Visiting the Azores in February? This article will provide all the information you need in order to have the best holidays ever! The Azores are amazing all year round, and February is no exception. The wintertime is not quite like in the European continent, temperatures are still nice to enjoy many outdoor adventures. The weather in the Azores in February can have many advantages that 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 really cold in the winter but the weather is constantly changing. Here, we say that we have the 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 February in the Azores
In February, there is less rain on average compared to January. It is estimated that there is about 110mm (4.3 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. Also, hail is very rare and when it happens it is in altitude.
The average humidity in the Azores for the month of February is 81%. It is quite high but keep in mind that humidity is very common here. The wind is also normal as well as fog, mostly in altitude. The median cloud cover is 42% for February. As for wind, the speed can vary from 20km/h to 26km/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 with oceanic influence, temperatures are reasonable all year long.
The average high for February is 16°C (61°F) and the average low 10°C (50°F), mostly at night. It is warmer during the day with an average of 13°C (55°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 (63°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 are gradually getting 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. Otherwise, climbing Pico Mountain in Pico island and watching the sunrise through the clouds is an amazing experience.
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 that is the wettest month of the year. This rain is the reason why our islands are so green. Also 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.
For really bad 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 Ceramica Vieira in Lagoa in order to see the creation process of ceramic, or the Volcanological observatory to know everything about the volcanic origins of the islands. Also, the tea and pineapple plantations are a must-see.
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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 the Azores in February
In the Azores, we already registered 28 different whale and dolphin species, commonly known as cetaceans. Four of them are residents in our archipelago, which means you can see them all year round. Those are:
– the huge Sperm whales,
– the majestic Risso’s dolphins,
– the beautiful Bottlenose dolphins,
– and the jumpy Common dolphins.
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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 of their ‘season’. And let’s not forget other animals that are not cetaceans like turtles, seabirds, fishes, rays, and sharks.
In February, the weather and sea conditions can be a bit capricious and tours can get canceled due to strong wind, high waves or rain. But if your tour gets canceled we will rebook your experience without any charge. Also, at Futurismo we have the guarantee that if you don’t see any cetacean during your whale and dolphin watching trip with us, you will get the chance to go on another trip for free!
At this time of the month, like any month of the year, it is still possible to swim with wild and free dolphins! Futurismo can take you on this wonderful experience in the middle of the Atlantic. Forget about swimming with captive dolphins who are forced to perform for food. We provide the snorkeling material and all you have to worry about is enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Underwater, you can even hear them communicate. This is a great way to get a closer look at those curious animals.
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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 summertime, it can be very warm and suffocating to go to the hot springs so enjoy the winter season to do so!
Hot springs are mostly located in São Miguel island with 5 hot springs:
Terra Nostra Park with its famous big yellow pool. The hot springs are located inside a beautiful botanical garden.
Caldeira Velha in the mountain of Lagoa do Fogo offers an amazing 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.
Last but not least, Poça da Dona Beija in Furnas is great to go at night for a good night of 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.
In Graciosa island, the hot springs of Termas do Carapacho by the ocean are wonderful. It is the best place on the island to just relax and enjoy the power of nature in those thermal waters.
Local events in the Azores in February
In February, several events are happening. First of all, and only in the Azores, we have the Boy friends day and the Girl friends day. On the Boy friends day, groups of only boys will gather at restaurants, bars and clubs to celebrate between guys. And for the Girl Friends day, it is the contrary. Girls are taking over the city and go eat, drink and dance too 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.
Also, on Valentine’s day lovers celebrate their relationship just like 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 to go 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 several 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.
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Leggings and light pants are great during the day, especially if you plan on walking. As for when the night falls, a pair of jeans and a long sleeve 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 in altitude and on the coast with more wind than inland. But don’t forget 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.
Last but not least, don’t forget your camera!
Best time to go to the Azores
There is no best time to come to the Azores. Each season is special and offers many advantages.
For example, if you want to spend your days on the beach, then summer is the best season to visit the Azores. If your dream is to see the biggest whales in the world such as the blue whale, then your best chance is to come during the springtime. But if you want to enjoy the hot springs fully, then the wintertime is just perfect to relax in hot waters. To avoid the crowd but still have a nice temperature, fall is a good time to come to the Azores.
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There are no big temperature differences during the year (the average monthly temperatures only vary 8.1ºC/14.6ºF). The average temperature all year round is 17ºC (63ºF).
So, let’s see each season in detail so that you can choose your best season to come to the Azores.
Winter
The biggest advantage of visiting the Azores during the wintertime is that you will avoid the crowds. It is the least busy time of the year and you can often have amazing spots just for yourself.
Prices for accommodations off-season are lower and you can easily find good deals. February is the third-fewest overnight stays so it is pretty empty. The hotel and local accommodation rates can be even lower than in January. This cheaper season is perfect for those traveling on a budget and you can get great deals on accommodation.
It is not necessary to book in advance but it is still recommended for activities and restaurants, mostly on Valentine’s Day or Carnival. Winter is the time for Carnival, a happy time of the year with dancing, singing, and celebrating all dressed up in the streets.
Other months might be warmer and sunnier but January is a great time for tight budgets but also for last-minute getaways. Plus, the perfect time to relax in hot springs is definitely the wintertime.
Spring
Springtime gives the islands mild and pleasant weather. Flowers start to blossom and the roadsides are colorful. The biggest religious festival in the Azores – Santo Cristo – takes place at the end of May. This is a time when Azoreans from all islands, as well as many travelers from around the globe, come together in São Miguel and celebrate.
Also, Spring is the best time to see the biggest whales in the world. Indeed, the blue whales and other baleen whales pass by our archipelago during their annual migration. If you want to see them, you will get more chances from March to June, although we see whales all year round.
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June can already be very warm in terms of temperatures and beaches are getting more people. Hortensias start to bloom, turning all landscapes blue.
Summer
The sunniest and warmest time of the year is from June to September. Visiting the Azores in the summer equals highest chances of good weather. But, there are more travelers on the islands. Popular spots can get a bit crowded so if you wish to visit the famous landscapes of the Azores during summertime, just know that you will probably not be alone there. July and August are the busiest months.
June and September are not so crowded like July and August, and those months are still nice in terms of temperatures to enjoy outdoor adventures.
Also, due to high humidity in our islands, it can feel hotter. August is the warmest month (22ºC/72ºF). However, temperatures are still lower than in most countries on the European continent. So you can enjoy being outdoors and active while not dying of heat.
However, the heat can make it hard to enjoy the hot springs. But the beach is the place to be on hot days. Water temperatures are about 22ºC (72ºF) in July and 23ºC (73ºF) in August and September. It is the perfect temperature to swim in the Atlantic heated by the Gulf Stream.
The great advantages to visiting the Azores in the summertime are that days are longer.
Also, there are about 9 hours of sunshine and it is more logistically practical. For example, there are more boat connections between the central islands, and also more flights from more international airports.
In the summertime there are more music and cultural festivals like the popular Sanjoaninas in Terceira island, Maré de Agosto in Santa Maria, Monte Verde in São Miguel, and many others. Nightlife can also be more active during this time of the year.
Fall
Fall is when we have more hurricanes in the Azores. They often occur at the end of September and throughout October. The last big storm was hurricane Lorenzo at the beginning of October 2019.
During this time of the year, the weather is the most unstable, you really get the four seasons in one day. But temperatures are still nice to be outdoors. It is not so crowded like summertime but there are still many travelers compared to the wintertime.
Useful Tools & Apps
SpotAzores is a great website where you can see the live weather thanks to cameras that are located around the islands. It allows you to decide where to go in order to enjoy good weather and great views. It is especially useful for viewpoints and spots in altitude like Vista do Rei.
Windguru is a weather forecast website that works quite well to see the wind, clouds and waves forecast, as well as rain. It can be very accurate, but remember that the weather changes really quickly here.
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, weather changes quickly here, and it would be a pity to not 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!
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
Travel Honey – Guide to Azores Weather in February: Everything You Need to Know!
Holiday Weather – Ponta Delgada Weather February Averages, Azores
Trails Unblazed – Visiting The Azores in February
Hikers Bay – Azores weather Weather in Azores, Portugal in February 2021.
The best time to visit – Azores, weather in February: Climate and travel budget
