Is coming to the Azores in May a good idea? How is the weather in the Azores in May, and what is there to do? What is the best time to come to the Azores? In this post, we will see if May is really a good time to come to our Atlantic islands. So, if you are planning your holidays in our archipelago, keep reading!
May is in the middle of Springtime, which means the gray winter days have passed, and flowers are beginning to bloom in the nine islands. We have started to receive more travelers, and the days keep getting longer for more outdoor adventures.
Even though the Azores are a great destination all year round, let’s talk about the islands and the weather in May. Let’s help you organize your best holidays with this complete guide to the Azores islands in May.
How is the Weather in the Azores in May
The weather in the Azores in May is relatively good across all islands. As the year goes by, the weather starts to get brighter. Indeed, in May, it is expected to have about 8 hours of daily sunshine. May is one of the sunniest months in the Azores. Only July and August have more daily hours of sunshine, so the weather in the Azores in May allows plenty of fine days to be had on the islands.
We can expect about 56 mm of precipitation over 8 days in the whole month. So, the rain is quite moderate and only appears in temporary showers. Rain is rarer than in the previous months. Even though there are more dry days than wet ones in May, the Azores always have rainy days due to our location in the middle of the huge Atlantic Ocean. Humidity in May is about 76%, but keep in mind that the archipelago is very humid all year round.
The cloud cover will also get lighter in May. In fact, the median cloud cover is about 47%, with only a 13% chance of having a cloudy day during the month. The wind also decreases with gentle breezes from time to time. The speed of the wind usually varies from 15 km/h to 16 km/h.
Air Temperatures
Warm days are coming in May in the Azores! Summer is almost here, and the days are getting more comfortable; there is no need for a big coat. May is a very nice time in the Azores. The mild climate does not make it too warm or cold either.
Temperatures can range from a minimum of 13 °C (55.4 °F) — mostly at night — to a maximum of 19 °C (66.2 °F). The average daily temperature is 16 °C (60.8 °F). The fourth week of May is typically the hottest of the month. The warmest day ever recorded in May was in 1990 at 23 °C (73.4 °F)
Water Temperatures
In May, the water temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean finally start to increase. As it was blocked to 17 °C (62.6 °F) for the last four months, now it is 18 °C (64.4 °F). However, in June, the temperatures will rise to 20 °C (68 °F), which means that in late May, the sea will already be warmer than 18 °C.
All year round, people take a dip in the countless natural pools and black sand beaches around the nine islands. But May is definitely a good time with ideal temperatures to go swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling, diving, or really any water sport.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
The days in May are getting longer. Indeed, the length of the day is increasing throughout the month by 51 minutes. The average daylight hours in May are 14. The shortest day of May in the Azores is the first day of the month, with 13 hours and 43 minutes of daylight.
On that day, the sun will rise at 6:49 AM and set at 8:32 PM. On the other hand, the longest day — May 31st — offers 14 hours and 24 minutes of daylight. The sunrise is at 6:24 AM, and the sunset is at 8:58 PM. The number of sun hours is important for travelers as it means more time to experience outdoor adventures and tour around the islands. But there are still many things to do at night in the Azores!
If you want to watch the sunrise, be ready to wake up early! But the views are so worth it. In São Miguel, you need to go to Nordeste for the most epic sunrise. Many locals and travelers go there to watch the beautiful colors of the sun rising above the ocean. Sunset lovers will love Mosteiros, also in São Miguel. Take some food and enjoy a good meal in the free barbecue areas along the coast as the sun is saying goodbye.
If you love a challenge, then both sunrise and sunset are wonderful from the top of Pico Mountain, on the island of the same name. This is the highest peak in Portugal — at 2,351m above sea level — and you can camp in the crater for a stunning night under the stars.
→ Related article: Pico Mountain
Nature in the Azores in May
When thinking of the Azores, some people might think of the famous hydrangeas filling the streets with their beautiful deep blue color. In May, you can already start to see some of them, although not fully bloomed. The winter rain brings many flowers and the well-known green scenery of the island. Now that spring has begun, the fields are beginning to look like live paintings.
In the ocean, there is rich wildlife passing by in May. Indeed, it is still the baleen whale season!
From March to June, the biggest whales in the world migrate, and on their way lies our beautiful archipelago, which is full of delicious food for them. So you can see the biggest animal in the world — the Blue whales — and its cousins, Fin whales, and Sei whales. As the waters are getting warmer, we also begin to see seasonal species like spotted dolphins and striped dolphins.
→ Related articles: Blue whales | Fin whales | Sei whales
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 May
May in the Azores offers plenty of beautiful sunny days to explore the islands. You can visit on foot and discover lots of hiking trails leading to surreal landscapes. Or rent a bike and discover on your own the magical sceneries of the Azores.
For those who prefer a comfortable, guided adventure, visiting by van or jeep is also possible. Enjoy longer days doing some island hopping and visiting more than one island — all nine of them are beautiful in their way.
On the coast, you can relax at the beach and work on your tan. If you can’t stay still on the sand, then take your mask and snorkel and go snorkeling in the natural pools surrounded by lava rocks. On rainy days, enjoy the different hot springs.
More adrenaline? There are plenty of extreme sports to experience in the Azores. For instance, paragliding from some of the most beautiful places on São Miguel island, like Lagoa do Fogo. Or surfing the challenging waves of Santa Barbara beach. Moreover, jumping from cliffs and rappelling down charming waterfalls with coasteering and canyoning. You choose your adventure!
→ Related articles: Santa Barbara beach | Lagoa do Fogo
Whale and Dolphin Watching in May
Whale and dolphin watching in the Azores in May is a great idea! You can observe the gentle giants with Futurismo from 2 islands: São Miguel and Pico. Indeed, our biologists start the season in April on the mountain island with a robust speed boat. On São Miguel, you also have the catamaran option for a comfortable trip.
From March to June in the Azores, it is possible to see the biggest animals in the world passing by during their annual migration. It is a great time to go see cetaceans. Did you know that the blue whale can reach up to 33 meters?
Even if you are coming to the Azores outside this season, you can spot whales all year round as we have our iconic Sperm whale. In addition to this species, we have 3 dolphin species to be seen every month of the year: Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins.
→ Related articles: Sperm whale | Common dolphins | Bottlenose dolphins | Risso’s dolphins
Hiking in the Azores in May
In May, you will have plenty of opportunities to go for a hike, thanks to sunny days. It is the perfect time to go hiking as it is not too hot and not cold either. You can go on your own or decide to go on a guided tour with our knowledgeable and friendly guides. Locals can show you secret spots and also take you to the most wonderful landscapes around. Hiking is a way to see some of the most beautiful hidden gems of the nine islands. Many waterfalls, lakes, and mountains are only accessible by foot.
At the end of the trails, you can always relax your muscles at the hot springs on São Miguel or at the beach and natural pools all around the other islands. If you want a bigger challenge, climb the highest points of the island you are visiting. For instance, many trails pass by Pico da Esperança in São Jorge island and Pico da Vara in São Miguel.
→ Related articles: São Jorge island
Local Events in the Azores in May
Azoreans are really attached to their traditions and culture. Two main events in May truly show this.
Dia dos Maios
On the first day of May, International Workers’ Day, there is an ancient tradition that persisted through the years in the Azores. It is called ‘Dia dos Maios’. A Maio is a handcrafted doll representing people in everyday life. Locals use old materials like rags, and they come out very different according to their creativity and imagination.
During the national holiday, kids and their families build dolls that represent local activities and professions like fishermen, farmers, pilgrims, and much more. Through the dolls, people can also decide to project criticism with humor, representing members of society. There are even contests in the different parishes to determine which doll is the best one.
It is believed that the first settlers came with this idea to bring luck to the harvests. Once the dolls are ready, they are exposed in the streets or on balconies. The tradition is mostly present in São Miguel, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Terceira, and Graciosa islands.
Santo Cristo dos Milagres
May is also the time for the biggest religious festival in the Azores and the second biggest in Portugal: the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres festivities.
→ Related article: Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres
Every year, Ponta Delgada turns into a very crowded city as thousands of Azorean emigrants from all around the world, including the US and Canada, come back to their island to celebrate with family and friends. Moreover, many Azoreans from the other 8 islands will come at that time of the year, especially for this event.
The Santo Cristo festival is on the fifth Sunday after Easter. It is a great time to visit the Azores and mingle with locals. There is live music, food trucks to taste the Azorean gastronomy, and even a fair. The streets are decorated and illuminated, and the scenery is great for memorable pictures.
This celebration is all about a wooden relic found in the 17th century. It is believed that it performs miracles. And to thank the Lord, people come for a big procession around the city and also prove their faith by walking on their knees around São Francisco Square in Ponta Delgada. Even for non-religious people, the days of Santo Cristo are fun to be around.
Quick Info
If you really want to follow the Santo Cristo festival but can’t make it to the Azores, it is possible to watch the event with the live transmission on RTP. The government of the Azores website also provides it streamed online to see the procession from home.
What to Wear in the Azores in May
In May, thanks to the mild climate, you can wear T-shirts and shorts. However, as the weather in the Azores is very unstable, we always recommend packing a pair of jeans and a waterproof jacket. At night, temperatures are lower, so bring a light sweater as well.
The best thing you can do regarding clothing in the Azores is to wear layers. So that, when you are outside, you can take off layers and put them back when needed.
We always say that the archipelago sees the 4 seasons in only one day. And we can confirm that it is 100% true. You can enjoy a nice sunny day and suddenly get wet from the rain. Then the wind will dry you up, and the sun can shine again, all within a time-lapse of 1 hour. Moreover, from the coast to the countryside, the weather can be unique.
Last but not least, bring your swimsuit for the beach and natural pools, as well as the hot springs. We recommend all colors but white, as the iron in the springs can turn the fabric 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
So, as you can understand from this article, May is a great time to go to the Azores and offers many advantages. In terms of weather and visitors, May is a good month globally. The weather in May in the Azores is great as the temperatures are rising, and the sun is shining brighter. The winter months seem far away with their greyness and rainy days.
Now that you know that you are good to go to the Azores in May, you need to pick which island you want to visit!
