When to Go to Azores
To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.
Climate
A typical weather forecast in the Azores would be “3 seasons in one day” and this translates as “changeable”.
The islands enjoy a mild temperate climate throughout the year and benefit from the Gulf Stream; a current of warm water that heads north east from the Gulf of Mexico. The average air temperature varies between 11°C and 26°C depending on the time of year and the surrounding ocean averages between 15°C and 25°C.
Being so far out in the Atlantic, the islands are prone to rainy days at any time of year, and without these showers of course, one could not enjoy the beautiful flora on the islands.
November to March
You can expect to have some bright sunny days, a few wet and windy days and some overcast and cloudy days, with average temperatures of between 11°C and 17°C.
April to May and September to October
You can expect consistently warmer weather, brighter sunnier days with average temperatures of between 11°C and 24°C.
June to August
You can expect lovely warm sunny days with average temperatures of between 15°C and 26°C (with some days reaching 30°C). It can be quite humid especially on the coast or in areas where there is a lot of vegetation.
If you are looking for a beach holiday with guaranteed sun, then the Azores are not the right destination for you. However, if you are looking for a holiday where visiting the beach is just one of many activities, then the Azores might well be the perfect destination!
Seasonality
The best time of the year to visit Azores is between May and September, with warm sunny days, the temperature is pleasant and the best of the flowers will be blooming in May, June and early August.
If you enjoy watching wildlife, September in the Azores can be an amazing time, giving the visitor an opportunity to see various species of marine and birdlife including Sperm Whales, Bottlenose, Common and Spotted Dolphins as well as a variety of sea birds.
National Holidays
| Date |
Description |
| 21 Mar 08 |
Good Friday |
| 24 Mar 08 |
Easter Monday |
| 25 Apr 08 |
Liberty Day |
| 01 May 08 |
Labour Day |
| 10 Jun 08 |
Portugals Day |
| 15 Aug 08 |
Assumption Day |
| 05 Oct 08 |
Republic Day |
| 01 Nov 08 |
All Saints Day |
| 01 Dec 08 |
Indpendence Restoration Day |
| 08 Dec 08 |
Day of Our Lady |
| 25 Dec 08 |
Christmas Day |
| 01 Jan 09 |
New Year's Day |
