The Azores in January: Cool Weather, Hikes and More

The volcanic-rich Azores is a paradise of natural splendor and homage to mother nature — and June is a prime time to travel its nine Atlantic islands! Kicking off the summer season, the sun is out (most days), the nights are balmy and the waters warm. June means serious exploring business; adventuring the archipelago’s calderas and crater lakes, fumaroles and natural springs, caves, cascades, fauna and flora, all in comfortable weather. Ocean activities are a top priority, from swimming with dolphins in Faial to learning to surf in Santa Maria.

March beckons springtime in the Azores. Following the rain and chilly months of January and February, the archipelago turns lush, flowers bloom, and temperatures creep up to a pleasant 18°C (64°F) on average. Traverse the hiking trails around the islands throughout the day, go on rewarding whale-watching tours, and still enjoy hot springs in the cool evenings. A trip to the Azores in March also means tourists are yet to throng the islands so you can still enjoy discounted rates and fewer crowds.

February is the perfect time to flee the winter and find refuge in the wilderness of the Azores. Despite being the coldest month of the year, the temperatures are still comfortable for hiking and experiencing all your favorite outdoor activities. Rains are less frequent than in January, giving you the chance to enjoy the green landscapes and the first flowers after the winter rains. The Azores in February is also ideal for going to the thermal baths in São Miguel, visiting the whaling museum in Pico or sipping Gorreana tea after a walk through the iconic tea plantation.

The last spring month in the Azores, May is also one of the sunniest, second only to June and July. Days are longer, and people start to flock to the many beaches of the archipelago. As the summer season approaches, more events pop up throughout all the islands, including the largest celebration in the Azores: Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. Most tours and outdoor activities are also fully operational during May, making it a great time for all outdoor enthusiasts to travel to the Azores.

Pristine beaches? Check. Stunning landscapes? Check. Adventure activities? Check. The Azores have everything going for it to qualify as an island paradise. So when is the best time to visit the Azores you ask? For our money, we recommend visiting the Azores in August, when the islands enjoy the warmest temperatures of the year and see the least amount of rain. From snorkeling and sunset cruises to dolphin watching excursions and island-hopping, enjoy everything the Hawaii of the Atlantic has to offer.

January might be the coldest month of the year in Portugal, but there is also a catch. Compared with the abysmal weather of northern European countries, Portugal in January is still a sunny respite. Of course, the Mediterranean’s wet winter phenomenon affects both the mainland and the islands. But if you dig deeper, you will find a few dry stretches. So, hug the sun-sprinkled southern shores of the Algarve or visit Sintra's Pena Palace minus all the maddening crowd. Catch some mammoth swells in Sagres atop your surfing board or ski down the slopes of Serra de Estrela. Make the best of the low season and create a memorable Portugal holiday experience on a soul-satisfying budget.

Smack right in the middle of summer, July in the Azores sees warm temperatures well into the 20s (in Celsius), perfect time to experience all the great outdoor activities that the Azores have to offer—from hiking and diving to relaxing on the beach. It is no wonder that July is the most popular time to visit the archipelago; ferries and flights between the nine islands run regularly, businesses on all islands are open, and the entire Azores is open for exploration.

April marks the beginning of spring in the Azores, meaning warmer temperatures, less cloudy days, and wonderful lush sceneries. The winter rains of January and February leave the pastures green and colored in the first flowers of the season. Blue hydrangeas flock the fences in Flores, while the lakes of Sete Cidades see more clear and sunny days. Temperatures are mild and crowds are still sporadic, making it one of the best periods for outdoor activities and sightseeing around the archipelago.

April is when colors compete everywhere as the blooming season begins in Portugal; the countryside bursts with greenery and wildflowers dot the landscape. Cities like Porto dazzle with their multicolored buildings under the spring sun during this time of year. If you overlook the scattered remnants of winter rains, a trip to Portugal in April is bound to be a worthwhile experience, not just because of its warmer climate but also because of the chance to partake in Holy Week festivities.

There is a hint of spring in the air, though the vestiges of winter have still not quite lifted. This is how Portugal feels in March. Embrace the mild weather, with a few rainy days here and there, and relish the freedom of exploring renowned attractions without the bustling crowds. From Porto's riverside charm to Sintra’s natural beauty to the Algarve’s sunny beaches, a trip to Portugal in March promises a perfect balance of tranquility, cultural immersion, and natural splendor.

Gifted with a Mediterranean climate (despite not bordering the Mediterranean Sea) and 300 days of sunshine per year, Portugal pleases even the pickiest traveler. Come December, the country rustles up a festive fare of insane experiences. From Christmas market-hopping in Rossio Square in Lisbon to catching tall waves in Ericeira, from skiing down the slopes of Serra da Estrella to exploring a rustic village in Algarve, visitors looking to round off their year on a high note will find plenty to do in Portugal in December. Although the wet winter season has kicked in by this month, the weather is moderate with pleasant days and chilly nights, especially in the southern part of the country like Lisbon and Algarve. With December being a low season, expect fewer crowds and fewer prices during your trip to Portugal.

Portugal in February is like a temperamental lover. Sometimes it is sunny, warm, and inviting, while it is gray, cold, and foreboding at other times. However, regardless of weather conditions, you will be rewarded for your trip if you have patience and a plan. Whether you want to dance to the beats of a traditional carnival in Torres Vedras, wander in the 500-year-old cobblestone alleys of Lisbon without bumping into another tourist, or create your gastronomic trail with hearty Portuguese delicacies, a trip to Portugal in February offers a string of exciting adventures. For an unhurried traveler who likes to be one with the local vibe of a destination, there is nothing better than romancing in Portugal during the month of love.