Portugal, Europe
Azores in April
Prime whale-watching season begins, with blue and fin whales passing. Green, empty, and good value if you pack rain gear.
The straight answer
April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Azores. Prime whale-watching season begins, with blue and fin whales passing. Green, empty, and good value if you pack rain gear.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 64F (18C), fewer storms
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What April is like in Azores
April brings prime whale watching season. Blue and fin whales pass the islands, and operators use land-based lookouts to find them. Highs near 64F (18C) come with fewer storms, and the islands are green and empty. The Santo Cristo festival may start in late April in some years, following the Easter calendar. Prices are low.
This month suits nature lovers, whale watchers, and budget travelers who pack rain gear. Seas can still be rough, so plan extra days in case trips are canceled. For warmer swimming and full ferry service, wait for summer.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Azores this month.
Blue and fin whales
Spring is peak season for the biggest whales passing the islands.
Green and quiet
The islands are lush and nearly empty, perfect for scenic drives.
Good value
Hotels and cars are still at low season prices.
What to pack for April
- A waterproof jacket
- Seasickness tablets for boat trips
- Layers for cool mornings
- Waterproof hiking shoes
Our timing tip
Choose a larger catamaran for whale watching if you have younger kids or get seasick.
Book Azores for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in AzoresOpens a hotel search for Azores in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in AzoresWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in AzoresTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Azores for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres
The fifth Sunday after Easter and the days around it, usually May
The Azores' biggest religious festival, with a huge procession through flower-carpeted streets in Ponta Delgada.
Things to do in Azores
Sete Cidades
The twin crater lakes on Sao Miguel. Check live webcams or local weather before driving up; on cloudy days you will see only fog.
Furnas and its cozido
Watch the stew pots pulled from the ground at the Furnas lake fumaroles around midday, then eat it in town and soak in the thermal pools.
Whale watching from Ponta Delgada, Pico, or Faial
Operators use land-based lookouts to find animals. Spring is peak for blue and fin whales; sperm whales are seen year-round, weather permitting.
Climbing Mount Pico
Portugal's highest mountain at about 7,700 feet (2,351 m). Climbers must register at the mountain house; summer is the practical season.
Pico's vineyards
A UNESCO World Heritage landscape of vines grown inside black lava-stone walls.
Angra do Heroismo, Terceira
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance port town with colorful facades and a strong festival culture.
Beat the crowds
- Book rental cars early for June through September. Sao Miguel regularly runs short in summer, and public transport between sights is limited.
- Check webcams for Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo each morning and go where the clouds are not. Build flexible days into your plan.
- Visit Furnas' thermal pools early or late in the day; midday tour groups crowd the smaller pools.
- Add a second or third island. Sao Miguel gets most visitors; Pico, Faial, Sao Jorge, and Flores are far quieter.
Know before you go
- The Azores do not shut down, but from about October to May inter-island ferry service is limited or suspended on many routes, so island-hopping means flying.
- Boat trips, whale watching, and swimming are weather-dependent in every month and are canceled frequently in winter.
- Hiking trails can close after heavy rain or landslides. Check the regional trail network's status before heading out.
- Some seasonal restaurants and guesthouses on the smaller islands close in winter.
Azores in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Azores?
April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Azores. Prime whale-watching season begins, with blue and fin whales passing. Green, empty, and good value if you pack rain gear.
What is the weather like in Azores in April?
Mild, highs near 64F (18C), fewer storms.
Is Azores crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Azores; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Azores in April?
Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (the fifth sunday after easter and the days around it, usually may).
Keep planning Azores.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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