The Azores in June: Warm Weather, Hikes and Adventures
- Daniel W.
- From
- Daniel W.
- From
- Julia S.
- From
- Liam R.
- From
The Azores’ Weather in June
Summer’s fingertips curl as June arrives, beckoning the start of the high season and the warmest months of the year in the Azores. Expect average daily temperatures of 19°C (66°F), varying slightly by a few degrees across the nine islands. Nicknamed ‘Sunshine Island’, Santa Maria is the warmest and driest of the isles with highs of 22°C, along with São Miguel. Pico and São Jorge are slightly cooler because of their ever-lush mountain backdrops, reaching maximum highs of 19°C.
Rainfall is minimal with around seven days of total rain; the archipelago’s sub-tropical climate means some rain year round is inevitable, although in June this is typically sporadic showers. Rainfall averages 2 to 5mm daily, but this is island-dependent. June is an ideal time to nose-dive into a bounty of natural beauty (like waterfalls and springs), trekking trails (when the paths are dry and safer), and ocean adventures in comfortable waters above 20°C.
For a monthly overview, read the best time to visit the Azores.
Why visit the Azores in June?
There is little reason to be cooped up indoors in June in the Azores, this is the chance to enjoy every ounce of nature’s finest. Welcome in the warm air and temperate ocean, with little rainfall. More reasons to visit the Azores in June below:
- Ocean activities: It is the ideal time for ocean-centric activities, like surfing, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and game fishing (especially for bluefin tuna and white marlin).
- Playtime outdoors: June is also excellent for land-based adventures such as hiking, biking between mountains and fajãs (small lava plains), horseback rides, and golfing.
- Festivals: Celebrate pagan and religious traditions showcasing folklore and parades during the Festival of St. John (June 24th) with festivities in Vila Franca do Campo (São Miguel) and on Terceira.
Where to go and what to do
Prepare for worldly wonders under one Azorean roof, no matter which island you’re on in June! Wildlife aficionados can join the lucky people and go whale watching: Book a tour around Pico (a hotspot), São Miguel, Terceira or Faial to spot blue, sei, sperm, and humpback whales. Or pretend to be a mermaid and swim with dolphins, with common sightings of Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins.
The most popular tourist island, volcanic-abundant São Miguel (Green Island), is a haven of beauty during June. Explore the mystifying Poço Azul (Blue Lagoon) and the Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire), the 45-meter-high Cascata da Ribeira Quente waterfall, crater viewpoints like Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, and the Cha Gorreana tea plantation. The sunny and clear June days make these attractions (and your photographs) exceptional. For a unique perspective, soar above the island on an adrenaline-inducing paragliding flight.
On Terceira, pretend to be a 15th-century explorer and discover the caverns of Terceira. Or visit the small island of Corvo and take a page from the Lord of the Rings when trekking the stunning and unique Caldeirão of Corvo. Santa Maria boasts golden beaches and a circular route bike tour winds around the isle in about three hours. Explore villages built between coastal plateaus around São Jorge, and swim at Faial’s unique lava-sand beaches. Summit the 2,350-meter-tall Pico Mountain, passing lava cones and fumaroles.
Hikers can also tackle the network of 60+ official Azore trails. Praia–Lagoa do Fogo Route and Caldeirão trail are some of the most popular hiking trails in the Azores. Colorful hydrangeas, waterfalls (Cascata da Ribeira Grande is a serious must-visit), lakes, and craters await day trekkers in photogenic Flores.
For those more interested in the underwater world, the Azores is spectacular for diving in June; discover 90+ scuba diving sites with excellent underwater visibility of up to 20 meters — Graciosa is a fabulous base for it.
What to bring
Hikers should bring trekking poles as they are essential for the volcanic-rich terrains and steeper mountain climbs. Quality hiking boots will be required for anyone as you’ll spend a lot of time exploring the island on foot. Even though it’s summer, pack a long-sleeve shirt for early morning hikes and islands like Pico with fresh temps. Pack an underwater camera or GoPro for all the water activities!
From whale-watching boat trips to volcanic crater hikes to recharging in the healing waters of hot springs, the weather in the Azores in June makes for an ideal travel period, experiencing all there is to do outdoors comfortably and with all tours/excursions open and available! If you are looking forward to a holiday in the archipelago and need more inspiration, check out our guide on how many days to spend in the Azores. For professional solutions on bespoke tours to the Azores, get in touch with our local travel expert.
Other related articles:
The Azores in May
The Azores in July
