When to Visit the Azores

The Azores islands can be visited year round! Their position in the ocean and small size means that the temperature does not change too much throughout the year. In the winter you can expect temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer you can expect temperatures in the mid-70s. The hottest days will be low 80s in the summer but will feel warmer due to the humidity. 

Though the temperature doesn’t vary too much, the weather varies pretty dramatically in terms of rain and sunshine within a single day. You can expect to wake up to cloudy rainy skies in the morning and for the day to turn out beautifully sunny in the afternoon or the reverse! As a result, it is important to be prepared for all kinds of weather (see my post on Azores-specific packing!). The least rainy and cloudy months are in the summer. This is the high season for visiting the island but we didn’t find them overly crowded in mid-August.

Hike around Sete Cidades

One final note - when booking your flights, if possible, it may be most convenient to arrive on a day that isn’t Sunday or a Catholic holiday. On Sunday, many restaurants and grocery stores are closed as are banks and currency exchange establishments (even at the airport). For a smoother first day, I would recommend arriving on a day when more is open and you can get settled with ease.