The Azores in August: Optimum Weather, Dolphin-watching & Hiking

Temperatures throughout the Azores remain warm in August, ranging between 19°C (66°F) and 25°C (77°F), offering perfect conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. The water temperature tops out at 23°C (73°F), meaning you can ditch the clingy wetsuit. Hiking trails are also in good conditions during August, as the Azores receive just 45 millimeters of rain throughout the month. When it does rain, it usually comes in early mornings and clears up soon, so it shouldn’t affect your plans. For more weather information, you can check out our guide on the best time to visit the Azores.

Besides the great weather and the activities it brings, there are many reasons to travel to the Azores in August. Here are some of them:

• Set sail: August in the Azores brings calm weather on land and on water, making it a great time for boat tours. You can go whale watching on a glass-bottom boat, go island-hopping in ferries or take a sunset cruise to enjoy the stunning, rugged coastline of the islands, and, of course, an incredible sunset over the Atlantic.
• Festivals: With a calendar chock full of festivals and cultural events, August is the party-month. From the renowned Festas da Praia in Terceira with its parades and bullfights to music festivals and beach parties across the islands, there is something to keep everyone busy.
• Fins up: With myriad coves, pools, inlets and islets across the islands, keen snorkelers will want to take advantage of the calm seas and clear waters that the Azores present in August. Add to that the warmest water and air temps of the year, and you have the perfect snorkeling conditions.

Let’s face it, the Azores will be busy and crowded during August wherever you go and whatever you do. The best thing you can do is to enjoy the lively fervor added by locals and travelers from around the world. Cue, the parties and festivals. Head to Terceira for the vibrant Festas da Praia which literally translates to ‘beach parties’ and runs for over a week every August. For music lovers the Graciosa Sound Fest is a multi-day outdoor music festival on Graciosa featuring top Portuguese musicians and DJs. Also popular is the annual international music festival, Mare de Agosto, held in Santa Maria. This jam-packed festival also features music workshops and art exhibitions. For those interested in the rich maritime history of the Azores, Semana do Mar or ‘week of the sea’ is celebrated on Faial with a program of cultural and folklore events along with a party atmosphere and plenty of good food.

August is also the prime time to get into the Azores’ water. This is a great time to get into all the incredible natural pools along the hiking trails as well as at the beach. You will love Piscinas do Carapacho on Graciosa which has crystal clear water and is sheltered by a small bay. Piscina dos Biscoitos on Terceira is equally beautiful, while Piscina da Madalena on Pico has great facilities and incredible views.

There is also great snorkeling around some of the natural pools across the islands, but local islets, reefs and wrecks offer some of the best snorkeling in the Azores. Ilheus da Madalena, just off the coast of Pico, is an ancient volcano crater that is home to large numbers of sting rays and other marine life. The volcanic rock formations make it particularly interesting for underwater photography enthusiasts. Sabrina is a reef site off the western tip of São Miguel and offers sheltered and shallow snorkeling with large numbers of tropical fish. Dori is just five minutes from the Ponta Delgada Marina on São Miguel and is one of the few shipwrecks (a US Navy vessel from World War II) in the area that is accessible to snorkelers. The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, located off the coast of São Miguel, is inaccessible for most of the year for preservation purposes. However, during summer, including August, travelers can take a boat from Vila Franca's marina to experience the giant volcanic crater in the ocean. Relax in its most epic beaches and snorkel or swim in its crystal clear waters.

Boat trips are an extremely popular activity across the islands through high summer with a dolphin sighting excursion topping the list for many travelers. July and August see the most species and pods of up to 100 dolphins, some with young calves, passing through. Most tours depart from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel but there are also operators on Terceira, Pico and Faial.

Perhaps the most relaxing way to get out on the water is a leisurely sunset cruise. Mostly departing from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel and Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira, these sailboat and catamaran cruises usually last for 2-3 hours and make for a perfect summer evening.

As a rule of thumb, pack for all weather when in the Azores. Take light clothes for the summer sun, but also have a water-proof jacket/pants for the occasional showers and a pullover for the evenings. Sturdy walking shoes are essential, alongside your swimsuit, travel towels, sandals and a hat.

Summer vibes are in full swing in the Azores in August, with lots of water-based activities, festivals and events. But expect high tourist crowds and accommodation rates. For a more personalized Azores trip, reach out to our local travel experts today.

Other related articles:
The Azores in July