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Weather in Azores
Volcanic islands of emerald lakes and whale watching
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About Azores
The Azores are volcanic islands in the Atlantic where lush vegetation thrives, whale watching happens daily, and crater lakes glow emerald. Each island feels like a different world. This is Portugal's hidden gem far from Europe.
Best months to visit
August
Things to do in Azores
Whale watch from May-October (sperm whales, dolphins)
Hike around crater lakes (São Miguel's Lagoa de Santiago)
Visit geothermal springs and hot springs (Ponta da Brejoeira)
Kayak through coastal grottoes and hidden coves
Explore the charming settlements like Furnas village
Beach at various coves and natural pools
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
February
16C
Cool, with some rainy days.
March
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
17C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
May
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
June
21C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
July
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
September
23C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
October
21C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
November
19C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
December
17C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
The Azores are nine volcanic islands scattered in the mid-Atlantic, where crater lakes sit in shades of green and blue, hydrangea hedges line country roads, and whales and dolphins pass close offshore year-round. It's Portugal at its wildest and greenest — a place for hiking volcanic craters, soaking in natural hot springs, and watching weather roll dramatically across the landscape.
Best areas to stay in Azores
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)
The Azores' main town, with a charming black-and-white basalt-and-limestone old centre and the gateway airport.
Sete Cidades
A vast volcanic crater on São Miguel containing two lakes of different colours, ringed by viewpoints and hiking trails.
Furnas Valley
A geothermal valley on São Miguel known for hot springs, fumaroles and the slow-cooked cozido stew cooked in volcanic heat.
Horta (Faial)
A historic yachting harbour famous for its painted marina walls left by sailors crossing the Atlantic.
Getting to Azores
✈
Flights
Ponta Delgada on São Miguel has direct flights from mainland Portugal and seasonal routes from elsewhere in Europe and North America.
⏱
From London
~4-4.5 hours by air from London, often via Lisbon.
🚕
Getting around
A hire car is the best way to explore each island; inter-island travel is by short flights or ferries.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Azores?
May to September offers the most reliable weather for hiking and whale watching, though the islands are green and mild year-round and can be visited in any season.
Which island should I visit first?
São Miguel, the largest island, has the main international airport and highlights like Sete Cidades crater lakes and the hot springs of Furnas, making it a popular first stop.
Is whale watching reliable in the Azores?
Yes — the islands sit on a migration route and are known for sightings of sperm whales, blue whales (in spring) and various dolphin species, with tours running from most islands.
Do I need a car to get around?
A hire car is highly recommended on each island, as public transport is limited and the best sights — crater lakes, viewpoints and hot springs — are spread across the countryside.
Is it easy to island-hop in the Azores?
Yes, via short inter-island flights or ferries, though scheduling can be limited, so it's worth planning hops in advance, especially outside peak season.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Sete Cidades took our breath away — two lakes in completely different colours sitting in one crater, with hiking trails all around the rim.
Niamh O. · July 2024
★★★★★
Saw sperm whales on our first boat trip out of Ponta Delgada. The whole island felt wonderfully uncrowded compared to other parts of Portugal.
Tomas B. · June 2023
★★★★☆
The hot springs in Furnas were a highlight, and trying cozido cooked underground in the volcanic heat was a memorable, slightly surreal lunch.
Claire M. · September 2024
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