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Best time to visit Azores: month by month
Short answer
May to October is best, with average highs of 19–25°C, long days and calmer seas for boats and the Mount Pico climb. July and August are warmest (23–25°C) but busiest and most expensive. Rain is possible all year — the data show 17–22 rainy days a month — so plan flexibly.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | 13°C | 17 | low |
| Feb | 16°C | 12°C | 15 | low |
| Mar | 17°C | 14°C | 20 | low |
| Apr | 18°C | 14°C | 20 | medium |
| May | 19°C | 15°C | 22 | medium |
| Jun | 21°C | 17°C | 18 | high |
| Jul | 23°C | 19°C | 18 | very high |
| Aug | 25°C | 20°C | 18 | very high |
| Sep | 24°C | 20°C | 17 | high |
| Oct | 22°C | 18°C | 20 | medium |
| Nov | 20°C | 17°C | 20 | low |
| Dec | 17°C | 14°C | 21 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs of about 17–19°C and lows of 14–15°C, with around 20–22 rainy days a month; April to June is the best period for migrating blue and fin whales.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
The warmest and most settled months, with highs of 21–25°C and around 18 rainy days a month; hydrangeas flower in June and July, and boats and hikes run most reliably.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still warm at about 24°C, cooling to 20°C in November, with around 17–20 rainy days a month; quieter than summer.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild, with highs of 16–17°C and lows of 12–14°C, but wet and windy, with 15–21 rainy days a month and more flight and ferry disruption.
Events worth planning around
- Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres in Ponta Delgada — spring, usually in May (dates follow Easter)
- Holy Spirit (Espírito Santo) festivals across the islands — from Pentecost into summer
- Sanjoaninas in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira — June
- Semana do Mar (Sea Week) in Horta, Faial — August
When to avoid
If you want lower prices and fewer people, avoid late July and August. Winter is not a bad time for a quiet trip, but expect rain, wind, rough seas and a higher chance of disrupted inter-island connections.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit the Azores?
June and September are a good balance: warm (about 21–24°C), with boats running and fewer crowds than July and August.
Does it rain a lot in the Azores?
Yes, showers are possible on most days of the year, even in summer. Weather often changes by the hour, so keep plans flexible.
When is the best time for whale watching in the Azores?
Boats run from about April to October. April to June is best for migrating blue and fin whales; sperm whales and dolphins are seen all year.