The Azores are exceptional in every respect: breathtaking nature, a variety of islands and landscapes unique in the world… and a very interesting geographic position. The latter, which we detail below, allows the Azores archipelago to be a climatic refuge thanks to its anticyclone, which protects it from storms and other violent displays of Mother Nature. It also lets it enjoy a mild climate all year round.
As a seasoned traveller, you want to know what the best time is to set off for the archipelago, both in terms of weather and the presence of other travellers. Let’s get started!
1 – The climate of the Azores
Located right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between the United States and Europe, the islands making up the Azores archipelago enjoy a temperate oceanic climate. According to Météo-France, this climate “is characterised by mild temperatures and relatively abundant rainfall (linked to the disturbances coming from the Atlantic), spread throughout the year with a slight peak from October to February“. The Azores fit this definition perfectly because the marriage between sun and rain makes it one of the most lush natural archipelagos.
Let’s look at the two most important points:
- Mild temperatures: with a maximum of 27 degrees in summer and a minimum of 12 degrees in winter, you’ll never be cold nor suffer from oppressive heat in the Azores, which is ideal for visiting them. Indeed, as a land of breathtaking hikes, temperatures won’t be a constraint during your stay. There are also micro-climates that exist on each island: the temperatures on the coasts won’t be the same as inland, or in the heart of a crater. But this variation is minimal.
- Relatively abundant rainfall: The weather is variable in the Azores archipelago. This means it can rain on one part of the island you’re on, and be brilliantly sunny on the other part. It also means it can rain for 10 minutes and an azure-blue sky can open up right after. It’s this synergy that allows nature to be so green and blooming. The humidity level is high, without however being a constraint for the inhabitants or travellers, as it’s not tropical. In short, when you know what to put in your suitcase, you can set off with a completely clear mind!
2 – Travelling to the Azores in the warm months
During the warm months, that is, from around April to September, the climate of the Azores is drier and warmer. It’s obviously the most pleasant period if you’re looking to have beautiful sunny days and lounge on the beach! During spring, the islands also become covered in flowers (mostly hydrangeas), which gives them tremendous charm.
In summer, the average temperature is 23 degrees. Just like in the water 🙂 Indeed, for sea lovers, which is not rare in the Azores, the water is also around 23 degrees. Thanks to the Gulf Stream (a warm current coming from Mexico)! It can also reach 25 degrees in places, thanks to the presence of underwater fumaroles which, even far from the coasts, warm the surrounding waters.
3 – Travelling to the Azores in the other months
The only downside of travelling in the warm months is that there are more travellers who want to go at the same time. So there are more people on the islands, without it ever resembling the mass tourism of the Canaries. If you really want to feel all alone, and enjoy the quietest period while still benefiting from the mild Azorean temperatures, the months from October to February will be for you.
Indeed, with an average of 15 degrees in winter, you can do absolutely everything in the Azores… even go and see the whales, which are present all year round!
4 – The best time to travel to the Azores
It all depends, then, on your traveller profile:
- The warm months will be for you if: you prefer a drier and sunnier climate; you want to do water activities, see the islands in bloom, in festivities…; you have scheduling constraints (school holiday periods…)
- The other months will be for you if: you want the islands all to yourself; you’re looking for a unique, mild destination to spend winter away from the European chill; you’re flexible, you love adventure, and you don’t dread the rain…
The advice of Travel to the Azores: to enjoy the most beautiful days, without too many people, the months of May, June, September and October are the best!
And this crucial question of the best time to travel, and all those you’re asking yourself because you’re planning to visit the Azores, we’re here to help you answer. Travel to the Azores creates your personalised travel programme to discover the archipelago within the framework of eco-responsible tourism. We respect your budget, your traveller profile, and negotiate and book for you all the services of your stay, creating your personalised discovery itineraries.
In short, you go on holiday without having to think about the organisation, all while benefiting from our local advice and the discounts we offer you with our equally local providers. What more could you ask for? Contact us at the following email address: contact@voyage-aux-acores.com or fill out the contact form.
Até já!
