Portugal, Europe

Azores in February

Similar to January. Carnival brings local celebrations, especially on Terceira, where comic street theater is a tradition.

TradeoffsMild and wet, highs near 61F (16C), stormy spells

The crater lake at Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel, Azores — AzoresPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Azores. Similar to January. Carnival brings local celebrations, especially on Terceira, where comic street theater is a tradition.

Weather: Mild and wet, highs near 61F (16C), stormy spells
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Azores

February is similar to January: mild, wet, and windy, with highs near 61F (16C) and stormy spells. Views are often clouded out and boat trips are canceled frequently. Carnival brings local celebrations, especially on Terceira, where comic street theater is a tradition. Ferries between islands are limited, so plan to fly.

This month suits curious travelers who enjoy local festivals and quiet, rainy landscapes at low prices. It is not the month for whale watching or big hikes. For better odds of dry days and calmer seas, wait until April or May.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Azores this month.

Carnival on Terceira

Local Carnival celebrations include a tradition of comic street theater, a window into island culture.

Thermal pools

Furnas' hot springs are just as good in the rain.

Empty roads

Driving the green coastal roads of Sao Miguel feels like having the island to yourself.

What to pack for February

A waterproof jacket and pants
Warm layers
Waterproof shoes
A swimsuit for hot springs

Our timing tip

Keep your plans flexible and pick outdoor days based on the morning forecast.

Book Azores for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Azores
Opens a hotel search for Azores in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Azores
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Azores
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Azores for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Azores

Full guide

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

Pico's vineyards

A UNESCO World Heritage landscape of vines grown inside black lava-stone walls.

Tickets and tours →

Angra do Heroismo, Terceira

A UNESCO-listed Renaissance port town with colorful facades and a strong festival culture.

Tickets and tours →

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Azores?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Azores. Similar to January. Carnival brings local celebrations, especially on Terceira, where comic street theater is a tradition.

What is the weather like in Azores in February?

Mild and wet, highs near 61F (16C), stormy spells.

Is Azores crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Azores; most sights can be done without long waits.