Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit the Azores

Discover the cheapest and most expensive times to visit the Azores, plus the best months for great weather without peak season prices.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit the Azores
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo in the Azores

Planning a visit to the Azores and going to be on a travel budget? Here’s a guide to the cheapest and most expensive times to visit the Azores, plus the best months for great weather without peak season prices.

Most Expensive Time to Visit the Azores

The most expensive time to visit the Azores is during summer and around major local festivals, when the weather is warmest, the seas are calm, and tourism is at its peak.

  • Summer High Season (June to August)
    Long days, sunny skies, and the best conditions for hiking and whale watching make this the busiest—and priciest—time of year. Flights and hotels often book out months ahead.
  • Holy Spirit Festivals (May to September, Peak in July)
    These traditional celebrations take place across the islands, drawing both locals and visitors. São Miguel, Terceira, and Faial see notable price spikes during festival weekends.
  • Semana do Mar – Sea Week (Early August)
    Held in Horta, Faial, this major maritime festival attracts international sailing crews and tourists. Accommodation prices rise sharply.
  • Christmas & New Year’s (Late December to Early January)
    Though weather is cooler, holiday travel drives up flight and hotel costs.

Cheapest Time to Visit the Azores

The cheapest time to visit the Azores is during the cooler, wetter months when tourism slows, and rates drop significantly.

  • Late October to March
    Shorter days and more frequent rain make this the least busy time for tourism. Flights from Europe can be much cheaper, and hotels offer their best rates of the year. While swimming and whale watching are limited, it’s great for quiet hikes, hot springs, and cultural experiences.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Azores on a Budget

For pleasant weather and lower prices, the shoulder seasons offer an ideal balance.

  • April to Early June – The islands are in bloom, temperatures are mild, and crowds are far smaller than in peak summer. Prices for flights and accommodations remain reasonable.
  • Late September to Early October – Warm seas from summer linger, but tourism tapers off. Great for outdoor activities without the high-season costs.

Price Comparisons By Month

Time Period Price Level Why It Matters
June – Aug 💲💲💲 Highest Best weather, peak whale-watching, most tourists
May – Sept (Festival Dates) 💲💲💲 Highest Holy Spirit festivals and Semana do Mar raise rates
Late Dec – Early Jan 💲💲 Very High Holiday travel surge
April – Early June 💲 Low Shoulder season, mild weather, good deals
Late Sept – Early Oct 💲 Low Warm seas, fewer tourists, lower rates
Late Oct – March 💲 Lowest Off-season, cooler and wetter, cheapest prices

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