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? Let’s see how is the weather in April in the Azores in this post.
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. Truth is, every month is amazing to visit the Azores, but April is just a great time to come to our Atlantic paradise.
Here we will help you organize your best holidays in the Azores in April. 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.
April in the Azores is particularly influenced by the Coastal Mediterranean climate.
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 70mm of precipitation over 10 days in the month. 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 up in April in the Azores. For instance, you will face temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) and 17°C (63°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 bit 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.
The record temperature for the month of April was in 1987 with 25°C in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island.
Water temperatures
The sea temperatures in April in the Azores are the same as the former months of January, February, and March, which is 17°C (63°F). Despite the fact that 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.
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The sea conditions in May are getting better for swimming, but also for all kinds of aquatic sports. Surfing is very popular, also 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 very important to all travelers, it means 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 31st, 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 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, huge creatures are passing by the archipelago.
Indeed, in April we have the biggest animals in the world swimming 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.
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, but also canyoning, or cycling for example.
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.
RELATED TOUR Kayak rental in Sete Cidades | Book Now!
Also, the temperatures are great for hot springs. In the summertime, 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 lose a day in your hotel waiting for the rain to go away.
Whale and dolphin watching in April
April is when something amazing happens on Pico island: Futurismo opens for the high season! Indeed, in addition to São Miguel island, you can also take whale and dolphin watching trips from Pico. Aboard our fast RIB boat, you are guaranteed to see a cetacean (whale or dolphin) or you can have another trip for free. Isn’t that great? Our friendly and professional staff will take great care of you from April to October for this incredible adventure in the Atlantic.
Also, April is when you can see the biggest whales in the world passing by during their yearly 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:
- Risso’s dolphins,
- Bottlenose dolphins,
- and Common dolphins.
RELATED TOUR Whale and dolphin watching in Pico island | Book Now!
Did you know that 28 different species of whales and dolphins were already sighted in the Azores? Other than cetaceans, we can also watch amazing animals like turtles, sharks, rays, or even sunfish!
Who never dreamed of swimming with dolphins? In the Azores, we do it differently! Dolphins are not locked inside a small swimming pool, they remain in their natural habitat and we are only their visitors. We do not feed them or detect them with sonar. So come onboard one of Futurismo’s boats for this prestigious experience in the deep ocean with only 8 participants at a time in order to respect the animals. You can hear them communicate, and see them clearly swimming underneath.
RELATED TOUR Swimming with wild dolphins in Ponta Delgada | Book Now!
Hiking in April in the Azores
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.
An example of a great hike for the ones who love mountains and lakes is definitely Serra Devassa in Sete Cidades, São Miguel island. 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 in order to enter inside 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.
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Last but not least, 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 April
Tremor Festival is an alternative music festival happening in April on São Miguel island and sometimes with events on other islands. The 4-day long festival features astonishing experiences such as live concerts in nature and out-of-the-ordinary shows.
Also in April in São Miguel is the religious Procissão dos enfermos in Furnas (Procession of the sick, literally translated). This protest of faith is one of the oldest in Furnas. There you can find the famous flower carpets in the streets. It is repeated every year so that Jesus can visit the sick ones and bring them comfort or cure. There is usually live music and a parade.
The pilgrims of São Miguel are on the road in March and April, passing by as many churches as they can around the island. Groups of catholic men sing and pray along their way for several days, so be careful on the roads.
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, the warmest.
You will probably experience a gentle breeze while in the Azores in April, but it is not the hurricane season. Usually, 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.
Don’t forget your swimming suit as well, may it be used at the hot springs or on the beach. Avoid white swimming suits for the hot springs as they can turn orange.
Best time to go to the Azores
In April, travellers are beginning to arrive in greater numbers. We can start to see more cruise ships stopping in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island. The tourist places will begin to fill even though April is still calmer than the summertime. The weather in the Azores in April is also good to travel.
Some people may consider that the most favorable time of the year to discover the Azorean archipelago is from April to October, from a weather perspective.
In fact, there is less chance of rain or strong wind. But keep in mind that the weather in the middle of the Atlantic is unpredictable. Whenever you decide to come to the Azores, our temperatures are always acceptable ranging from 15ºC to 25ºC (59-77ºF).
So, if you really wonder what is the best time to go to the Azores, our answer is from January to December. Indeed, every month is special in the Azorean paradise. If you are looking for relaxed holidays on the beach, then June to September is your best bet. But if you don’t want to see many travelers on the famous spots, then October to May is when you should come.
In this post we will describe what all the seasons look like in the Azores in order for you to choose your own best time to travel here.
Winter
If your wish is to enjoy the hot springs, then the wintertime is the best time to travel to the Azores. You can really appreciate the warmth of the water contrasting with the freshness of the air.
Also during the wintertime you are certain to have many popular spots all to yourself. Numerous travelers will be coming only from April.
The wintertime is also the best season if you travel on a budget as it is the low season. You can find accommodations and plane tickets cheaper than for other seasons. Tourist activities will also be more available for a last-minute trip.
Winter in the Azores is still warmer than in many other countries of the European continent. You won’t need a woolen scarf and gloves in order to be outside.
Spring
Whale lovers, springtime is the best time for you to watch the biggest whales on Earth! From March to June is baleen whale season and you can see the huge blue whales, fin whales and sei whales. This is your best opportunity to witness the greatness of these creatures. But keep in mind that the Azores are renowned for whale watching all year round.
During springtime, many festivities happen all around the nine islands. The biggest one is without any doubt Santo Cristo, a huge religious festival in May.
It is during spring that the weather is getting better each week that goes by. The air temperatures and the sea temperatures are getting higher. You will still find tourist spots with few people so you can enjoy the views.
Summer
Summertime is a great time to be in the Azores. The weather can be so lovely with a bright sun and temperatures that allow you to be in a t-shirt all day long.
It is also known as the hortensia season, when the sides of the roads fill with blue, white, yellow or also purple. In July and August, the hortensias create picturesque sceneries to capture in photos.
Summer is the only season when you can visit Vila Franca do Campo islet in São Miguel. The nature reserve is only open for some months and travelers can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the collapsed volcano in the ocean.
Nightlife in the summertime in the Azores is more active and there are many local events. São Miguel and Terceira are the most lively islands of the archipelago. Many music festivals and parties will happen during the summer months, with tourists and locals celebrating all together.
Summer is the best time to enjoy the natural pools around the islands. Pico is the best island to enjoy some of the most beautiful volcanic natural pools. Did you know that the only white sand beaches are found in Santa Maria island? All other beaches have black sand.
The only downside of summertime in the Azores is the increasing number of travelers. July and August in particular are the busiest months of the year in the Azores. The months of June and September are usually a bit calmer.
Fall
Fall is a beautiful season in the Azores when trees turn orange and brown. The landscape shifts quite a lot from a season to the other. The temperatures are still good and you can even go to the ocean as the sea temperatures are higher.
Although you can experience stronger wind and heavier rain, fall is a good time to visit the Azores and enjoy the famous hot springs with few people.
On sunny days, you can go explore the hundreds of trails around the islands or even go whale watching. Don’t let the weather guide your day and enjoy our beautiful nature.
Useful Tools & Apps
In the Azores we have a very practical site where you can see the live weather in many spots around the islands. It is called SpotAzores and it will be your best ally for amazing holidays in the Azores. This way, you can plan your day and go along with the weather. Thanks to the cameras set around, check if the views are worth the car trip.
Also, the most accurate weather forecast is Windguru, where you can see the weather previsions for 10 days. But keep in mind that the weather in the Azores can change very quickly.
Conclusion
The weather in the Azores in April is good for traveling. Our archipelago is a great destination every month of the year and you shouldn’t hesitate to pack your bags and jump on a plane to our little paradise.
There are so many things to do in April and all year round. You can truly have unforgettable holidays in the Azores, and maybe even feel the need to come back and visit all nine islands as each one is unique.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
References
Where and When – Azores in April: average weather, temperature and climate, where to go?
Holiday Weather – Ponta Delgada weather April averages, Azores
Hikers Bay – Azores weather Weather in Azores, Portugal in April 2022
Weather and Climate – Average weather in April in Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
The Best Time to Visit – Azores, weather in April: Climate and travel budget
