Visiting the Azores in February? This article will provide all the information you need to have the best holidays ever! The Azores are wonderful all year round, and February is no exception. The wintertime is not quite like in the European continent, and temperatures are still nice to enjoy many outdoor adventures. The weather in the Azores in February can have many advantages, which we will see in this post.
The best time to come to the Azores is every month of the year! The Azores have a temperate climate, but it can be unpredictable. Indeed, it’s not freezing in the winter, but the weather is constantly changing. Here, we say that we have four seasons in one day. It can be rainy, hot, windy, and sunny on the same day.
Are you wondering what to do? Or what to wear according to the weather in the Azores in February? Don’t worry; everything you need to know is right here. Keep reading to see February’s events and many essential travel tips.
How is the Weather in the Azores in February
In February, there is less rain on average compared to January. It is estimated that there is about 110 mm (4.33 inches) of rain during the month, distributed in 17 days of precipitation. Plus, when it rains in the Azores, it usually doesn’t last all day long. It is estimated that in February, we get 6 hours of sunshine per day on average. The weather in February in the Azores is dryer than in many parts of the world during this month.
Here on our island, it never snows, except for the summit of Pico Mountain. Moreover, hail is very rare and when it happens it is at altitude.
The average humidity in the Azores for February is 81%. It is quite high, but keep in mind that humidity is very common here. The wind is also normal, and there is fog, mostly at altitude. The median cloud cover is 42% for February. As for wind, the speed can vary from 20 km/h to 26 km/h, which is basically a moderate breeze. Note that February is not the hurricane season in the Azores, which is late fall.
Air Temperatures
February in the Azores is the coldest month of the year. However, it does not get as cold as other European regions on the mainland. Thanks to our temperate climate and oceanic influence, temperatures are reasonable all year long.
The average high for February is 16 °C (60.8 °F), and the average low is 10 °C (50 °F), mostly at night. It is warmer during the day, with an average of 13 °C (55.4 °F). This is the perfect temperature to truly enjoy the several hot springs around São Miguel and Graciosa islands.
Water Temperatures
The ocean temperatures are like in January, 17 °C (62.6 °F). They only get warmer in May. However, you can still go swimming all year round in the Azores. Many people go swimming in the natural pools every day. We recommend wearing a wetsuit, but you will definitely see locals in a bikini.
In the Azores, you can practice water sports and activities all year round. Surfers love our waves, and snorkelers enjoy the clear ocean on calm days.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In February, days gradually got longer by 60 minutes. The sun will rise at 7:48 am and set at 6:06 pm on February 1, the shortest day of the month with 10 hours and 17 minutes of daylight. On the last day of the month, the sun will rise at 7:18 am and set at 6:35 pm. On average, February provides 11 daylight hours.
The best spot to see the sunrise in São Miguel is Ponta da Madrugada in Nordeste. Climbing Pico Mountain on Pico Island and watching the sunrise through the clouds are also wonderful experiences.
For the sunset, in São Miguel island the best place is Mosteiros where you can have a barbecue with a great view of the ocean.
Nature in the Azores in February
The landscape in February in the Azores is mostly lush green thanks to the precedent month of January, which is the wettest month of the year. This rain is the reason our islands are so green. Moreover, in February, you can see many rainbows! They are great for photos.
The first flowers of spring will begin slowly to appear. Among them are azaleas, which peak in April. White Calla Lilies also start to show up, although they fully bloom in spring. Same for the red flowers of ginger stalks.
What to Do in the Azores in February
Although February is the coldest month of the year in the Azores, it doesn’t mean you should stay in your hotel all day long! Indeed, temperatures are completely acceptable to enjoy many outdoor adventures. Plus, there are microclimates all around the islands, so enjoy our hundreds of hikes! Even if it rains a bit, you can still go into forests for a good walk protected by the trees.
On awful days, you can still visit so many museums! In São Miguel, you have the complex of Carlos Machado in Ponta Delgada for art, culture, and religion. The interesting Cerâmica Vieira in Lagoa is to see the creation process of ceramics, or the Volcanological observatory, to learn everything about the islands’ volcanic origins. Furthermore, the pineapple and tea plantations are a must-see.
Another great alternative is visiting the volcanic caves such as Gruta do Carvão in São Miguel, Gruta das Torres in Pico, or Algar do Carvão in Terceira island.
Whale and Dolphin Watching in February
In the Azores, we have already registered 28 different whale and dolphin species, commonly known as cetaceans. Four of them are residents of our archipelago, which means you can see them all year round. These are Sperm whales, Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins.
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. 🐋 🌊
Besides the residents, it is also possible to observe migratory species. Although it is not the best season to see baleen whales, it can happen to spot them outside their season. And let’s not forget other animals that are not cetaceans, like turtles, seabirds, fishes, rays, and sharks.
Hot Springs Hunting
February is a great time to relax in the hot springs. Indeed, as temperatures are lower, swimming in hot waters is a great feeling, and it gets even better when it rains. In the summer, it can be warm and suffocating to go to the hot springs, so enjoy winter to do so!
Hot springs are mostly located in São Miguel island with 5 hot springs:
- Terra Nostra Park has a famous big yellow pool. The hot springs are located inside a beautiful botanical garden.
- Caldeira Velha in the mountains of Lagoa do Fogo offers a wonderful experience with its hot spring under a waterfall inside a lush jungle.
- Ponta da Ferraria is the most spectacular hot spring. But going there requires perfect weather and sea conditions as it is a hot spring inside the ocean. The best time to go is when the tide is low, and there are no or little waves.
- Poça da Dona Beija in Furnas is great to go at night for a good night’s sleep after the iron-rich bath.
- Caldeiras in Ribeira Grande is the most intimate one. It is less famous, and you can sometimes have the pool all to yourself. It is also open at night. There are 2 pools with different temperatures for everyone’s satisfaction.
On Graciosa island, the hot springs of Termas do Carapacho by the ocean are stunning. It is the best place on the island to relax and enjoy the power of nature in those thermal waters.
Local Events in the Azores in February
In February, several events are happening. Firstly, and only in the Azores, we have boyfriend’s day and girlfriend’s day. On the boyfriends’ day, groups of only boys will gather at restaurants, bars, and clubs to celebrate with guys. And for the girlfriends’ day, it is the contrary. Girls are taking over the city and going to eat, drink, and dance between girls. This is a preparation for the great Carnival coming!
Carnival can be in February or March, depending on the Easter date. There are celebrations on every single island, in every single parish. The biggest party takes place on São Miguel island and lasts for 4 nights between Friday and Ash Wednesday.
Moreover, on Valentine’s Day, lovers celebrate their relationship just like they do in every other country. Nightlife doesn’t stop in the Azores, mostly in Terceira island and in the city of Ponta Delgada. There are many bars and several clubs where you can have a drink and dance all night long, all year long.
What to Wear in the Azores in February
Here in the Azores, the weather changes really fast. So, the best thing to do is to take a bit of everything. An important tip for February in the Azores is to pack many layers of light clothes. The sun can make you feel warm, especially if you are walking, so it is essential to have other clothes underneath your jacket to adapt to the temperature difference.
The perfect combination is a T-shirt, a polar sweater, and a rain jacket. Leggings and light pants are great during the day, especially if you intend to walk. When the night falls, a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt combined with a light jacket is perfect.
For those who want to go to a Carnival party, depending on which kind, think about bringing a disguise or a tuxedo/formal dress.
Hikers will need a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes. Pants are better than shorts for visiting the Azores in February. It can get colder at altitudes and on the coasts, where there is more wind than inland. But keep in mind your bathing suit for the hot springs! A pro tip is to not pack a white swimsuit! This is because the water rich in iron can stain and turn it orange. Finally, remember to take your camera!
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
Video
Conclusion
To conclude this article about the weather in February in the Azores, as you can see, coming in the wintertime has its advantages. To sum up, the Azores in February have fewer travelers, cheaper hotel deals, and pleasant temperatures compared to other destinations in the European mainland.
If you want to enjoy your holidays in the Azores, the key is to not let the weather dictate your plans. Indeed, the weather changes quickly here, and it would be a pity not to explore despite a little rain. Our landscapes are still beautiful and full of hidden gems to discover.
We are waiting for you here in the Azores at any time of the year for amazing adventures with Futurismo!
