
Lisbon, Portugal is a city that operates on a relaxed pace, and its concept of time reflects this. People here tend to prioritize enjoying the moment over rushing to meet a deadline.
You'll notice that shops and restaurants often close for a few hours in the afternoon for a siesta, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. This break allows locals to recharge and enjoy some quiet time.
The city's historic neighborhoods, like Alfama and Bairro Alto, have a timeless quality to them. Narrow streets and picturesque alleys seem to defy the concept of time, making you feel like you've stepped back in centuries.
For another approach, see: Time in Dutch Harbor Alaska
Weather in Lisbon
Lisbon's weather is a major draw for visitors, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but it's also the most crowded.
The best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder season, which includes late spring and early autumn. These periods offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and more competitive hotel prices.
If you're looking for a winter getaway, Lisbon is a great option. Its mild winter weather, with temperatures rarely falling below 46ºF, makes it an ideal escape from colder climates. The city's diverse attractions ensure you're well-entertained in any weather.
Here are some fun activities to do in Lisbon during the winter:
- Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa for family fun;
- Ride tram number 28;
- Visit one of many interesting museums scattered around Lisbon, such as the Calouste Gulbenkian, the National Tile Museum, or even the Fado Museum;
- Go for a bite at the Time Out Market;
- Go on a shopping spree at Colombo Mall, Amoreiras, El Corte Inglés, and many more shopping options;
- Enjoy an authentic Lisbon fado show;
- Visit the famed and historic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos;
- Brave an exhilarating escape-room experience with your friends;
- Head to the LX Factory for an afternoon of eating, drinking, and perusing interesting shops, or delight the kids with a visit to the fun-filled and kid-friendly Bounce Trampoline Park.
General Information
Time Lisbon, Portugal is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity.
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with a population of approximately 505,000 people in the city proper.
The city is situated on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Lisbon's time zone is Western European Time (WET), which is UTC+0.
Time and Scheduling
If you're planning a phone call or meeting with someone in San Francisco, CA, you'll want to consider the time difference between Lisbon, Portugal and San Francisco. Lisbon is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco.

To call someone in San Francisco, try calling between 3:00 PM and 7:00 AM your time in Lisbon. This will be between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM their time. If you want to reach them at work, try between 5:00 PM and 1:00 AM your time, which corresponds to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in San Francisco.
Here's a rough guide to help you plan a call:
Unfortunately, there aren't any times that overlap between your normal working hours and theirs, but you can try scheduling a meeting between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM your time in Lisbon, which will be between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM in San Francisco.
Daylight Saving Time in Lisbon
Daylight Saving Time in Lisbon is active, so you'll need to adjust your clocks accordingly. Yes, it's active now in Lisbon.
Lisbon follows the WEST time zone during the summer months and WET during the winter. You can refer to the time zone names if you need to schedule meetings or appointments.

The Daylight Saving Time in Lisbon starts on Sunday, 26 March 2023, at 02:00 AM and ends on Sunday, 29 October 2023, at 03:00 AM. Make sure to update your clocks and schedules on these dates.
The UTC offset for Daylight Saving Time in Lisbon is 1 hour, which means you'll be an hour ahead of the standard time. During the winter months, the UTC offset is 0 hours.
Here's a summary of the time zones and UTC offsets in Lisbon:
Schedule a Phone Call from San Francisco
If you live in San Francisco, CA and you want to call a friend in Lisbon, Portugal, you can try calling them between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM your time.
This is because Lisbon, Portugal is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco, CA.
To reach someone in Lisbon, Portugal at work, you may want to try between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM your time, which is their normal working hours.
Here's a rough guide to help you schedule a call:
You can use this guide to schedule a call with your friend in Lisbon, Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lisbon so special?
Lisbon stands out for its unique blend of traditional features, including colorful Portuguese pavement, vibrant azulejo tiles, and historic trams. These distinctive elements make Lisbon a charming and recognizable city.
What is the best month to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon is from March to May or September to October, when the weather is mild and hotel rates are lower. These shoulder seasons offer a perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Is 7 days too long in Lisbon?
A 7-day stay in Lisbon is a great length of time to explore the region's diverse sights, activities, and beaches. With 7 days, you can experience the best of Lisbon without feeling rushed.
Is Portugal in two time zones?
Yes, Portugal is divided into two time zones: UTC+00:00 for the mainland and the islands of Madeira, and UTC-01:00 for the Azores.
Sources
- https://portugalgetaways.com/en-us/destination/lisbon/plan-your-trip/best-time-to-visit-lisbon
- https://www.timejones.com/WorldClock/Portugal/Lisbon/Lisbon
- https://www.worldclock.com/europe/portugal/time-in-lisbon/
- https://www.travelmath.com/time-change/from/Lisbon,+Portugal/to/San+Francisco,+CA
- https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/train-times
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