The Azores in July: Summer Weather, Beach and Water Sports

With daily highs across the islands at around 24°C (75°F), sea temperatures warming to 23°C (73°F), and just three days of rain, the weather in July is perfect for getting outside and exploring. The days are long with 14 hours of daylight and in the evenings the temperature rarely dips below 18°C (64°F), giving you ample time and sunshine to hit the hiking trails and relax on the pristine beaches.

Get a seasonal overview in our guide on when to visit the Azores.

July is the peak tourist season in the Azores which means rates for everything soars, yet it is peak season for a reason! Here’s why you should book a trip to the archipelago in July.

• Plenty of diving and snorkeling: July in the Azores marks the start of the dive season with great visibility and warmer waters. From Santa Maria and São Miguel, you can access the Formigas Islets—which are teeming with marine life—and dive to the shipwreck Olympia. This is also one of the only two months (the other being August) when you can swim with the dolphins in the wild. Baxia do Ambrósio near Santa Maria brings large numbers of Devil Rays.
• Water sports: With low winds and calm waters it is a great time for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, activities that are both only available in the summer. One of the most popular and scenic spots in summer is the twin crater lakes at Sete Cidades on São Miguel.
• Festival: The island of São Jorge celebrates the aptly named July Festival. Held during different weeks in the towns of Velas and Calheta, the festivals feature exhibitions, concerts, ethnographic parades, gastronomy events, and more.

Options for what to do in the Azores in July are virtually limitless—the most populous islands of São Miguel and Terceira are buzzing with activity and offer more than enough hiking, watersports, and beaches to keep you happily occupied. If you are basing yourself on these islands, we recommend the Salto do Prego – Sanguinho Trail on São Miguel. This hike features two waterfalls with refreshing pools that you can swim in! On Terceira we love Baías da Agualva. This stunning coastal walk is best enjoyed in summer with low winds and a bit of sunshine. But if you want to escape the hubbub, we recommend taking advantage of more frequent inter-island flights and ferries and exploring some of the more remote corners of the Azores.

Pico Island is our top pick for serious hikers, as the island is largely inaccessible in the winter months. This is a great time to tackle Mount Pico, too—at a towering 2,351 meters (7,713 feet) it is Portugal’s highest point. The 6–8 hour hike to the summit gives you incredible views! Then, reward yourself with a visit to Pico’s UNESCO-listed vineyards. Dating to the 15th century, the landscape is stunning and you can try some of the notable and sustainable local wines produced by the village of Criação Velha.

We also recommend tiny Faial Island. The whole island can be circumnavigated in just a couple hours but it has plenty of sights worth visiting. Geology geeks won’t want to miss Capelinhos. The volcano had a major eruption in 1958 creating a whole new part of the island! The volcanic landscape stands in stark contrast to the lush green of the rest of the island. Faial also boasts a lovely beach—Praia de Porto Pim with calm waters and excellent summer vibes.

If it’s a unique beach vacation that you’re after then you’ve come to the right place. July is peak beach season in the Azores and every island has something to offer, be it black sand beaches, secluded coves, natural pools, or stunning views. Poça Simão Dias on São Jorge has a natural pool and beautiful views—also great for snorkeling. Fajã Grande on Flores is popular with locals and has some of the best sunsets in the Azores. If you’re looking to unpack for a full day at the beach, the ever-popular Praia dos Mosteiros on São Miguel has a lovely stretch of black sand and is great for surfing year-round.

For kayakers and paddle boarders, there are limitless coastal coves and offshore islets the islands have to offer. Guided tours range in distance and difficulty departs from destinations across the islands but the underwater crater of Vila Franca do Campo off São Miguel is one of the most popular. July is particularly good for sea-based watersports as high winds and strong waves in winter can make it impossible.

Sunglasses, swimsuits, sunscreen, and sandals should top the list for any traveler to the Azores in July. Daytime temperatures are around 24 degrees, so you can leave your winter gear at home but pack a light jacket or jumper for cooler early morning and evening temperatures. Binoculars are handy for keen wildlife spotters and a travel towel is useful for any spontaneous beach stops. Don’t forget your water bottle and a small daypack.

It may be the busiest time of year, but July allows you to experience and explore the Azores more fully than just about any time of year. It’s one of the best months to be outdoors, local communities are buzzing with activity and transport between the islands is frequent and accessible. If you’re planning a trip to the Azores in July our experts can plan a customized itinerary that suits your interests and budget.

Other related articles:
How many days to spend in the Azores
How to get to the Azores