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Lisbon vs Porto: which is better, and when to go
Lisbon is at its best in June and Porto in June. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Lisbon and Porto
At a glance
| Lisbon | Porto | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | June (10/10) | June (8/10) |
| Warmest month | August, 29°C | August, 26°C |
| Coolest month | January, 15°C | January, 14°C |
| Quietest month | January (Low) | January (Low) |
| Busiest month | July (High) | July (High) |
| Cheapest month | January (€€) | January (€) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lisbon for
No clear advantage across the year; it comes down to the month.
Lisbon month by monthChoose Porto for
- a gentler warmest month (August highs around 26°C, against 29°C)
Little difference between them in: how cold the coolest month gets, crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets, prices across the year, events through the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Lisbon | Porto | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C · Low · €€ | 14°C · Low · € | Porto |
| February | 16°C · Low · €€ | 15°C · Low · € | Porto |
| March | 19°C · Low–Medium · €€€ | 17°C · Low · €€ | Close |
| April | 20°C · Medium · €€€ | 18°C · Moderate · €€ | Lisbon |
| May | 23°C · Medium · €€€ | 20°C · Moderate-High · €€€ | Lisbon |
| June | 26°C · Medium–High · €€€€ | 24°C · Moderate-High · €€€ | Lisbon |
| July | 28°C · High · €€€€€ | 25°C · High · €€€€ | Lisbon |
| August | 29°C · High · €€€€€ | 26°C · High · €€€€ | Close |
| September | 27°C · Medium–High · €€€€ | 24°C · Moderate-High · €€€ | Lisbon |
| October | 23°C · Medium · €€€ | 21°C · Moderate · €€ | Lisbon |
| November | 18°C · Low · €€ | 17°C · Low · € | Porto |
| December | 15°C · Low–Medium · €€€ | 14°C · Low · €€ | Porto |
FAQ
Lisbon or Porto?
Is Lisbon or Porto better?
Both are at their best in June, so the choice comes down to what you want from the trip. See which city suits you in the table below.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon and Porto?
Lisbon: May–June and September. Porto: June.
Which is cheaper, Lisbon or Porto?
Prices are similar across the year. Check each month for the difference.