May is a great time to visit the Azores to take advantage of the quiet trails and warming temperatures. With the winter rains receding and the islands lush and green, you can enjoy plenty of sunny days ideal for hiking, whale watching, and island hopping. Accommodation prices will still be lower than in the busy summer months, except during Santo Cristo, when thousands of visitors arrive in Ponta Delgada to participate in a large festival and procession.

Weather

Spring is well and truly in the air in May, and the Azores has turned into a wildflower-filled paradise. The winter rains have eased; in return, São Miguel Island and Terceira Island are lush and green. Top that with an average of eight hours of sun per day and only 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain expected throughout the month, and it's easy to see why May is one of the best months for hiking.

Temperatures have also warmed by May, and even at night, it rarely drops below 55ºF (13ºC). By midday, temperatures will reach an average of 61ºF (16ºC), with the occasional day in the mid-60s (Fahrenheit). Sea temperatures also slowly rise in May from 62ºF (17ºC) to 64°F (18ºC). Even so, with the Azores' location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, you should always be prepared for rain and fluctuating temperatures. Weather can change without much notice, and more often than not, the islands see four seasons in one day,

Crowds & Costs

The quiet winter days in the Azores have passed, and May sees a steady increase in visitors. Once near-empty resorts on São Miguel Island are buzzing with families, and deserted beaches come to life with surfers and sunbathers. Accommodation and flight prices begin to rise. However, it's still possible to get great deals on hotels and activities.

Ferries and flights between São Miguel Island and the central and western islands, including Pico, Faial, Flores, and Corvo, become more frequent. And while hiking trails will still be crowd-free, the larger port towns of Horta, Madalena, and Angra do Heroísmo transform from sleepy villages to bustling towns. Refreshed from the quiet winter season, local activity providers are excited to see tourists arriving again and offer discounted rates to prepare for the busy summer.

Where to Go

Now that the ferries are nearly back to their full schedule and the moody winter weather has receded, May is a great time to go island hopping. Most flights arrive on São Miguel Island, home to the famous hot pools in Furnas Village, the Azores' most populated city of Ponta Delgada, and the scenic Lagoa do Fogo.

Terceira Island is just a short flight from São Miguel Island, where you can base yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage site and the island's largest city, Angra do Heroísmo. From there, you'll want to hire a car to explore the volcanic chamber of Algar do Carvão and the pristine beaches of Praia da Vitória and Praia da Riviera.

With the pleasant temperatures, May is also a great time to visit Pico Island and summit Mount Pico or explore the trails around Portugal's tallest mountain. Be sure to visit Laje and the Vigia da Queimada, a superb whale watching spot, while you're on Pico Island. If time allows, ferry to the small island of Faial to explore its otherworldly volcanic landscapes.

Plan your trip to the Azores
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

Lengthening daylight hours and warming temperatures make May an ideal time to get out and explore the Azores' lush landscapes and clear waters. If you'd like to explore on your own two feet, head to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo to hike around dormant volcano crater lakes. On Pico Island, tick off the Trilho das Vinhas de Criação Velha trail, which takes you alongside vineyards to stunning coastlines, and the challenging Mount Pico hike for unmatched views of the archipelago.

May is also one of the best times to go whale watching, as blue, sei, and fin whales pass through on their yearly migrations. If you're lucky, you can spot these gentle giants swimming along the coasts of São Miguel, Faial, and Pico, or opt for a whale and dolphin watching cruise to see the majestic animals up close. With the warmer sea temperatures, May is a great time to get in the water yourself for a swim, scuba dive, or surf. 

If you're looking for a more relaxed vacation, the cooler mornings and evenings are great for soaking in Terra Nostra Park's thermal pools in Furnas, while the warm days are great for relaxing at the beach. You can also tour the islands' scenic roads with a rental car, stopping at scenic outlooks and hidden beaches.

Events in May

Dia dos Maios, nationwide. Local families make dolls representing different professions to celebrate International Workers' Day on the first day of May. These dolls can be anything from fishermen to pilgrims and, once ready, are displayed on balconies and streets.

Santo Cristo, Ponta Delgada. On the fifth Sunday after Easter, which tends to fall in May, Ponta Delgada fills up with locals and visitors celebrating Santo Cristo. Decorations, live music, and street vendors line the streets, and a large procession makes its way around the city.

Traveling to The Azores in May? Check out these great itineraries

Escape to the Azores: São Miguel Island & Porto - 11 Days. Dive, hike, cycle across São Miguel, whale watch, discover caves and relax on unspoiled beaches before heading back to the mainland to put your feet up and discover Porto in style with a vintage car tour and wine tasting. 

Island Hopping in the Azores: São Miguel, Faial, Pico & Terceira - 15 Days. Explore the Azores from all angles as you go whale watching, seek out caves, beach hop, and hike your way across four different islands.

More Helpful Information

The Azores in April
The Azores in June
Best Time of Year to Visit the Azores
How Many Days to Spend in the Azores