Azores in January: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (2026)

Amber Everywhere contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Read my privacy policy for more information.

Thinking about visiting the Azores in January? Here’s everything you need to know!

I visited the Azores for the first time in January 2024 and fell in love with these islands in Portugal. Truthfully, I’d never heard of this Portuguese archipelago, but I was booking a ticket from New York to Paris and noticed that it had a layover in Ponta Delgada, a spot seemingly in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Intrigued, I immediately started Googling the Azores and the possibility of an extended layover on São Miguel. From my research, I learned that the Azores are really more of a hiking and hot springs destination than a beach destination – perfect, because I’d been missing hot springs since I moved to Ireland. They’re also very safe for travelers to visit.

I looked up a few photos and decided almost immediately that it was worth the stop. 

I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect on São Miguel in January, knowing that Icelandic and Irish winters are very cold. Although there was quite a lot of rain during my visit, it felt 100% worth visiting for me because I was able to work remotely for much of my weeklong stay. If you’re trying to decide if you should visit the Azores in January, this post has all of the info you’ll need!

Table of Contents
Azores in January: Is it a good time to visit?
Weather in January 
What to Pack for the Azores
Things To Do
Where to Stay
FAQs
Conclusion

Azores in January: Is it a good time to visit?

May through September are the best months to visit the Azores – this is their peak season, when the weather is warmest and most pleasant. During the off season, October through April, the islands are prone to intense rainstorms, mudslides, and cooler temperatures. You’ll definitely experience some rainstorms and cooler temperatures in January in the Azores. 

That said, the Azores are great places to visit in January if you want to see Europe on a tight budget, you love places off the beaten path, or if you are able to travel slowly. Backpackers, digital nomads, retirees, and young travelers are all likely to enjoy a wintery trip to the Azores. 

If you’re only able to visit Europe for a weeklong vacation, I wouldn’t suggest a January trip to the Azores. The weather is wet and unpredictable, so you’ll probably get rained in at least once during your visit. This really isn’t a big deal if you’re working remotely or have a few weeks to spend in the Azores, but it would be very disappointing if it’s your only vacation all year. 

Azores Weather in January 

The weather in the Azores in January is generally mild, as the islands have a subtropical climate. Average temperatures range from about 53 °F (11°C) for the low to 63 °F (17 °C) for the high. Although rainstorms are possible anytime of year, the winter is the wettest season in the Azores with a 17% chance of a given day being a rainy day. December is typically the wettest month in the Azores, followed by January. 

When I say that there are rainstorms, I mean that there are torrential downpours with huge gusts of winds. These rainstorms are strong enough to down trees and make it almost impossible to drive or walk until they let up. 

I hiked to a waterfall one day and the trail was covered in downed trees that we needed to climb over following a strong winter storm. So, definitely stay out of the forests during strong winds. 

Does it snow in the Azores in January?

No, you won’t almost certainly won’t experience any snow in the Azores in January, as temperatures below 41 °F (5 °C) have never been recorded at sea level on the islands. 

However, it is possible to see some accumulation on the highest peaks on the islands. Snowy or icy conditions are extremely rare, even on the highest peaks, but in 2019 Euronews released a video showing snow on Pico Mountain in the Azores in February of 2018. 

For the most part, the Azores see a mix of sunny, overcast, and rainy days in January. 

What to Pack for the Azores in January

The key to staying comfortable in the Azores in January is staying dry. During winter storms, the rain can absolutely drench you in just a few minutes. On the other hand, when it’s not raining, the warm weather is very pleasant. 

I visited the Azores on a whim after spending a few winter months in Philadelphia, so I wasn’t totally prepared for the island weather. For that reason, Jake and I started our trip with a brief shopping spree at Decathlon in Ponta Delgada, my favorite European outdoors store. We bought bathing suits, sunglasses, sandals, and a few other essentials. 

January Packing List

Here’s a list of gear I would recommend packing for a January trip to the Azores. Remember that most of the activities in the Azores are outdoors, so you’ll want to have the right gear to stay comfortable in both rainy and warm weather. 

When writing this list, I noticed it’s not so different from what you’ll need to pack for Ireland in the summer.

Rain jacket – A solid rain jacket is an absolute must in the Azores. It doesn’t need to be insulated, as the temperatures are mild, but it should be high quality and completely waterproof. 
Rain pants – They may not look cool, but they’ll keep you dry. I prefer the lightweight, packable style from Decathlon that I can slide over my clothes. 
Waterproof hiking/walking shoes – The Azores are best suited to outdoor enthusiasts, so you’ll need shoes that are made for hiking and exploring. I recommend choosing a pair that is waterproof with strong tread for extraction on the wet and occasionally slippery trails. 
T-shirts or tank tops – Lighter layers are essential for warm days. 
Long pants – For hiking, walking around in town, and staying comfortable during the winter temperatures. 
Shorts (optional) – I never wore shorts while in the Azores, but I tend to run cold. On warm days, I saw other travelers walking around in shorts and they seemed very comfortable. 
Bathing suit – You probably won’t swim in the ocean in the Azores in January, but you will want to visit some hot springs. I recommend a dark colored suit because the sulfur in the water can stain lighter fabrics. 
Adapter for Europe – The Azores use European plugs, which are different from both the US and the UK. Use a universal adapter or be sure that you have the right plugs. 
Waterproof backpack or rain cover – I would have used a waterproof bag if I had one, but luckily my backpack from REI came with a waterproof cover. It came in handy when it started to rain heavily while on a hike to see a waterfall. 
Sunscreen – It’s one of the most useful travel accessories!
Sun hat (optional) – A hat will keep the rain off of your face and the sun out of your eyes. 
Sunglasses – When it’s out, the sun can be strong in the Azores!
Sandals – Even if you just want to visit the beach for a few hours, I would recommend packing some sandals. I also liked having slides when I was at Dwell because I was sharing the space with so many people. 
Travel towel – For visiting the hot springs and budget hostels (otherwise you can simply rent one). Microfiber towels are one of my favorite gifts to give someone traveling abroad. 
Binoculars – Especially if you plan to do any birdwatching or take a boat tour to watch dolphins or whales. (Note that whale season in the Azores is from April to October, so you probably won’t see whales in January.)

Things To Do in Azores in January

Even if there are some rainstorms in January, you can still enjoy most of the popular island activities. Here are a few of the best things to do in the Azores in January, especially on São Miguel island. 

Hike 

The Azores are covered in volcanic peaks that make for interesting and challenging hikes. I did a mix of hikes while I was in the Azores, but my favorites were the waterfall hikes. I particularly loved the hike to the Salto do Prego Waterfall (but I did get briefly chased by some aggressive roosters along the path!). 

Soak in a Hot Spring

I grew up going to hot springs in Colorado, so one of the absolute highlights of visiting the Azores was the chance to soak in a hot spring. I loved the Poça da Dona Beija springs so much that I went twice in the week I was there. They’re open until 10pm so I would recommend going in the evening if it fits in your schedule. 

Walk Along the Beach

Although the water is too cold for most of us to swim in January, you can still visit some beautiful Azorean beaches during your visit. I had a really nice time watching the sunset while sipping an Aperol spritz and eating a snack at Praia de Água D’Alto, Grande, a beach with a restaurant just behind it. 

My favorite beach, however, was Piscinas Naturais Caneiros. This stony beach isn’t suitable for swimming, but it had interesting geological features and was a great place to just sit and watch the waves crash over the volcanic rocks.  

Go for a Drive

Some of my favorite memories of the Azores were the times we simply drove around. From the car, you can really appreciate the varied landscapes – from expansive valleys to steep mountainsides to coastlines, there’s a lot to see. 

It’s best to plan extra time during your drives so that you can make unplanned stops along the way – whether it’s for cows crossing the road or a restaurant you spot along the way. 

Explore a Tea Plantation

Humans have been growing tea crops in the Azores since the latter half of the 18th century, so there’s a long history of tea production in the archipelago. 

Today, São Miguel is home to Gorreana, Europe’s only tea plantation. It’s a unique stop while you’re in the Azores, and it’s free to walk around and see the rows of tea plants. They have a cafe and gift shop inside where you can buy different snacks and try free samples of the local teas. 

Take a Photo of Sete Cidades

Arguably the most iconic view on São Miguel island is Sete Cidades, an enormous caldera with two adjoining lakes in the center. The best place to see and photograph Sete Cidades is from above – I went to Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras (loosely translates to Nun’s Haven Viewpoint). 

However, you could also visit Miradouro da Vista do Rei (The King’s Viewpoint) and/or Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell). 

There are also hiking trails along the caldera and others that lead down to the lakes. 

Where to Stay in Azores in January

When I visited the Azores as part of a workation in Europe, I stayed in a coworking/coliving space on São Miguel Island called Dwell Azores. It was perfect for my stay because I had a chance to meet other people working remotely, and the ability to work in a coworking space that looked out over the ocean. 

Dwell was everything I love about staying in hostels, but a little more grown up. The community was wonderful, there were always other people to explore with, and I had a full kitchen to use when cooking simple meals. Still, you’ll need to clean up after yourself and overall it’s a little grungier than you would expect from a hotel or guesthouse. 

If a coliving space isn’t a good fit for you, here are a few other choices that are worth considering on São Miguel island. No matter where you stay, I would recommend renting a car to get around. 

📍 Top Budget Pick: Casa da Cisaltina is a clean and comfortable guesthouse in a quiet area on the eastern side of the island. You’ll be a short drive from hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, and other adventures in São Miguel. 

📍 Top Mid Range Pick: Casa da Rosarinha is an apartment that you can rent in the Azores just a few minutes from the coastline along the southern portion of the island. You’ll have access to a kitchen to cook your own meals, and guests report that the host is remarkably friendly and welcoming. 

📍 Top Luxury Pick: CASA DA GRAÇA is a beautiful and comfortable bed and breakfast right near the water in Ponta Delgada. You’ll be in the center of the action in Ponta Delgada, but just a short drive from hikes and hot springs in other parts of the island. 

FAQs: Azores in January

Planning your trip to Portugal and still wondering if it’s worth visiting the Azores in January? Here are the answers to some of the most common queries from other travelers. 

Is January a good time to visit the Azores?

Yes, January is a good time to visit the Azores if you’re able to be flexible and don’t mind spending a few rainy days inside. The prices are lower, there are some beautiful days, and the islands do not tend to be crowded during the winter season. 

However, if you’re on a short trip and don’t have much time to enjoy the area, I would recommend instead visiting during the summer or shoulder season. 

What is the best time to go to the Azores?

The summer is the best time to visit the Azores because you’ll be able to experience the best weather on the islands. The peak season for the Azores runs from June to August, while April, May, September, and October are considered the shoulder season.

I would personally try to visit the Azores in April or May, during peak whale season, for the chance to see sperm whales and potentially other species. 

How is the Azores in winter?

The Azores in the winter experiences some beautiful days and some days with torrential rain. It’s very likely that a few days of your trip to the Azores in the winter will be pleasant and warm while a few other days will be too rainy to venture far. For the most part, the lows are in the 50s and the highs are in the 60s, so the temperatures are very mild. 

Conclusion: Azores in January

Although January isn’t the best possible time to visit the Azores, you can have a great visit to these incredible Portuguese islands during the winter. I wouldn’t recommend the Azores in January if you only have one week to spend in Europe, but if your travel itinerary is flexible it’s a great place to explore on a budget. 

Before booking a winter trip to the Azores, ask yourself: would I be OK if it were raining several days per week of my trip? If that answer is, “yes that’s totally fine,” you’ll probably enjoy the Azores.

If you do decide to visit the Azores in January, be sure to pack lots of rain gear or pick some up at a local store. When the storms do roll in, you’ll experience spells with heavy rainfall that can absolutely drench you. A solid rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof shoes are essential.