are the perfect weight for the weather.
However I would also recommend packing
Shorts
The weather especially towards the end of the month will be hot enough for shorts.
They are also great for those wanting to sunbath on the beach.
Just note that shorts are not appropriate for men at churches in Portugal, just the same as with woman.
T Shirts and Shirts
Short sleeve t shirts are perfect for sightseeing during the day in May.
However for evenings I would recommend having a button down shirt with long sleeves and maybe a polo shirt for day to night transition outfits.
Blazer
A blazer is a perfect to a men’s Lisbon Spring Packing List as it is perfect attire for restaurants and will double up as an extra layer for those cooler spring days.
Swimwear (optional)
Sunglasses
An essential no matter the month.
Hat
For same reason as above.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
What Else to Pack for Lisbon in May
- Travel Adaptor
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Crossbody bag with zips – this acts as a deterrent to pickpoclets
- Sunscreen –the sun is strong in Lisbon
- camera – it is a beautiful city you will want to take lots of photographs.
Note: you could bring toiletries with you however there are plenty of places to stock up on toiletries in Lisbon and it will save space in your luggage.
FAQs about May Lisbon Packing List
What to wear to dinner in Lisbon?
The dress code at restaurants in Lisbon tends to be smart casual.
We recommend dresses or trousers/skirts and a blouse for women for dinner and a shirt with a pair of chinos for men.
On cooler nights a jacket or blazer is the perfect finish to your outfit.
What to wear to Sintra in May?
Sintra is a very popular day trip from Lisbon and is not to be missed. It’s bright coloured buildings and amazing views are a must see.
But what should you wear to Sintra in May? Sintra is close to Lisbon however is usually slightly cooler. It can get quite breezy at Sintra therefore we recommend you pack a top layer such as a jacket or hoodie with you for Sintra in May.
Also sneakers are the best shoes for this day trip due to the uneven surfaces.
What do local people wear in Lisbon in May?
Lisbon is starting to heat up in May so you will start to see the people of Lisbon getting pieces out of their summer capsule wardrobe but with the addition of a jacket or blazer.
What would you add to this Lisbon May Packing List