The temperature difference between two Lisbon neighbourhoods can reach 5 °C on the same day. Belém with its Atlantic breeze vs. Mouraria with no draught, ventilated Parque das Nações vs. exposed, hilltop Graça. Here's what we found after delivering ACs in every major neighbourhood of the city.
How we measured
We combined official data from IPMA (average July–August temperature) with our own observations from over 200 deliveries during 2025: the solar orientation of the buildings, typical cross-ventilation, and the proportion of customers who really need an AC.
🟢 The coolest neighbourhoods
1. Belém
The air from the Tagus estuary makes a difference. Flats facing the river have an almost constant breeze. Average July temperature: 26 °C (vs. 30 °C in central Lisbon).
- Who needs an AC: 30% of customers — mostly flats deep inside the block, with no river-facing windows.
- Bonus: the wide, tree-lined streets reflect less heat.
2. Parque das Nações
Modern construction (1990s+) with double glazing and insulation. Direct Atlantic ventilation. The neighbourhood most "prepared" for summer in Lisbon.
- Who needs an AC: 25% — mostly tourist flats with lots of people.
- Risk: tall south-west-facing blocks heat up a lot in the late afternoon.
3. Restelo and Alto da Ajuda
Altitude (60–80 m above the river) + dense tree cover. Lisbon's "Beverly Hills" is also the coolest.
- Who needs an AC: 20%.
4. Almada (riverside)
Technically another city, but many Lisboners and expats live here. The Atlantic breeze is the strongest in the whole region.
🟡 The middle-ground neighbourhoods
5. Príncipe Real and Lapa
Pombaline buildings with thick walls (40–60 cm) that insulate thermally. But narrow streets that trap heat at night.
- Who needs an AC: 45%.
- The catch: the top floors suffer far more than the lower ones.
6. Estrela and Campo de Ourique
A mix of old and modern buildings. Nearby gardens help, but the microclimate varies street by street.
7. Marvila and Beato
In transformation. Industrial lofts with high ceilings retain less heat, but the converted warehouses with no insulation are ovens.
🔴 The hottest neighbourhoods (you REALLY need an AC)
8. Alfama
Lisbon's most iconic neighbourhood is also the hardest in August. Narrow streets that trap heat 24/7, small flats with no cross-ventilation, tiled roofs with no insulation.
- Indoor temperature at night: easily 28–30 °C at 2am.
- Who needs an AC: 80% of customers.
- Important restriction: a classified historic centre — you can't install exterior splits. Only a portable works.
9. Mouraria
The same topography as Alfama, the same classification. Old buildings, with no air conditioning by design.
- Who needs an AC: 75%.
10. Bairro Alto and Chiado
Narrow streets, old buildings, and tourism that generates noise that stops you sleeping with the windows open — which would be the only natural solution.
- Who needs an AC: 70%.
11. Graça and Penha de França
High hills (perfect for views, terrible for heat — direct sun exposure all day). The viewpoints are heat stretchers.
- Who needs an AC: 65%.
12. Intendente and Anjos
High urban density, little tree cover, old buildings. The worst microclimate in the city during heatwaves.
- Who needs an AC: 70%.
Summary table
| Neighbourhood | Temp. Jul-Aug | Need AC? | Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belém | 26 °C | 🟢 Rarely | — |
| Parque das Nações | 27 °C | 🟢 Rarely | — |
| Príncipe Real | 29 °C | 🟡 Sometimes | Condominium |
| Alfama | 32 °C | 🔴 Yes | Portable only |
| Mouraria | 32 °C | 🔴 Yes | Portable only |
| Bairro Alto / Chiado | 31 °C | 🔴 Yes | Portable only |
| Graça / Penha de França | 31 °C | 🟠 Often | Condominium |
| Intendente / Anjos | 31 °C | 🔴 Yes | Condominium |
If you live in a classified historic centre
Alfama, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, Castelo and Baixa are protected by Lisbon City Council as an "Area of Public Interest". Installing an exterior split unit on the façade is forbidden and fined (up to €3,500).
A portable AC is the only legal solution — and luckily it's also the most practical: it arrives the same day, doesn't touch the walls, and leaves the flat when summer ends.
We deliver in your neighbourhood today
We cover all of Lisbon and Greater Lisbon — including areas with restrictions. Tell us your neighbourhood and we'll confirm availability within 5 minutes.
Request deliveryAlmada and the South Bank
Technically outside Lisbon, but included in our service. Almada town and Cacilhas have a strong Atlantic breeze and rarely need an AC. Pragal and Cova da Piedade are similar to the mainland. Costa da Caparica (the far west) is one of the coolest spots in the metropolitan area — averaging 24 °C in August.