Portugal, Europe

Azores in January

Cheap and quiet, and the hot springs at Furnas are at their most atmospheric. Views are often clouded out and seas are rough.

TradeoffsMild and wet, highs near 62F (17C), windy, frequent rain

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

The straight answer

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Azores. Cheap and quiet, and the hot springs at Furnas are at their most atmospheric. Views are often clouded out and seas are rough.

Weather: Mild and wet, highs near 62F (17C), windy, frequent rain
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Azores

January in the Azores is mild but wet and windy. Highs sit near 62F (17C), rain comes often, and views from the crater rims are frequently lost in cloud. Seas are rough, so boat trips and whale watching get canceled a lot. Inter-island ferries are limited or suspended, so island hopping means flying. The upside is that the islands are cheap, quiet, and very green.

This month suits relaxed travelers who want hot springs, good food, and low prices rather than big hikes or ocean trips. It is a weak month for families who want boat days. If you want whales and green hills with better odds, aim for April or May, and for swimming and hiking, June through September.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Azores this month.

Furnas hot springs

Soaking in steaming thermal pools on a cool, misty day is the best thing to do in winter.

Cozido from the ground

Watch the stew pots pulled from the Furnas lake fumaroles around midday, then eat it in town.

Low season prices

Rental cars and guesthouses are at their cheapest of the year.

What to pack for January

A fully waterproof jacket and rain pants
Waterproof hiking shoes
A swimsuit for thermal pools
Warm layers for wind at viewpoints

Our timing tip

Check a live webcam before driving up to Sete Cidades, since on cloudy days you will see only fog.

Book Azores for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Azores
Opens a hotel search for Azores in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. 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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Azores?

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Azores. Cheap and quiet, and the hot springs at Furnas are at their most atmospheric. Views are often clouded out and seas are rough.

What is the weather like in Azores in January?

Mild and wet, highs near 62F (17C), windy, frequent rain.

Is Azores crowded in January?

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