Summer in the Azores: July to September

The summer is generally considered to be July through September, though for many locals they include June in their thinking. Let's keep things simple here though.

This is historically the warmest, driest and calmest time of the year. Air temperatures typically fall somewhere between 18-25°C. So nothing like the heat of the Portuguese mainland - things are positively comfortable here!

Sea temperatures are at their highest, usually in the mid-twenties, but they can get up to 27°C in extremely warm years. 

It is, therefore, a great summer destination. 

The summer is a time of harvest in the Azores.

In the vineyards of Pico, the grapes will be getting nice and plump ahead of the harvest in late August and early September, a very photogenic time to be on the island. On São Jorge, you may see coffee beans drying in the sun following the annual harvest. On São Miguel, it is the tea leaves that are still being harvested in Europe's only commercial tea plantations.

At this time of the year, you can still catch the migratory whales before most leave the archipelago. Whilst the 'big-ticket' species like Humpback and Blue whales will have left the archipelago, you can commonly see the resident Sperm whales, plus Risso’s, bottlenose and common dolphins. What's brilliant about this time of the year is that the Atlantic spotted dolphins join the party and it's a real thrill to have a pod of 20 or 30 dancing through the waves just a few feet from you!

The hydrangeas and other flowers are blooming away beautifully (though waterfalls are at their tamest). It’s a lovely time to swim in the many natural sea pools dotted around the islands, and many of them will have seasonal bars and cafés where you can grab a drink and a bite to eat. What's lovely is to combine that with a relaxed hike along the coast, especially on Pico.

Cagarros, as Cory's shearwaters are known here, are still making their bizarre calls at night, something that truly has to be heard to be believed. You'll hear plenty of it if you stay on Pico, Faial or São Jorge - it's an unexpected highlight!

Summer is also festival time across the archipelago, with a plethora of music and cultural events to enjoy.

Donderfully long days often finish with a spectacular sunset...

You will also have the greatest choice of flight connections in the summer, particularly for direct flights into São Miguel from London or North America. 

In summer it will be busier than usual in some hotspots on São Miguel. But it's never difficult to leave these behind. For other islands, the increase in visitor numbers is not really noticeable simply because there is less tourism infrastructure and capacity. But it does mean you absolutely must plan ahead to secure accommodation and activities as these are small-scale, just the way we like it.