Sunset in Lisbon: the best spots and sunset times by month
Where to watch the sunset in Lisbon, and what time the sun sets and rises each month, so you can plan a walk, a dinner or a photoshoot.
Short answer
- Around the middle of each month, sunset in Lisbon ranges from about 17:16 in December to 21:03 in June.
- Best city spots: Santa Catarina, Senhora do Monte, Graça and the riverfront.
- For the sun going down into the ocean, go to Costa da Caparica or Praia da Adraga.
- For photos in the old town we prefer sunrise: softer light and empty viewpoints.
In this guide: Sunset and sunrise times in Lisbon by month · Best places to watch the sunset in Lisbon · Sunrise instead of sunset?
Part of our Lisbon photoshoot guide: where to shoot, when to go and what to wear.
Sunset and sunrise times in Lisbon by month
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| January | 07:53 | 17:39 |
| February | 07:28 | 18:14 |
| March | 06:49 | 18:43 |
| April | 07:01 | 20:13 |
| May | 06:25 | 20:41 |
| June | 06:11 | 21:03 |
| July | 06:24 | 21:01 |
| August | 06:50 | 20:32 |
| September | 07:18 | 19:45 |
| October | 07:45 | 18:59 |
| November | 07:18 | 17:23 |
| December | 07:47 | 17:16 |
Times are for the 15th of each month, in local time. Portugal switches to summer time on the last Sunday of March and back on the last Sunday of October, which is why April sunsets jump an hour later.
Best places to watch the sunset in Lisbon
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Looks south-west over the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The classic sunset spot, busy on warm evenings.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Graça
High on the hill in Graça, looking west over the castle and the whole city.
The riverfront
The embankment from Cais das Colunas towards Cais do Sodré, with the bridge in the distance and the water catching the colour.
Costa da Caparica
Across the river, a wide beach facing west: the sun goes down straight into the ocean. See our beach sessions.
Praia da Adraga
Cliffs and rocks on the Sintra coast, 40 to 50 minutes from Lisbon, with the sun setting over open water.
Want the sun setting over the Atlantic in your photos? Our beach sessions are planned around it.
Sunrise instead of sunset?
For photos in the city we prefer sunrise: the Alfama viewpoints face south-east, the light is just as soft, and there is nobody else there. By nine the old town is full.
Questions about sunset in Lisbon
What time is sunset in Lisbon?
It depends on the month: from about 17:16 in mid-December to about 21:03 in mid-June. The table above has every month; for an exact day check timeanddate.com.
Where is the best sunset in Lisbon?
In the city, Miradouro de Santa Catarina for the river and the bridge, or Senhora do Monte for the view over the whole centre. By the ocean, Costa da Caparica.
Sunrise or sunset for a photoshoot in Lisbon?
In the old town, sunrise: the Alfama viewpoints face east and are empty early. On the beaches, sunset, because they face west.
Planning a sunrise or sunset photoshoot?
Tell us when you’re in Lisbon. We send a start time for the best light on your day and a route to match.
