Weather
October may be considered fall in the Azores, but summer temperatures linger most of the month. You can expect highs around 70ºF (21ºC), lows around 59ºF (15ºC), and 80% average humidity. Most days are still warm enough to sunbathe and swim without a wetsuit, although you'll want to be prepared for rain, with an average of 4.5 inches (114 mm) of precipitation throughout the month. Cooler mornings and evenings are great for hiking or soaking in the hot pools.
Crowds & Costs
Visitors to the western islands of Flores and Corvo have tapered off, while Terceira and São Jorge islands remain lively but not crowded. Tourist numbers have dropped from their peak in July and August, as have accommodation prices. Once full, hotels are now available for $100 to $150 per night, and flights and ferries have begun to run less frequently.
Beaches are also quiet, except around the larger towns of Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo, and you can sunbathe and swim with hardly another tourist in sight. On the other hand, on cooler days, hot pools begin to fill up, and hiking trails become busier. Even so, with the Azores' effort to keep tourism levels to a minimum, you'll always be able to find your own slice of solitude.
Where to Go
With cooler fall temperatures, October is a great time to explore the geothermal highlights and volcanic landscapes of the Terceira and São Jorge islands. On São Jorge, head to Ponta da Ferraria, a natural hot spring on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and the village of Furnas, home to numerous scenic hot springs. Then, on Terceira, check out Algar do Carvão, a volcanic chamber, and spot sulfur steaming out of natural vents at Furnas do Enxofre.
October is also a great time to visit the now quiet central islands of Pico and Faial before many of the stores shutter for the winter season. Use Horta as your base to explore the tiny island of Pico, including the otherworldly landscapes of Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo and Capelinhos Volcano. Then, it's just a ferry ride to Madalena on Pico Island, and from there, you can visit Mount Pico and the 3 miles (5 km) long Gruta das Torres Cave.
On warmer days, it's well worth soaking up the sun at one of the Azores' beautiful beaches. Popular options include Santa Bárbara Beach on São Miguel and Silveira Beach on Terceira or the quieter beaches of Praia da Vitória and Praia da Riviera. You can also search for biscoitos, natural pools formed by lava hitting cooler ocean waters.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Nature enthusiasts will love getting out and exploring the lush trails of the Azores. With the occasional day of rain, landscapes across all islands will be green, and although you will want to be prepared for the odd muddy trail, it's always worth it when you reach an epic viewpoint. The towering Mount Pico takes roughly four hours to climb, plus time to get down, or opt for the Trilho das Vinhas de Criação Velha trail, then celebrate with a drink at Cella Bar–voted the most beautiful bar in the world.
When you've had your fill of hiking, change up the pace with a visit to a natural hot spring. On São Miguel, Furnas is home to a few different hot springs, including Terra Nostra Park, which is also home to stunning botanical gardens, or pick from one of the six different pools at Poça da Dona Beija.
On the other end of the scale, October is still a great time to check out local beaches, try your hand at windsurfing, and head out on a dolphin-watching cruise. Variable fall weather can cause rough seas, but on a calm day, watching the Azores' resident bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales is a delight. Plus, if you're up for it, the increased wind is perfect for (trying your hand at) windsurfing in the still-warm seas.
Events in October
Angrajazz, Terceira Island. Held in Angra do Heroísmo since 1999, the Angrajazz festival takes jazz up a notch with three days of live music and festivities.
Ramo Grande Festival, Terceira. Ramo Grande may be known for its cattle, but in late October or early November, the picturesque plain welcomes world-class musical performances at the Ramo Grande Festival once a year.
Traveling to The Azores in October? Check out these great itineraries
Azores Adventure: Best of São Miguel - 7 Days. With the beautiful Ponta Delgada as your base, explore the best of São Miguel, from its geothermal calderas and rugged canyons to lush jungles and relaxing hot springs.
Lisbon, Porto & the Azores - 12 Days. Checks off Portugal's classic highlights before escaping to the untamed nature and remote beauty of São Miguel.
More Helpful Information
The Azores in September
The Azores in November
Best Time of Year to Visit the Azores
How Many Days to Spend in the Azores