The Azores in May: Warm Weather, Outdoor Fun and Less Crowds

The weather in the Azores during May is consistent across all the nine islands, with temperatures ranging between 16°C (61°F) and 18°C (64°F). Showers are fewer and humidity lower than previous months. Sea conditions also improve, with the average water temperatures at around 17°C (63°F), making it suitable for snorkeling and other water sports. Expect mostly dry and well-kept trails during May, perfect for biking, trekking, or trail running.

For a month-by-month overview, check out our guide on when to visit the Azores.

Besides the long days and warm weather, below are more reasons to visit the Azores in May:

• Festivals: May is a vibrant month of cultural events in the Azores, with traditional celebrations happening all across the archipelago. Celebrated on the fifth Sunday after Easter, Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres is the largest event in the Azores. Enjoy live music, street food, and the iconic parade, which passes through the streets decorated with flower petals. Ponta Delgada hosts the largest celebration in the archipelago, with a week-long festival. On International Worker’s Day, the islands celebrate Dias dos Maios. The locals handcraft dolls and place them outside their houses and shops for the occasion. It’s an old Azorean tradition that depicts the inhabitants of the archipelago.
• Water sports: Take advantage of the pleasant weather and water temperatures and spend the day at the beach. Go surfing at Santa Barbara in São Miguel, snorkeling along the rocky coasts of Santa Maria, or canyoning in São Jorge.
• Trekking: Days in May are long and warm, with more predictable and gentle rains. It's a fantastic time to explore the hundreds of trails in the archipelago, especially those near waterfalls. We recommend the Salto do Prego and Salto do Carragão waterfall trails so that you can close your hiking day with a refreshing swim in their pool.
• Skip high-season crowd: May is just outside the peak summer season, so travelers aren’t thronging the islands yet. Most beaches, trails, and islands are relatively empty of tourists, and rates are better compared to the peak season in June – August.

May is the best time to enjoy all kinds of activities in the Azores. Crowds are still moderate, and the days are mostly clear and warm. Enjoy the long sunrises and sunsets that color the islands; in São Miguel, locals head to Nordeste for the best sunrise and Mosteiros for the sunset. Try camping overnight on Pico’s summit to wake up to a majestic view of the islands.

Sea conditions in May are great for beginner surfers. Take a surf lesson at one of the surf schools in São Miguel at Praia das Milícias, or go for the bigger waves of Santa Barbara. If you get tired of the beach life, explore fajãs, the unique coastal formations of the islands, and swim in the natural pools. São Jorge is known as the island of fajãs for its breathtaking coastal formations and pools. Don’t miss the unique Fajã da Caldeira Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres.

Spring is also the period of whale migrations. In May in the Azores, you can spot several species of whales and dolphins, such as the striped dolphin, blue whale, sei whale, fin whale and sperm whale. Good sea conditions allow for almost daily tours on all the main islands. São Miguel is a great destination to spot blue or fin whales and dolphins; Pico with its Marine Protected Area known as Islets of Madalena, is a prime location for whale spotting; Faial is considered one of the best European destinations for whale watching; and Terceira, along with great whale-watching opportunities, offers a scenic backdrop of Angra do Heroísmo while on a spotting tour.

Temperatures in May are comfortable and never go below 15ºC (59ºF). You can leave your overcoat at home to save space in the luggage but don't forget to bring a mid-season jacket in case of rain or wind. Pack tank tops and t-shirts, as well as a couple of sweaters and long pants for when the sun goes down. Even if it's drier than in other months, be prepared for humid weather—wearing layers is always the best option when traveling to the Azores.

Visiting the Azores in May offers plenty of activities and sightseeing options while avoiding the summer crowds. The weather is perfect for spending time outside and exploring the islands' natural wonders. If you need assistance planning your trip to the islands, simply contact our travel experts for a bespoke Azores tour.

Other related articles:
The Azores in April
How long to stay in the Azores
Getting to the Azores