Lisbon Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lisbon, Lisbon Region, Portugal. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Lisbon receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 587 mm (23 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Lisbon can be quite wet during November, receiving approximately 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 13 rainy days.

In contrast July, experiences much drier conditions, with 3.5 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall, spread across 2 rainy days.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 155 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 27°C (81°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Lisbon Temperature page.

Lisbon's average annual precipitation is 587 mm (23 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.

Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.

Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Lisbon's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lisbon Climate page.