Lisbon has a mild Mediterranean-Atlantic climate, averaging around 700 mm (about 28 inches) of rain a year, with a clearly defined wet season from October through March and a long, dry summer. Rain here often arrives with Atlantic frontal systems that can bring sustained, moderate rainfall over a day or two, occasionally intensifying into short bursts of much heavier rain as fronts pass through. The city’s hilly terrain means water runs downhill quickly through its famously steep streets, and intense rain events have caused flash flooding in lower-lying neighborhoods near the Tagus estuary in the past. Because the dry summer leaves the ground and drainage systems less prepared for the first heavy rains of autumn, that transition period tends to carry disproportionate flood risk. Portugal’s Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, IPMA, operates the national weather radar network covering the Lisbon region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Lisbon right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Lisbon in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Lisbon, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Lisbon rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Lisbon?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Portugal are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Lisbon or pass by.
Is this Lisbon rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.