Choosing when is the best time to visit the Azores Islands for Whale Watching is difficult just by looking after good weather. In the end it much depends on personal interests and experiences you look for in the archipelago. Here are the main factors that can help you find your best time to visit Azores Islands – Location and The Weather, and ofc, Species Seasonality Monthly Calendar. We’ve also included possibly helpful Travel Information.
The Best Time to Visit Azores Islands
One of the best Whale Watching and Swim with Dolphins locations in Europe, in beautiful Adventure playground in a very top sustainable islands archipelago holidays destination.
2 to 4 hours away from most European airports and the US lies the westernmost point of Portugal and Europe. An archipelago of 9 islands located right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, each island with its very unique natural and cultural features. A paradisiac and exotic scenario of the great Blue, with luscious velvet green craters of extinct island volcanoes that now form sculpted fairy-tale worthy lakes, waterfalls, naturally heated spring water pools, beautiful volcanic dark sand beaches, and a great variety of Nature’s monuments and Wildlife. Some believe these islands to be what remains of the ancient civilization Atlantis!
The unique geographical position and rich waters of the Gulf Stream represent a vital migratory pathway and feeding ground for a remarkable diversity of cetaceans. Year-round sightings of resident species are a testament to the Azorean waters’ bounty, certain months truly stand out maximizing chances of witnessing specific, often Giant whale species, and enjoying optimal weather conditions on your holidays.
Map Location: Where is Azores Islands archipelago?
One of the Top 20 Hottest Holiday Destinations
Places and Things to do
The Azores islands experience is known for the tranquility, and genuine laidback quality of life of its people, with a twist of Adventure, a widespread variety of Food & Wine festivals, and summer Music festivals.
There are World-class Adventure activities for everyone, at sea and inland from Nature Photography to Golf, Canyoning, Kayaking, Hiking, Mountain Biking, uncrowded Surfing, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Paragliding, Diving, Bird Watching and of course Whale Watching, and Swimming with Dolphins!
Main Natural Attractions not to be missed are the craters of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), Furnas , Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire), the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, in the main island of São Miguel – rated 4 of the most incredible natural wonders in the World. Don’t forget to visit the surrounding volcanic beaches and natural spring heated water pools!Excellent local products are Cheese, Wines, Brandies, Fruit, and food in general (whether you prefer Beef, grilled Seafood or Vegetarian), homemade linens, woolen goods, lace, pottery and general craftsmanship.
The Weather and Climate
The Azores climate is moderate sub-tropical, with mild average temperatures year-round ranging from 15ºC/60ºF in the Winter, to 26ºC/80ºF in the high Summer. You’ll be glad to know that there are no dangerous animals or night dominating mosquitoes. |
Now that you have all the information you need to plan for your perfect whale watching vacation holidays:
How to get there
You can get to the Azores islands using most holiday travel agents, or with your own travel arrangements. You can book your flight online from the US and Canada with Azores Airlines or Delta, and from UK & Europe with Azores Airlines or Ryanair to São Paulo II Airport in the capital city Ponta Delgada, main island São Miguel. Flights and rates vary throughout the year, so be sure to book ahead!
Where to Stay
Sunny Vila Franca do Campo is 15 minutes away from the airport in Ponta Delgada, and is known for it’s coastal living, excellent restaurants, beautiful terrace views, and for having most of the best leisure beaches in the Azores Islands. Accommodation in the area goes from rental Houses and Villas, to Marina Apart-hotels and Beach Hotels, away from the city buzz and 15 to 30 minutes away from the best attractions and activities the island of São Miguel has to offer. Please contact us if you need any advice.
The Best Time to visit Azores Islands for Whale Watching?
Anytime – it is possible to see up to 28 different cetacean species within the year – a third of all known species, 4 of which are resident (including Sperm Whales), with a success rate of 98% success and average 3 species encountered per tour.
How about Bird Watching?
Anytime – many Birds find oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks, or as on-route refuge. Up to 400 species can be observed within the year. Marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in Spring with the arrival of migratory species, and in Autumn with rare american vagrant shorebirds.
How about Dolphin Swimming?
From October to April it’s Dolphin Swimming Season in Azores Islands. With water temperatures averaging between 16ºc to 18ºc and away from Calving season – it is the most vulnerable and energy-consuming time for dolphin Calves during the initial development of survival skills, and for their vigilant stressful lactating mothers!
It is important to understand that, although we can count on scientific grade research data collected on occurrences in the Azores Islands, and our fast Zodiac boats and lookouts can guarantee sightings almost every time, the likelihood of spotting animals depends on environmental variables affecting the distribution of species. Sea surface temperature, primary productivity, sea currents and thermal fronts are dynamic variables that influence spatial and temporal distribution, resulting in differences in frequency of sightings between years and seasons. Changes in seasonal Weather, Sea conditions and visibility conditions can also affect the probability to detect and find wildlife.
Best time of the year for Whale Watching in the Azores?
What Month is The Best Time?
Season
Resident Species (Yearlong)
Sperm Whales, Common Dolphins, Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins.
Occasionally: Striped Dolphins, Beaked Whales – Blainville’s Beaked Whales, Gervais Beaked Whales, Sowerby’s Beaked Whales, True’s Beaked Whales and Cuvier’s Beaked Whales.
Main Season
[Mar-Jun] Spring – Giants
Baleen Whales – Blue Whales, Sei Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales.
Occasionally: Orcas (Killer Whales).
[Jul-Sep] Summer – Pods
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Short-finned Pilot Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Northern Bottlenose Whales.
Occasionally: False Killer Whales.
