Best time to visit the Azores: a month-by-month guide

Azores volcano at dusk above a calm Atlantic Ocean

In brief

Best overall: June and September, mild, drier, fewer crowds.
Warmest & busiest: July-August, ideal for swimming and diving.
Hydrangeas in bloom: late June to August.
Whales: sperm whales year-round; blue and fin whales in April-May.
Quietest & cheapest: November to March, milder than mainland Europe but wetter.

The Azores enjoy a mild, oceanic climate all year, but the weather changes fast and from one island to the next. There is no truly “bad” season, only different ones. The best time to visit the Azores depends on what you come for: hiking and contemplation, swimming, whales, or simply quiet and low prices. Here is our month-by-month guide, written from the archipelago.

Spring (March to May): green, blooming, whale season

The islands are at their greenest and the great migratory whales, blue and fin, pass through in April and May, joining the resident sperm whales and dolphins. Temperatures hover around 16-19 °C, with changeable skies and frequent showers. Fewer visitors, lower prices: a wonderful time for nature lovers who don’t mind a raincoat.

Summer (June to September): the sweet spot

This is the most reliable window. June and September are our favourites: warm enough (20-24 °C), drier, the famous blue hydrangeas lining the roads, and crowds still reasonable. July and August bring the warmest sea (around 22 °C), the best conditions for swimming, diving and boat trips, but also the highest prices and the need to book flights, cars and stays well ahead.

Autumn (October to November): calm returns

October still offers pleasant days and a quieter atmosphere, with warm sea lingering from summer. Rain becomes more frequent through November. A good compromise for travellers seeking landscapes without the crowds.

Winter (December to February): wild and confidential

Winter is mild by European standards (14-17 °C) but wet and windy, with more cancelled inter-island flights. The reward: dramatic seas, waterfalls at full power, near-empty trails and the lowest prices of the year. Read our dedicated guide on the Azores in winter.

So, when should you go?

For a first trip combining good weather, whales and manageable crowds, aim for June or September. For a beach-and-sea holiday, choose July-August. For solitude and savings, embrace winter. Whatever the month, plan a buffer day for weather and see our guide on how many days you need in the Azores.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rainiest month in the Azores?

December and January are the wettest, though showers can occur in any month. Rain rarely lasts all day and often clears quickly.

When can you swim in the Azores?

From roughly June to October, with the warmest sea (around 22 °C) in August and September.

When is the best time to see whales?

Sperm whales and dolphins are present year-round. For the giant migratory blue and fin whales, target April and May.

Is winter worth it in the Azores?

Yes, for travellers who value solitude, lush green landscapes and low prices, and who accept the risk of weather-related flight changes.