The Best Time to Plan Your Group Trip to the Azores

"When should we go?" is always one of the first questions I get once someone's set on the Azores — and it's a good one, because timing changes the whole experience.

July and August: peak season, for good reason

Warm weather, everything in bloom, that lush green-on-blue landscape at its absolute best. If you want the islands at their most vivid, this is it. Just know you're not the only one who's figured that out. Expect higher prices and more people. The good news is everything should be open and it's a great time for a whale watch!

Late June and October: my pick for the sweet spot

The Azores never really get crowded — that's not really their thing — but if you want better pricing and even more breathing room, shoulder season is where I steer people. The weather still holds up, the islands are just as green, and your money goes a little further. May and early June can also be great, but it can also be stormy. So if good weather is more important to you than crowds, go in late June.

One thing to pack for either way

Expect temperatures around 70°F in the shoulder months, but the Azores have their own rules when it comes to weather — sun to rain and back again, sometimes within the same afternoon. Layers and a light rain jacket aren't optional; they're just part of the packing list. Unless you are going in December through March, you'll probably be able to wear shorts or a bathing suit comfortably during the peak of the day and possibly want pants or a jacket in the evening.

So — have you ever considered a trip to the Azores? What's pulling you toward it — the scenery, the whales, the thermal pools? Tell me in the comments; I read every one. And if you're ready to start planning, let's talk.