Portugal, Europe
Azores in September
Summer weather with August's crowds gone. A strong month for swimming, diving, and hiking.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Azores. Summer weather with August's crowds gone. A strong month for swimming, diving, and hiking.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 76F (24C), sea still warm
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What September is like in Azores
September has summer weather with August's crowds gone. Highs near 76F (24C) and a still-warm sea make it a strong month for swimming, diving, and hiking. Ferries still run, and prices ease a little. Most families have gone home, so rock pools, trails, and restaurants feel relaxed again.
This month suits couples, hikers, and families traveling outside school terms. It is one of the best months for a balanced trip. If you want whale watching, spring is better, but September still offers sperm whale sightings, since they are seen year-round, weather permitting. Book rooms a few weeks ahead.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Azores this month.
Warm sea, fewer people
Swimming in rock pools and diving are great with fewer visitors.
Hiking weather
Trails are dry and views are often clear.
Pico's vineyards
The UNESCO lava-stone vineyards are lovely around harvest time.
What to pack for September
- Swimsuits
- Hiking shoes
- A light rain jacket
- Sunscreen
Our timing tip
Plan island hopping for early September, before summer ferries start to wind down.
Book Azores for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in AzoresOpens a hotel search for Azores in September, 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 September. 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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Azores?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Azores. Summer weather with August's crowds gone. A strong month for swimming, diving, and hiking.
What is the weather like in Azores in September?
Warm, highs near 76F (24C), sea still warm.
Is Azores crowded in September?
Crowds in Azores are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Azores.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
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