When is the best time to visit the Azores? That depends. Do you love hot springs and want to avoid crowds? Or do you prefer beach weather and price isn’t an issue? We’ve included a month-by-month breakdown that covers: weather, crowds, price, whale sightings, flowers, and holidays/festivals. We’ve included information on all the Azores islands but the weather, price and crowd statistics are for São Miguel (the weather is specifically Ponta Delgada). So, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about when the best time to visit the Azores is for YOU! Click below to jump to your preferred month:

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | MayJunJulAugSep | OctNovDec

Also, we’ve made some COVID related notes, but this post is mostly about the Azores outside of quarantines and travel bans. You can read more on why the Azores are the best socially distanced vacation or if you’re still trying to decide which is the best Azores island to visit, start here.

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Lagoa do Fogo Crater Lake

Is JANUARY the Best time to Visit the Azores?

January statistically has one of the coolest temps and most rain, but it’s also the least busy, so it’s the perfect time to visit the Azores if you like hot springs and hate crowds.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in January

January is one of the coldest months with highs of 61°F and lows of 52°F. It’s more rainy than the spring and summer but less rainy than the late fall with an average of 5.3 inches of rain and 19 days where there is some precipitation. The ocean temperature in January is typically around 63°F.

Leggings and light pants are great for hiking in January in the Azores, with layers on top. If the sun is out, it can feel warmer than the actual temperature, so it’s great to start with a t-shirt or tank top. Bring a long sleeve shirt and a light puffy vest or jacket because the real feel can be cooler if it’s cloudy and windy at the higher elevations. It’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket.

Jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a light jacket are enough for the evenings. Always remember a bathing suit and sandals for the hot springs.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in January

On New Years Day, the sun will rise at 7:45am and set at 6:07pm, so it was one of the darkest months of the year.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in January

There are typically the fewest overnight stays in January than any other month in the Azores, so you will have the largest selection of hotels and rentals. Because there are fewer tourists in January, the accommodation rates in the Azores are among the lowest. The average daily rate for an Airbnb in January on Sao Miguel in 2019 was €53. You may find an Airbnb for €30 in January in the Azores and even the luxury hotels may have a room for close to €100.

Because it’s not that busy in January, you don’t usually need to make a reservation ahead of time except you should always make a reservation on Saturdays to be safe, especially if you have a specific restaurant you want to visit.  But even on Saturday, you can usually stop by a restaurant that day in January and put your name on the list for that night.  Or if you are in Ponta Delgada and you can be flexible on location and timing, you will easily find a free table for a tasty dinner.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in January

If you go whale watching in January, you may see the species that live in the Azores year-round: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso’s dolphin and sperm whales. But because the weather isn’t as great in the winter, it’s more likely that your whale watching trip will be cancelled due to bad weather.

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Dolphin sighting during whale watching

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in January

You’ll find fewer flowers blooming in January in the Azores than the spring and summer, but you’ll still see a little color, including succulents blooming along the coast. And the various shades of green are still breathtaking.

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in January

There are no major Azorean festivals in January, but January 1 is a public holiday.

Is FEBRUARY the Best time to Visit Azores?

Like January, February is also one of the better times to visit the Azores if you want to find good deals and don’t like crowds. It’s also a great time to go if you like parties and Carnaval falls in February.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in February

On average, the weather in February is slightly cooler than January with an average high of 61°F and average low of 50°F. But historically, there has been slightly less rain in February with 4.3 inches of rain and 17 days of precipitation. The ocean also has the same water temperature as January at 63°F.

Because the temperatures are similar to January, we have the same packing recommendations. If you’re planning to go to Carnaval (see below), you may need to pack a tuxedo/formal dress or a costume, depending on which party you plan to attend.

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Sunrise and Sunset Times in February

You’re getting a little more sun in February compared to January, so on February 1, the sun will rise at 7:45am and set at 6:07pm.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation rates in February

Just ahead of January and December, February typically has the third fewest overnight stays. So February is still pretty empty and you typically don’t need to make restaurant reservations unless it’s Valentines Day! The accommodation rates may even be a bit lower than January. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in 2019 was €51. So, February is the best time to visit Azores if you want the best deals on accommodations.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in February

Similar to January, if you go whale watching in February, you may see the common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso’s dolphin and sperm whale. You also are more likely to have your whale watching trip cancelled because of bad weather.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in February

Like in January, the landscape is mostly lush green, but you’ll start to see the first inkling of spring flowers. You may also see the first azaleas blooms (peaking in April and May), the first calla lilies (which bloom all spring), and the large wild ginger stalks will begin to have red flowers. Beginning in late February and early March, you’ll also begin to see wildflowers of various colors.

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in February

If Easter is early, Carnaval (Mardi Gras) will fall in February. If Easter is late, Carnaval will fall in March. There are celebrations on all the Azores islands, but the biggest celebration is on São Miguel with 4 nights of parties that begin the Friday before Ash Wednesday. So if you love parties, the best time to visit São Miguel is during Carnaval.

In mid-February, there are also “dia das amigas” (day of the girlfriends) when the restaurants and bars are full of women and “dia dos amigos” (day of the boyfriends) when the restaurants and bars are full of men.

Is MARCH the Best Time to Visit Azores?

In March, the weather and accommodation rates are similar to January and February, but the days are longer and you may see a few more varieties of whales. If you’re a rally car fan, then March is definitely the best time to visit Azores!

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in March

The weather in March is similar to January and February with an average: high of 61°F, low of 52°F, 4.32 inches of rain and 17 days of precipitation. The ocean also has the same water temperature of 63°F.

Because the temperatures are similar to January and February, you’ll also mostly want to bring leggings/pants for hiking plus some short sleeves for layering. Wear jeans plus a light jacket for going out at night. And if you’re planning to attend Carnaval parties, then make sure you remember your formal wear and costume.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in March in the Azores

The daylight hours continue to lengthen in March in the Azores; sunrise is about 7:15am-7:30am and sunset is around 6:30pm-7pm. So, if you plan to visit the Azores in the winter and want the most sunlight, then March is the best month for you to visit. Remember that daylight savings time happens at the end of March (a couple weeks later than in the U.S.), so the time in the Azores will only be 3 hours later than the U.S. (instead of the typical 4 hours) for those 2 weeks.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation rates in March

March is the busiest winter month in the Azores, and the average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in 2019 was €54. In March, the weather is improving, and you can still find some great deals. You also don’t need to make a restaurant reservation ahead of time, unless you want to eat at one of the more popular restaurants on Saturday night (get the inside scoop about which restaurants you need to make reservations for).

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in March

In March, you’ll see the year-round common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale. But at the tail end of March, you’ll begin to see the migrating Baleen whales, which include the blue whale, fin whale, sei whales and the less frequent humpback whale. These baleen whales migrate past the Azores in the spring, but the best viewing is in April and May. The weather is starting to improve in March, but trips are still often cancelled because of rough seas.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in March

By March, the wildflowers have really popped, and you’ll see fields of white and yellow flowers. There are also more azaleas, plenty of calla lilies and red flowers on the wild ginger stalks.

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Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in March

If Easter falls in March, Good Friday and Easter will be public holidays in March. If Easter is in April, then the Carnaval festivities will be in March.

A famous Azores Rallye car race typically happens on Sao Miguel island in March. Races happen in multiple locations around the island.

Is APRIL the Best time to Visit Azores?

In April, the weather is improving, but there are slightly more crowds, and accommodations tend to be a little more expensive. As in May, April is one of the best months for whale watching

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in April

The weather in April begins to warm up with an average high of 63°F and an average low of 52°F. There’s less rain typically than in the winter with an average of 2.8 inches of rain and 13 days of precipitation. The ocean typically has the same water temperature as the winter months at 63°F.

If you’re heading to the Azores in April, use our what to wear tips from January, but pack a few more short sleeve shirts and throw in a pair of shorts, so you’ll be prepared for those sunny days.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in April

After daylight savings time, sunrise in April in the Azores is at about 7:30am-7:45am and sunset jumps to around 8-8:30pm.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in April

Compared to the winter months, the number of visitors and accommodation rates are higher in April. It’s also typically busier than the month of November but a bit slower than October. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in April 2019 was €62. You still don’t have to worry about making restaurant reservations unless it’s a Saturday night.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in April

The baleen whales are migrating by the Azores islands in April. These include the blue whale, fin whale, sei whales and the less frequent humpback whale. There also pilot whale and striped dolphin sightings towards the end of April in addition to the year-round species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale. The weather also continues to improve, so you’re more likely to have a good day out on the water in April compared to the winter months.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in April

By the end of April, the azaleas are in full bloom (head to Furnas on Sao Miguel to see them in all their glory). You’ll also start noticing the orange nasturtium flowers covering the ground – these flowers are actually edible; they have an almost spicy taste. You’ll also still see calla lilies and spring wild flowers.

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Azaleas at Lagoa das Furnas

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in April

Easter and Good Friday are public holidays that can fall in April. April 25 is also a public holiday called Liberty Day, which celebrates the end of the Portuguese dictatorship.

Tremor is a music festival that typically takes place on Sao Miguel in April. The stages are in surprise locations around the island, and it’s become really popular. So, buy your tickets early and know that accommodations will be booked out during Tremor. Tremor was cancelled in 2020 because of COVID, but plans are being made for 2021!

Is MAY the Best time to Visit Azores?

May is the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and you want nice weather but don’t need to go to the beach. It also is typically the month when the Santo Christo festival occurs, the most important religious festival in the Azores.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, Sunrise/Sunset Times in May

The temperatures continue to warm in May and the average high is 66°F and the average low is 55°F. Because it can feel a lot warmer in the sun, you often start to get a few beach days in May. There’s usually slightly less rain than in April, with an average of 2.2 inches of rain and 12 days of precipitation. The ocean starts to warm up slightly, and has an average temperature of 64°F.

You’ll get more warm days in May when it’s sunny, so bring a mix of shorts/short sleeves and pants/long sleeves. It’s also always good to have a light jacket and rain coat.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in May

After daylight savings time, sunrise is about 7:30am-7:45am and sunset jumps to around 8-8:30pm.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in May

May is only slightly behind June in terms of overnight stays, which is likely due to the Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (see Azores Festivals in May below). It’s often difficult to find a room during the festival. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in May 2019 was €67.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in May

Similar to April, the baleen whales are migrating by the islands, but you’re more likely to see a pilot whale and striped dolphin. You also can still see the year-round species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale. The weather is also more likely to be cooperative, so May is the best time to visit the Azores if you want to go whale watching.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in May

In May, you will also start to see purple Agapanthus along the road, especially near Furnas and along the northwest coast. The azaleas are also in bloom, but they begin to fade in late May. In May, a few hydrangeas are beginning to bloom, and some of the spring wild flowers are being replaced with varieties that will last through the summer.

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in May

May typically kicks off the start of religious festivals in the Azores, which honor each locality’s patron saint and typically last through September. The festivals usually begin with parades down flower petal covered streets, followed by music and celebrating into the night. The largest religious festival in the Azores is on Sao Miguel on the 5th Sunday following Easter, called the Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Festival of the Christ of Miracles). This famous festival typically falls in May, but it can also fall on the last weekend in April.

Although there are festival-related events for two weeks around the Santo Cristo festival, the culmination on the 5th Sunday following Easter is when a large wooden image of Christ is paraded through Ponta Delgada. The evening is fully of music and celebrating. The Monday after the procession is conveniently a public holiday, called the Day of the Azores or Azores Autonomy Day. The Santo Christo festival is a very busy time on Sao Miguel as many Azoreans travel from other islands and abroad to visit Sao Miguel. So book accommodations and restaurant reservations well in advance.

The Azores also celebrates Labor Day on May 1, which is a public holiday. The Azores Fringe Festival is an alternative art festival that typically takes place in May and June. It’s headquartered on Pico Island but there are typically events on the other islands.

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Flower petals lining the street during Azorean religious festival

Is JUNE the Best Time to Visit the Azores?

June and September are the best time if you want to come in the summer months but avoid the crowds.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in June

As summer officially begins, June brings warmer temps with an average high of 70°F and an average low of 59°F. There’s also less rain than the spring months with an average of 1.5 inches of rain and 10 days of precipitation. But the plus side to a little rain is the possibility of seeing a rainbow!

Although there are typically not as many beach days in June as there are in July and August, there will usually be some great days to hit the sand. The ocean continues to warm with the better weather and is on average of 68°F in June.

While you should still bring a pair of leggings/light pants for hiking, you’ll want to bring more shorts. At night, you don’t have the benefit of the sun to make things feel warmer, so if you get cold easily, jeans and a layered short sleeve/long sleeve or light jacket will work. As always, don’t forget your bathing suit and sandals, for both the beach and hot springs.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in June

Like everywhere in the northern hemisphere, June has the longest days of the year, and sunrise is about 6:20am-7:45am and sunset jumps to around 8-8:30pm

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in June

June is typically the 4th busiest month behind July-September. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in June 2019 was €76.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in June

In June, you can see the tail end of the baleen whale migration, but you may also see the summer visitors, including the pilot whale, striped dolphin and atlantic spotted dolphin. The year-round species are also common to see in June: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale. The weather is even more likely to cooperate, so June is a close second as the best month to go whale watching in the Azores.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in June

Late June is the start of the famous Azorean hydrangeas. There are also a variety of wildflowers growing, but the azaleas have mostly faded.

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in June

The National Day of Portugal is celebrated as a public holiday on June 10. The Azores Islands also celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi as a public holiday, which is a Catholic festival celebrated on the second Thursday after Whitsun. It typically falls in June (June 3, 2021 and June 16 2022).

In Terceira, there is typically a festival towards the end of June honoring, St. John, the patron saint of the island of Terceira.

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When there's rain in the Azores, look for a rainbow!

Is JULY the Best Time to Visit Azores?

July is the best time to visit if you want to hit the beach and you like the hustle and bustle of the summer, including more crowds, lots of festivals and live music.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in July

July is fully summer in the Azores. The average high temperature is 75°F and the average low is 64°F. Because of the high humidity, it feels a lot hotter than that, especially in the sun. You’ll hopefully get more beach days than not in July. You typically have the least rain all year in the month of July with an average of 1.3 inches and 9 days of precipitation. The ocean continues to warm with the better weather and is on average 72°F.

You typically have hot days in the Azores in July, so you should pack mostly shorts/short sleeves for the daytime. You can also wear shorts/dresses at night, but bring a long sleeve. You can still usually be comfortable wearing jeans at night because it’s cooler without the sun. You should also consider packing pants for during the day. Because of the high humidity, a drop of 10 degrees and clouds can make the temperature feel significantly cooler. If you have warm weather it may be too hot for the hot springs, but you’ll definitely want your bathing suit and sandals for the beach.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in July

In July, the sun rises at about 6:25am-6:45am and sets at around 9pm.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in July

July is typically the second busiest month in the Azores behind August. Because it’s a popular time to visit, the average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in July 2019 jumped to €84. The hotels see an even bigger jump, and the cheapest room in a luxury hotel typically starts at €200 but can be as much as €400. Rooms in the summer also book up, so make your reservations early.

You should always make a reservation if you can at restaurants in the summer, as they are also extra busy!

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in July

By July, the baleen whales have moved on, so you’re more likely to see the summer visitors, including the pilot whale, striped dolphin and atlantic spotted dolphin. You also can still see the year-round species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale. The weather will likely be warm in July, so the boat ride will be enjoyable, even if you don’t see a ton of wildlife.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in July

The glorious hydrangeas of the Azores are peaking at the end of July. Head to Sete Cidades on Sao Miguel for the highest concentration, but they are truly everywhere. You’ll also begin to see the wild ginger’s yellow flowers. Wild ginger is sadly a destructive and invasive species, but the flowers are at least pretty.

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Hydrangea lined road near Sete Cidades crater lake on Sao Miguel

Azorean Festivals in July

July is full of local cultural, music and religious festivals on most islands in the Azores, so don’t be surprised to come across celebrations wherever you go! There is also live music unrelated to festivals throughout the summer, especially in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel.

For example, the Semana Cultural das Velas is a weeklong cultural festival on Sao Jorge island, which includes music, food and sporting events, including the famous regatta between Horta in Faial and the town of Velas in São Jorge.

There’s also the Festas da Madalena on Pico in July and the Caloura Blues Festival on Sao Miguel.

One of the most famous music festivals in the Azores is the Santa Maria Blues festival on Santa Maria island. Accommodations are few on Santa Maria, so book those early if you plan to attend!

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is typically held in July off the coast of Vila Franca do Campo on Sao Miguel Island. Because of COVID, the 2020 Azores cliff diving event will take place on September 6. You’ll need to get a spot early to be able to watch in person!

Is August the Best Time to Visit Azores?

August is the best time to visit the Azores if you want warm weather and don’t mind crowds!

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in August

August is the warmest month in the Azores; the average high temperature is 77°F and the average low is 66°F. As in July, because of the high humidity, it can feel 10 degrees warmer than that, especially in the sun. August usually has the best beach days but that means the beaches are also the most crowded (find the best beach for you on Sao Miguel). You have similar precipitation to July and September with an average of 1.6 inches of rain and 9 days of precipitation. The ocean is its warmest in August and September with an average temperature of 75°F.

Our advice for what to wear in July applies to August. If you’re there for the White Party though (see festivals below), remember to bring white!

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in August

In August, the sun rises at about 6:45-7:15 and sets at around 9pm

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in August

August is typically the busiest month in the Azores and the average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in August 2019 was €87. As in July, hotels prices jump even higher, especially for luxury hotel rooms, which typically range from €200 – €400. So book rooms and dinner reservations early in August!

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in August

The whales and dolphins you’ll typically see in August are similar to those you’d see in July: pilot whale, striped dolphin and atlantic spotted dolphin. And the year-round species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale. The weather is even more likely to be warm in August, so the boat ride will likely still be enjoyable, even if you don’t see a ton of wildlife.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in August

In August in the Azores, the hydrangeas are still flourishing, and the wild ginger is producing their yellow flowers (you can pull these out and suck the bottoms for their nectar!).

Azorean Festivals in August

Similar to July, August in the Azores is full of cultural, music and religious festivals. Some examples include Festas da Praia da Vitoria on Terceira Island, which celebrates the history of Praia da Vitoria through music, food and other cultural festivities, the Mare de Agosto festival on Santa Maria and the Monte Verde musical festival on Sao Miguel. The White Ocean party is usually at the beginning of August in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island, where everyone wears white and the city is decorated with white ocean creatures.

The Azores also celebrates the Feast of the Assumption as a public holiday on August 15.

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August is a great time to hit the beach in the Azores!

Is SEPTEMBER the Best Time to Visit Azores?

September is a great time to visit the Azores if you still want to enjoy the warm weather but you want to avoid the crowds.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in September

The average high temperature is 75°F and the average low is 63°F. You’ll typically have a little more precipitation than in July and August with an average of 3.3 inches of rain and 13 days of precipitation. The ocean is usually still its warmest in September with an average temperature of 75°F.

Our advice for what to wear in July and August still applies in September.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in September

You’re slowly losing more sun in September, the sun rises at about 6:15-7:40 and sets at around 8:15-7:30pm

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in September

Although the number of visitors to the Azores drops off in September, it is still typically the third busiest month in the Azores. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in September 2019 was €76.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in September

The whales and dolphins that typically come to the Azores during the summer are starting to continue their migration away from the Azores (pilot whale, striped dolphin and atlantic spotted dolphin) but you still may have sightings. You’ll still also be able to see the year-round species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in September

In September, you’ll catch the tail end of hydrangea season, but you’ll also begin to see the more understated Belladonna Lily (also called naked ladies).

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Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in September

The festivals typically slow down in September in the Azores and there are no public holidays.

Is OCTOBER the Best Time to Visit the Azores?

In October you may still get some beach days, but the temperatures are cooling, so it’s the best time to visit Azores if you want to enjoy both beaches and hot springs.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in October

October’s temperatures are similar to June, but there’s typically a bit more precipitation. The average high temperature is 70°F and the average low is 59°F. There’s an average of 4.5 inches of rain and 16 days of precipitation. The ocean starts to cool down and is typically about 72°F.

As the weather cools, you’ll want to mix in a few more pants/long sleeves compared to what you’d bring for the summer. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sandals to take advantage of the hot springs when it’s cooler and the beaches when it’s warmer. Also, as with any other month, make sure to bring your rain coat.

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in October

You’re slowly losing more sun in October; the sun rises at about 7:40am-7:10am and sets at around 7:30-7pm. There is daylight savings time at the end of the month, but it’s typically a couple weeks after the United States, so there will be a 5 hour time difference (instead of the usual 4 hour difference) between the U.S. and the Azores for a bit.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in October

The number of visitors to the Azores continues to drop off in October, with about 8.6% of the total visitors coming in October. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in October 2019 was €65.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in October

Other than the atlantic spotted dolphin, which usually stays through December, you’ll typically only see the year-round whales and dolphins: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in October

By October, most of the hydrangeas have passed, and the landscape has less color and is mostly green, but you’ll still get naked ladies and you’ll see red hot pokers starting to bloom along the road.

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in October

Sao Miguel Island typically hosts a wine festival in October. So, if you like to drink wine and eat tasty food, October is the best time to visit the Azores!

Republic Day is on October 5, which is a public holiday celebrating the day Portugal became a republic.

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Enjoy vinho verde wine on Santa Barbara beach in the Azores!

Is NOVEMBER the Best Time to Visit the Azores?

November in the Azores is similar to the winter months, but it’s typically a little warmer, so it’s the best time to visit Azores if you want a good deal on accommodation. There are fewe crowds, but you’re getting a little warmer weather.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in November

November is typically one of the wettest months in the Azores, with an average of 5.2 inches of rain and 17 days of precipitation. It’s usually a little warmer than the winter, though, with an average high temperature of 64°F and the average low of 55°F. The ocean is typically about 68°F, so it continues to cool down but it is still warmer than in the winter and spring.

Similar to the early spring, you should bring a few short sleeves to layer and throw in a pair of shorts, but you’ll mostly wear pants. The ocean isn’t too cold, so bring your bathing suit in case you want to take a dip, or to wear in the hot springs. Especially in November, make sure to bring your rain coat!

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in November

The days are getting shorter, but you still have longer days than you’ll find in the northeast U.S. in November. The sunrises between 7:10am-7:40am and sets at around 5:45pm-5:30pm.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in November

The number of visitors to the Azores continues to drops off in November, but it’s still busier than the winter months. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in November 2019 was €64.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in November

Similar to the whales you’ll see in October and December, in November, you may see the atlantic spotted dolphin and the year-round species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in November

In November in the Azores, you’ll see red hot pokers and begin to see birds of paradise popping up; they are a favorite in the many roundabouts on Sao Miguel island.

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Red Hot Poker Flowers

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in November

All Saints Day on November 1 is celebrated as a public holiday in the Azores.

Is DECEMBERthe Best Time to Visit Azores?

December is one of the cooler months, but it’s a great place to visit if you do NOT want a white Christmas.

Azores Weather, Ocean Temperature, and What to Wear in December

December has similar weather to November; there is on average 4.9 inches of rain and 17 days of precipitation. The average high temperature is 63°F and the average low is 54°F. The ocean is typically about 64°F. So, it’s getting cooler, but you won’t come close to finding snow for the holidays. The lowest temperature on record for Ponta Delgada was 38°F.

In December, you’ll likely prefer pants and long sleeves, but bring some short sleeves for layering and shorts for hiking if you run warm. Pack your swim suit and sandals for the hot springs, and, like every month in the Azores, don’t forget your rain coat!

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Sunrise/Sunset Times in December in the Azores

December has the shortest day of the year, so you’ll see the sun rise in December between 7:40am-8am and sets around 5:25pm-5:35pm.

Azores Crowds and Accommodation Rates in December

December is only slightly busier than January, the slowest month in the Azores. The average nightly rate for a one bedroom Airbnb in December 2019 was €64.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings in December

Similar to the whales you’ll see in October and November, in December, you may see the atlantic spotted dolphin and the year-round species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso’s dolphin and sperm whale.

Flowers Blooming in the Azores in December

The birds of paradise are the star in December and can be seen along many roadsides and in roundabouts.

Azorean Festivals and Public Holidays in December

There are 3 public holidays celebrated in the Azores in December:Restoration of Independence (December 1), Feast of Immaculate Conception (December 8) and Christmas Day (December 25). There are also typically great fireworks displays and celebrations on New Year’s Eve in the Azores, especially on Sao Miguel Island.