Lisbon or Barcelona in May?
On climate data, Barcelona comes out ahead overall in May. See the per-criterion details below.
LisbonPhoto: Dale Cruse - 10M views from San Francisco, CA, USA · CC BY 4.0
BarcelonaPhoto: JJxFile · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in May
| Criterion | Lisbon | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 19 °C | 23 °C |
| Average daily low | 15 °C | 13 °C |
| Sea | 16 °C | 17 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 7 rainy days (est.) ★ | 8 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 9 h/day ★ | 8 h/day |
| Humidity | 79 % | 66 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Barcelona is about 4 °C warmer by day.
Lisbon or Barcelona in May: the short answer
In May, Barcelona comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Lisbon 69/100 vs Barcelona 77/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on May as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Lisbon averages a climate score of 64/100, Barcelona 68/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in May, side by side
The average daily high is about 19 °C in Lisbon and 23 °C in Barcelona — warmer in Barcelona. Average daily lows are around 15 °C versus 13 °C.
On rain, Lisbon sees about 7 rainy days in May and Barcelona about 8 — drier in Lisbon. Lisbon gets more sunshine (9 vs 8 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In May the water is about 16 °C at Lisbon and 17 °C at Barcelona — warmer for swimming at Barcelona. Over the year, Lisbon is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in no month, Barcelona in July, August, September and October. Peak sea warmth is September for Lisbon and August for Barcelona.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Lisbon records roughly 86 rainy days and Barcelona about 80 — the drier of the two overall is Barcelona. At their sunniest, Lisbon reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (July) and Barcelona about 9 (July). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Lisbon is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Barcelona peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the May scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Barcelona scores higher in May (Lisbon 54 vs Barcelona 66).
City breaks: Barcelona scores higher in May (Lisbon 93 vs Barcelona 95).
Active & hiking: Lisbon scores higher in May (Lisbon 89 vs Barcelona 87).
Family: Barcelona scores higher in May (Lisbon 54 vs Barcelona 71).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For May specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Barcelona carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Lisbon if its strong months and profile match your plan, Barcelona if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.