November is the tail end of fall in the Azores and offers a mix of sunny days, spots of rain, and cooler nights. Nature enthusiasts will love hiking through the lush landscapes, while those looking for a relaxing vacation can head for the natural hot springs dotted across São Miguel. While less frequent, some days in early November are still warm enough to soak up the sun at the beach and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Weather

With winter on the horizon and warm fall temperatures still lingering, expect the unexpected when it comes to the Azores' weather in November. Average highs hover around 61ºF (16ºC) but can reach up to 68ºF (20ºC), while lows hang around 55ºF (13ºC) but can occasionally get down to the low 50s (Fahrenheit). November is also the second rainiest month, with only January seeing more rain. It rains an average of 5.2 inches (132 mm) over 17 days throughout the month. On the other hand, sea temperatures tend to be higher than air temperatures, so swimming and snorkeling are pleasant with a light wetsuit.

Crowds & Costs

November is considered shoulder season in the Azores, meaning there are fewer visitors than in the busy summer months. Still, it hasn't quite lowered to the offseason numbers of January and February. With fewer visitors, you can also score a great deal on flights and accommodations. Prices tend to be 35% to 45% lower in November compared to July, and four-star hotels range from $100 to $150 per night. In addition, restaurants, shops, and parks are less crowded than in summer.

Where to Go

Stick to the main islands of São Miguel and Terceira to get the most out of your time in the Azores with November's variable weather. While you'll want to rent a car to get around easily, São Miguel is perfect for splitting your time between the natural hot springs in Furnas, the waterfalls and subtropical forests on the eastern side of São Miguel, and the lagoons on the western side. On especially rainy days, there are plenty of unique highlights to tick off in Ponta Delgada, the largest city and capital of the Azores.

Over on Terceira, base yourself in the UNESCO-listed town of Angra do Heroísmo, famous for its picturesque streets and colonial-style architecture. From Angra, it's easy to head out on day trips, either to the beaches of Praia da Vitória and Praia da Riviera or explore the volcanic landscapes of Algar do Carvão and Furnas do Enoxfre. On clear days, it's hard to beat the views from Serra do Cume or the Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse.

Less frequent ferries and flights, plus rougher seas, makes visiting the quieter islands more of a challenge, but with a bit of planning, it can be done. If you have a little over two weeks to explore, you can opt for a 15-day island hopping itinerary and include Pico and Faial islands in your trip. Both will be lush from the recent rain, and you can look forward to hiking trails all to yourself.

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What to Do

Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed itinerary, you'll have no problem getting your fix in November. For those who want to be pampered, November is a great time to soak in one of the many hot pools of São Miguel. Poça da Dona Beija in Furnas village is home to five pools with varying temperatures and is surrounded by lush jungle. Alternatively, opt for the famous Terra Nostra Park, which has three pools, stunning gardens, and even a hotel and restaurant on sight.

If you prefer to spend your days exploring and have a week to visit, a best of São Miguel itinerary could be a great fit. With Ponta Delgada as your base, you can hike through the eucalyptus forests surrounding Lagoa do Fogo, embark on an offroad safari around Sete Cidades, and mountain bike from Furnas village to Lagoa das Furnas and Pico dos Milhos. Then, when the sun is shining, take a dingy to the tiny islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

When it comes to water activities, although ocean temperatures have begun to drop, they're still warm enough to enjoy a refreshing dip or an afternoon trying your hand at surfing or windsurfing. It's also possible to see common and bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales on a wildlife cruise, as well as the last of the migrating Atlantic spotted dolphin in early November.

Events in November

All Saints Day, nationwide. Celebrated on November 1 and deemed a public holiday, All Saints Day is a Roman Christian holiday where families gather to feast and honor loved ones who have passed.

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

Self-Drive Azores Adventure: São Miguel & Terceira - 8 Days. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this itinerary takes you from the geothermal landscapes near Furnas to the ancient forests on Terceira island, with plenty of stops to delight in local cuisine along the way.

Porto, Lisbon & the Azores - 13 Days. Experience two vacations in one on this diverse journey through Portugal. Explore the highlights of Lisbon and Porto, as well as make day trips to the Douro Valley, Coimbra, and Sintra. Then fly to the remote Azores archipelago, where you'll spend four days exploring the volcanic landscapes, verdant scenery, and wild beaches of São Miguel Island.

More Helpful Information

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