Is April a good time to visit the Azores? Is it raining a lot in our archipelago in the first full month of spring? What is there to do at this time of the month in each of the nine islands? In this post, let’s see how the weather is in April in the Azores.
Spring has definitely arrived in April in the Azores. Flowers begin to bloom brighter, days start to get longer, and the sun shines a bit stronger. The truth is, every month is spectacular for visiting the Azores, but April is just a great time to come to our Atlantic paradise.
Here, we will help you organize your best holiday in April in the Azores. There are endless possibilities of outdoor activities to experience around the islands. So keep reading and pack your bags!
How is the Weather in the Azores in April
The archipelago of the Azores, due to its geographic position, benefits from climatic conditions emphasized by the mildness of the atmosphere. Basically, the nine islands have a temperate climate with oceanic influence.
The Coastal Mediterranean climate particularly influences April in the Azores. There is still some rain — more than during summer — and a cloud cover of about 48% over the month.
About the rain, in April, we expect about 70 mm of precipitation over 10 days. Rain is quite moderate in April, with temporary showers. Keep in mind that it is because of this rain that our islands are so green. In April, you can still enjoy an average of 7 daily sunshine hours per day.
The humidity in the Azores in April is still high at about 82%, as our islands are so humid all year round. However, it will feel dryer than the preceding winter months of January, February, and March.
Air Temperatures
Springtime means warmer days. The average high temperatures start to climb in April in the Azores. For instance, you will face temperatures ranging from 11 °C (51.8 °F) to 17 °C (62.6 °F) with exceptional possible peaks down to 8 °C and up to 21 °C. So the heat remains quite cool, but some days are warmer. At night, it can get a little colder. That is mostly when you will see 11 °C. It is a comfortable temperature to sleep at night and not be sweating in bed.
Did you know
The record temperature for April was in 1987 at 25 °C in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island.
Water Temperatures
The sea temperatures in April in the Azores are the same as in the former months of January, February, and March, which are 17 °C (62.6 °F). Even though this is the coldest temperature that the water can get in the archipelago, you can still see people swimming every day in the natural pools and beaches. Sea temperatures only increase in May.
The sea conditions in May are getting better for swimming, but also for all kinds of aquatic sports. Surfing is very popular, as well as diving, windsurfing, and so many more!
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In April, the length of the day is about 13 hours and 12 minutes. Daylight hours are important to all travelers. They determine how much time they have to visit sights in a day. Although there are many things to do at night, it is during the day that you can have most of the outdoor adventures and the most beautiful views.
So, during this month, the sun will rise at 7:30 am and set at 8:05 pm on April 1st, the shortest day of the month with 12 hours and 34 minutes of daylight. On the other hand, on April 30th, the longest day of the month, the sun will rise at 6:50 am and set at 8:31 pm for a total of 13 hours and 41 minutes of daylight. The length of the day is increasing slowly by 67 minutes.
There are many spots around the islands to see sunrises and sunsets. On São Miguel island, for the sunrise, you need to go to Ponta da Madrugada in Nordeste, although nothing can beat the sunrise from the top of Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal. Sunsets are in Fajã Grande, Flores Island, where the westernmost point of Europe is located, and for São Miguel, in Mosteiros.
Nature in the Azores in April
Springtime means many colors around the beautiful nature of the Azores islands. Flowers are blooming fast and filling the landscapes like rainbows. Thanks to the winter rain, the grass is painted in a bright shade of green like you have never seen before. You will most probably come across some rainbows.
Below the surface of the ocean, considerable creatures are passing by the archipelago. Indeed, in April, the biggest animals in the world swim across the islands during their annual migration. You can see blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales, the big three! Whale watching is possible all year round, but if you want to see baleen whales, then this is a good time to come to our Atlantic paradise.
Would you like to know the best times for whale watching?
Take a look at our whale watching calendar and plan your next adventure! Don’t miss the chance to spot these majestic creatures in Azorean waters. 🐋 🌊
What to Do in the Azores in April
Thanks to the days getting longer and the sun shining brighter, there are many things to do in the Azores in April. This is a good month to enjoy outdoor activities such as whale watching and hiking, as well as canyoning or cycling.
In April, our activity center in Sete Cidades volcanic complex, São Miguel island, opens every day. There is a great range of activities to do there, and our friendly guides are of great advice. You can rent a kayak, a stand-up paddleboard, or a bike to explore the volcanic crater on your own, or you can go with a guide to better know this wonderful area of the island, which is one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders.
Moreover, the temperatures are great for hot springs. In the summer, it can get too warm to fully enjoy the relaxing sensation of the thermal waters. But April is nice to go to the 5 of them on São Miguel island as the air is not too warm. The best time to go is when it is raining so that you don’t spend a day in your hotel waiting for the rain to go away.
Whale and Dolphin Watching in April
April is when you can see the biggest whales in the world passing by during their annual migration from March to June. So be ready to have your breath taken away by those creatures reaching up to 33 meters long.
It is possible to see whales all year round in the Azores because we have our iconic Sperm whales. In addition to this gentle-toothed whale, we have three resident species of dolphins that you can see during the entire year: Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins.
Did you know that 28 different species of whales and dolphins have already been sighted in the Azores? In addition to cetaceans, we can also see wonderful animals like turtles, sharks, rays, and even sunfish!
Hiking in the Azores in April
There are so many trails to explore in the nine islands of the Azorean archipelago. From coastal paths to volcano climbing, hikes leading to a waterfall, to circling a pristine lake, everyone will find just what they are looking for.
A great hike for those who love mountains and lakes is Serra Devassa in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island. Here, you will discover one of the most beautiful areas of the island and its hidden gems.
In Faial Island, the hikes inside or around Caldeira are simply breathtaking. Note that to enter Caldeira, you will need a guide, and Futurismo offers this kind of experience. Discover this collapsed volcano with a lush green landscape like no one else.
Finally, climbing Pico Mountain is such a great challenge you can set for yourself. The summit at 2,351m above sea level offers incredible views over the islands of the central group. You can even spend the night camping inside the crater. What a beautiful opportunity to observe the night sky.
Local Events in the Azores in April
In April, São Miguel Island hosts the alternative Tremor Festival, a four-day music event with live concerts in nature and unique performances. The festival sometimes expands to other islands, offering an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
Another key event is the Procissão dos Enfermos (Procession of the Sick) in Furnas, one of the oldest religious celebrations in the region. This procession is held to bring comfort or healing to the sick. The streets are beautifully decorated with flower carpets, and the event features live music and a parade, making it a must-see for those interested in local traditions.
In March and April, the island also witnesses the pilgrimages of São Miguel, where groups of Catholic men walk from church to church, singing and praying along the way. Be aware of their path as they traverse the island during this spiritual journey.
What to Wear in the Azores in April
In April, the Azores benefit from mild temperatures, so a light sweater is a good idea to bring for your holidays on the islands. At night, don’t forget to pack an extra sweater or a warmer jacket. Remember that the first week of April will most likely be the coldest one, and the last week will be the warmest.
You will probably experience a gentle breeze while in the Azores in April, but it is not the hurricane season. Typically, you would have more wind in October and November, for instance.
Something very useful to pack for traveling to the Azores is definitely a waterproof rain jacket, as well as waterproof hiking boots if you wish to walk our beautiful trails. But the best advice we can give you is to layer your clothes. So, bring T-shirts as well as light sweaters and finally a jacket on top. Pants are preferable over shorts in April, but you might still be able to use shorts.
Bring your swimming suit as well. It can be used at the hot springs or on the beach. Avoid white swimming suits for the hot springs as they can turn orange.
Complementary Information
How to Get to the Azores
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores Airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
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Conclusion
April sees an increase in travelers arriving in the Azores, with more cruise ships docking in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. While the tourist spots begin to fill up, the month remains calmer than summer. The weather in April is ideal for travel, with less chance of rain and strong winds, making it one of the best times to explore the Azores.
Temperatures range from 15 °C to 25 °C, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Keep in mind, though, that the weather in the middle of the Atlantic can be unpredictable. Regardless of when you visit, the Azores offer year-round enjoyment.
Whether you visit in April or at any other time of the year, the Azores offer a multitude of activities and experiences for everyone. With stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the unique culture of its nine islands, the Azores are an unforgettable destination. One visit may not be enough to explore all the wonders that each island has to offer!
