The Best Time to Visit the Azores

The Azores have a mild climate all year, but the weather is famously changeable: sunshine, cloud and rain can all happen in one afternoon. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do, from whale watching and hiking to hydrangeas and island hopping. Here’s a month-by-month guide.

Quick answer: June to September is the best time for most visitors: the warmest, driest weather, calmer seas, more ferries between the islands, and hydrangeas in bloom in early summer. April to May is great for whale watching (including migrating baleen whales) and fewer crowds. Winter is mild but wet and windy, with fewer flights and ferries.

By season

Spring (March to May)

Mild (around 17–20°C), green and changeable, with fewer visitors. A brilliant time for whale watching, as big whales pass on their migration.

Summer (June to September)

The warmest (around 23–26°C) and most settled weather. Hydrangeas bloom from June, the sea is warmest in August and September, and seasonal ferries link more islands. Book flights, cars and accommodation early. The Lagoa do Fogo road closes to private cars in summer and a shuttle runs instead.

Autumn (October to November)

Still warm early on, with fewer crowds, but more rain and wind as the season goes on.

Winter (December to February)

Mild (around 16–17°C) but wet and windy, with rough seas, more cancelled ferries and fewer inter-island flights. Fine for cosy hot-spring trips on São Miguel.

Best time for...

• Whale watching: year-round, with spring especially good. See Azores island hopping.
• Hiking: late spring to early autumn.
• Climbing Mount Pico: summer, for the most stable weather. See Pico.
• Hot springs: any time, especially on cooler days. See São Miguel.
• Island hopping: June to September, when ferries run most often.
• Festivals: the Holy Spirit festivals in spring and summer, and Sanjoaninas in Terceira in June. See Terceira.

Tips

• Always pack layers and a rain jacket, even in summer.
• Check the webcams before driving up to crater lakes.
• Keep plans flexible: fog can delay flights and rough seas can cancel ferries.

More: the Azores travel guide and Madeira vs the Azores.

See also: whale watching in the Azores.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.