Portugal, Europe

Azores in July

Reliable weather, hydrangeas at their peak, and the full summer ferry network between islands.

BestWarm and sunny, highs near 76F (24C)

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

The straight answer

July is one of the best months of the year to visit Azores. Reliable weather, hydrangeas at their peak, and the full summer ferry network between islands.

Weather: Warm and sunny, highs near 76F (24C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What July is like in Azores

July brings reliable, warm, sunny weather, with highs near 76F (24C). Hydrangeas are at their peak, and the full summer ferry network connects the islands. Holy Spirit feasts continue across the islands. Crowds and prices are high but not at August's level.

This month suits families, hikers, and anyone who wants to island-hop. It is a great month to climb Mount Pico, which is best in summer. Book cars and rooms early. Pack a rain layer anyway, since weather still changes fast at altitude. If you want lower prices, go in June or September.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Azores this month.

Hydrangeas at their peak

Roadsides and hills turn blue and purple.

Island hopping by ferry

The full summer ferry network makes it easy to visit Pico, Faial, and Sao Jorge.

Climbing Mount Pico

Summer is the practical season for Portugal's highest mountain. Register at the mountain house first.

What to pack for July

Hiking boots
Swimsuits
A light rain jacket
Sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

Start a Mount Pico climb early in the morning, when weather is most stable.

Book Azores for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Azores
Opens a hotel search for Azores in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
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 July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in July

Holy Spirit festivals (Festas do Espirito Santo)

From Pentecost through the summer

Community feasts with free soup and bread served from small painted chapels called imperios, especially on Terceira.

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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Azores?

July is one of the best months of the year to visit Azores. Reliable weather, hydrangeas at their peak, and the full summer ferry network between islands.

What is the weather like in Azores in July?

Warm and sunny, highs near 76F (24C).

Is Azores crowded in July?

Azores is busy in July, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Azores in July?

Holy Spirit festivals (Festas do Espirito Santo) (from pentecost through the summer).