Portugal, Europe
Azores in October
Early October can still be excellent; later in the month autumn storms become more frequent and summer ferries wind down.
The straight answer
October is a quiet, good-value month to visit Azores. Early October can still be excellent; later in the month autumn storms become more frequent and summer ferries wind down.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 72F (22C), rain returning
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What October is like in Azores
October is a shoulder month. Early October can still be excellent, but later in the month autumn storms become more frequent and summer ferries wind down. Highs near 72F (22C) are mild, and the sea is still fairly warm early in the month. Prices drop and crowds thin, and island hopping starts to rely on flights rather than ferries.
This month suits flexible travelers who want good value and can adjust plans. Aim for the first half of the month, and keep a day or two free for weather. If you want reliable weather, pick September instead.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Azores this month.
Early October calm
The first weeks often have warm, settled weather.
Soft prices
Hotel and car rates start to drop.
Furnas and its pools
The hot springs are perfect as evenings cool.
What to pack for October
- A waterproof jacket
- Layers
- Hiking shoes
- A swimsuit for thermal pools
Our timing tip
Check ferry schedules before planning island hopping, since routes shrink in October.
Book Azores for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in AzoresOpens a hotel search for Azores in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Azores?
October is a quiet, good-value month to visit Azores. Early October can still be excellent; later in the month autumn storms become more frequent and summer ferries wind down.
What is the weather like in Azores in October?
Mild, highs near 72F (22C), rain returning.
Is Azores crowded in October?
October is one of the quieter months in Azores; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Azores.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
Before you book.
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