01 / SÃO MIGUEL
Sete Cidades
Twin crater lakes on São Miguel; keep your viewpoint day flexible in case of cloud.
PT · NATURE & CULTURE
The Azores.
A different pace.
Room to explore.
Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days.
Explore when to visitBEST TIME TO VISITJune–September
mild Atlantic summer
SEASONAL CLIMATEusually 20–26 °C
Local conditions may differ from averages
SUGGESTED STAY7–12 nights
Leave room for weather-dependent days
HOLIDAY STYLENature & culture
Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days.
YOUR HOLIDAY. COMFORTABLY DIFFERENT.
A gentler journey.
More time to discover.
Nine volcanic Atlantic islands, crater lakes, natural pools and green walking trails: the Azores are for travellers who accept the weather as part of the journey. São Miguel is a rewarding first base; Pico, Faial and São Jorge deserve time rather than a frantic island-hopping schedule.
Nine volcanic Atlantic islands, crater lakes, natural pools and green walking trails: the Azores are for travellers who accept the weather as part of the journey. São Miguel is a rewarding first base; Pico, Faial and São Jorge deserve time rather than a frantic island-hopping schedule.
Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days. Allow time for changing plans, rather than treating every stop as a checklist.
Which region does this guide cover?
This guide covers all nine Azores islands, with an emphasis on São Miguel and the Faial–Pico–São Jorge triangle for a first trip. Madeira and mainland Portugal are separate destinations.
PLACES THAT STAY WITH YOU
Places worth lingering.
Not just ticking off.
Three ways to discover The Azores—with time for the unexpected.
02 / SÃO MIGUEL
Lagoa do Fogo & Furnas
Highland water, geothermal landscapes and richly green valleys show the island’s volcanic character.
03 / PICO & FAIAL
Pico, vineyards & ocean
Black lava-stone vineyards, mountain slopes and natural swimming places meet the Atlantic.
Terceira & Angra do Heroísmo
A historic town, coves and the volcanic cave Algar do Carvão.
Flores
Waterfalls and exuberant western-island scenery; allow plenty of time for unreliable weather connections.
Santa Maria
Generally drier, with sandy beaches and an unmistakably Atlantic island feel.
THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU
How does
your travel month feel?
Choose your month: climate, travel experience and activities at a glance.
August
Warmest part of the year without dependable oppressive heat; book ahead.
Visitor numbersVery busy
Seasonal price levelVery high
Daytime average25.9 °CDaily maximum
2021–2025 Ø 26.7 °C +0.8 °C
Night-time average20.3 °CDaily minimum
Rainfall49.2 mmper month
WaterPleasanteditorial assessment
Heat riskModeratequalitative assessment
Humidity discomfortHighqualitative assessment
Sea & coast5/5
Mountains & lakes5/5
Nature5/5
Cities & culture4/5
Long-term monthly averages for the stated climate-reference location. Local altitude, coastal exposure and microclimates can differ. These are climate averages, not weather forecasts. Sources & context
Choose your season.
Keep the weather in mind.
Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days. The month-by-month climate figures help you choose a more comfortable season, but are not a forecast.
1991–2020 · Average daily maximum
2021–2025 warmer
2021–2025 cooler
17.4°+0.6°Jan
17°+0.6°Feb
17.3°+0.3°Mar
17.8°+0.7°Apr
19.6°+0.8°May
22.1°+0.7°Jun
24.5°+0.5°Jul
25.9°+0.8°Aug
24.6°+0.6°Sep
22.2°+1°Oct
19.3°+1°Nov
17.8°+0.3°Dec
Temperature comparison: The bars show the 1991–2020 climate normal. The coloured line shows how the five most recent complete years, 2021–2025, differ: red = warmer, green = cooler. These five years form a recent comparison period, not a new climate normal.
Compare climate data across the year
| Month | Day | Night | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17.4 °C | 13.3 °C | 110.7 mm |
| February | 17 °C | 12.5 °C | 81.6 mm |
| March | 17.3 °C | 12.7 °C | 98.5 mm |
| April | 17.8 °C | 13.2 °C | 78.8 mm |
| May | 19.6 °C | 14.8 °C | 69.3 mm |
| June | 22.1 °C | 17 °C | 42.8 mm |
| July | 24.5 °C | 19 °C | 24.7 mm |
| August | 25.9 °C | 20.3 °C | 49.2 mm |
| September | 24.6 °C | 19.3 °C | 84.2 mm |
| October | 22.2 °C | 17.5 °C | 114.6 mm |
| November | 19.3 °C | 14.9 °C | 119.9 mm |
| December | 17.8 °C | 13.7 °C | 169.6 mm |
Temperature and precipitation: Meteostat Point Climate Normals (1991–2020). Heat and humidity follow the same Coolcation methodology for all destinations. Coastal sea temperatures, where available, use NOAA OISST 1991–2020.
Which activities suit each month?
Editorial suitability: 0 unsuitable · 1 very limited · 2 limited · 3 good · 4 very good · 5 excellent. Overall suitability rates a varied sightseeing trip. Winter sports and swimming are assessed separately.
| Holiday preference | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall travel suitability | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Sea & coast | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Mountains & lakes | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Nature | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Cities & culture | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Walking | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Cycling | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Sea swimming | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Wildlife watching | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Winter sports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Suitability ratings are editorial guidance, not guarantees of safety or weather. Choose activities based on current conditions, access rules, your experience and local advice. Swimming suitability never overrides sea warnings.
All months, visitor numbers & seasonal prices
| Month | Visitor numbers | Prices | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Quiet | Mid-range | Mild but frequently wet and changeable; ideal for slower island time. |
| February | Quiet | Mid-range | The islands remain green; carry waterproof layers and allow ferry flexibility. |
| March | Quiet | Mid-range | Spring flowers appear, but rain and wind remain common. |
| April | Moderate | Mid-range | Walking becomes more attractive, though weather can still turn quickly. |
| May | Moderate | Mid-range | Comfortable for active days; the ocean is still on the cool side. |
| June | Busier | Higher | Long daylight hours, mild air and water becoming more inviting. |
| July | Very busy | Higher | A strong combination of island walks, swimming and lively towns. |
| August | Very busy | Very high | Warmest part of the year without dependable oppressive heat; book ahead. |
| September | Busier | Higher | The sea is often at its most inviting and visitor numbers start easing. |
| October | Moderate | Mid-range | Greener, quieter and changeable, still with rewarding walking opportunities. |
| November | Quiet | Mid-range | Mild off-season days, with more rain and wind. |
| December | Quiet | Mid-range | Quiet islands, short days and weather-sensitive connections. |
YOUR PREFERENCES. YOUR HOLIDAY.
For travellers who
prefer their own pace.
Nine volcanic Atlantic islands, crater lakes, natural pools and green walking trails: the Azores are for travellers who accept the weather as part of the journey.
A great fit for you.
- You enjoy volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days.
- You like a mix of interesting places and time to slow down.
- You plan trips around the season rather than expecting perfect weather.
- You prefer thoughtful excursions to trying to see everything at once.
What you should know.
- Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days.
- Check seasonal opening hours, local access restrictions and transport timetables before travelling.
- Popular days can be busy; reserve essential travel and accommodation in advance.
- Pick activities that suit the season, actual conditions and your experience.
Compare travel styles in detail
Nature & tranquillity5/5
The Azores: Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Hiking & mountains5/5
The Azores: Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Families4/5
The Azores: Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Active & adventurous5/5
The Azores: Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Cities & culture3/5
The Azores: Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Beaches & swimming4/5
The Azores: Volcanic lakes, ocean pools and green, comfortably mild island days. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Editorial suitability, not a rating of individual accommodation or providers. 0 = unsuitable, 5 = excellent. Season, current conditions and personal mobility remain essential.
PICO & FAIAL
The details.
And the wider view.
FROM WANDERLUST TO A PLAN
One good base.
Plenty of choices.
A flexible itinerary rather than a fixed schedule: let the weather and your energy set the pace.
São Miguel
Base yourself in Ponta Delgada for Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas and a weather-dependent swim.
Faial
Explore Horta and Faial’s coast; boat days depend on the sea.
Pico oder São Jorge
Choose the volcanic vineyards of Pico or the fajãs of São Jorge rather than squeezing in both.
Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days. Check current opening hours, transport timetables, access permits and official warnings before travelling.
GETTING THERE
Plan your arrival
Choose your arrival airport, station or road connection before booking the last transfer.
Check seasonal connections, transfers and opening times.
Official visitor informationON THE GROUND
Keep plans flexible
Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days.
Respect protected areas, road closures and local advice.
Official visitor informationWHAT TO BRING
Pack for the real weather
Pack layers, weather protection, water and sun protection as needed.
For remote or marine activities, obtain suitable equipment and guidance.
Official visitor informationSTORIES & TRAVEL IDEAS
Discover even more.
In the Coolcation Blog.
Seasonal tips and fresh perspectives on this destination.
Wildlife watching instead of sightseeing: five trips where nature sets the dates
For wildlife holidays, the best time is determined by migration, breeding, young animals and sea conditions, not the school holiday calendar. These five destinations show just how different those windows can be.
Read articleGOOD TO KNOW, HONESTLY
A little planning.
Lots to look forward to.
When is the best time to visit?
June–September · mild Atlantic summer. Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days.
When is the best time to visit?
June–September · mild Atlantic summer. Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days.
Is it too hot?
Mist can hide crater views at short notice. Check flight, ferry and sea conditions and keep weather-buffer days. Consult the monthly climate and plan accordingly.
Which island should I visit?
Choose a base that fits your time and interests, rather than rushing between every stop. Nine volcanic Atlantic islands, crater lakes, natural pools and green walking trails: the Azores are for travellers who accept the weather as part of the journey.
Do I need a car?
It depends on your chosen base and excursions in The Azores. Check public transport and the last return service; remote places may be easier with a car.
YOUR HOLIDAY BEGINS WITH A GOOD FEELING
Ready for fresh perspectives?
Find destinations that suit your travel dates, your favourite places
and your preferred climate.
Sources, climate notes & photo credits
So you can put the information in context.
Editorial information updated: 23 September 2026. Suitability, routes, price levels, humidity discomfort and heat risk are editorial assessments. Prices are not current offers. Climate averages do not replace a weather forecast.
Long-term monthly averages for the stated climate-reference location. Local altitude, coastal exposure and microclimates can differ. These are climate averages, not weather forecasts.
- Visit Azores: climate & sea
- Visit Azores: São Miguel
- Visit Azores: Badezone Madalena
- Visit Azores: Planung
- Climate data · Meteostat Point Climate Normals
- Sea temperature · NOAA OISST v2.1 · 1991–2020
- ERA5-Land · Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · Comparing 1991–2020 with 2021–2025; the anomaly is applied to the verified Coolcation climate normal.
Photography
- E-W · Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
- Gabriel Scharadeck · Volcanic landscape on São Miguel · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
- Jules Verne Times Two · Pico volcano on the island of Pico · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
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