Azores weather in May
May in the Azores brings mild days, with average daily highs around 19 to 20 °C at these seven stations. Plan for some rain when walking or taking spring whale watching trips.
By Roman Antonov · sources checked
May temperatures and rainfall
| Station | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rain | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Miguel Ponta Delgada · 1991–2020 | 20° | 15° | 61 mm | 9 |
| Terceira Angra do Heroísmo · 1991–2020 | 19° | 14° | 77 mm | 8 |
| Faial Horta · 1991–2020 | 19° | 14° | 78 mm | 9 |
| Flores Flores · 1981–2010 | 20° | 14° | 104 mm | 11 |
| Santa Maria Santa Maria Airport · 1971–1994 | 20° | 14° | 39 mm | · |
| Graciosa Santa Cruz da Graciosa · 1978–2000 | 19° | 14° | 55 mm | · |
| Corvo Corvo Airport · 1961–1981 | 19° | 14° | 62 mm | · |
These are IPMA climate averages. Reference periods differ by station. The table rounds figures to whole numbers. Comparisons below use the original averages. Rain days have at least 1 mm of rain. A dot marks an empty rain-day cell. IPMA climate normals, Ponta Delgada. IPMA climate normals, Angra do Heroísmo. IPMA climate normals, Horta. IPMA climate normals, Flores airport. Wikipedia, citing IPMA normals for Santa Maria airport. Wikipedia, citing IPMA normals for Santa Cruz da Graciosa. Wikipedia, citing IPMA normals for Corvo airport.
Ponta Delgada weather by month
At Ponta Delgada, May is warmer and drier than April.
Bars run from the average daily low to the average daily high. Dots and the figure below: monthly rainfall.
How warm is it in the Azores in May?
May brings mild afternoons and cool nights at these stations. Ponta Delgada's average high rises 1.4 °C from April. It remains 5.8 °C below August's. Average night lows stay near 14 °C. I'd bring a layer for evenings.
The spread between the stations' average highs is only 1.4 °C. I'd give rainfall more weight when choosing an island. For warmer days, compare June. Ponta Delgada's average high rises another 2.2 °C that month.
How much does it rain in May?
May has less rain than winter at all seven stations. Ponta Delgada's monthly total falls 23% from April. It is still more than twice July's total. Horta and Flores stay almost level with April.
Ponta Delgada averages 8.7 days with at least 1 mm of rain. That includes 1.8 days with at least 10 mm. A rain day measures the daily total. It does not measure hours of rain. Keep your walking dates flexible.
Which islands are driest in May?
Santa Maria Airport has the lowest May rainfall among these seven stations. Santa Cruz da Graciosa comes next. Flores Airport has the highest total. It gets about 2.7 times Santa Maria Airport's rainfall.
I'd consider Santa Maria if rain is your main concern. These are station records with different reference periods. They cover different sets of years. Among stations sharing the 1991 to 2020 period, Ponta Delgada is driest.
Can you swim in the Azores in May?
Yes, with a May sea average of about 17 °C. I'd choose thermal pools for a warm soak. Terra Nostra in Furnas has water at 38 to 42 °C.
Vila Franca Islet's bathing boat does not run in May. Its 2026 bathing season falls between June and October. For a trip focused on sea swimming, I'd choose later summer. August's sea average is about 22 °C.
Sources: Visit Azores: monthly ocean temperatures, climate table on page 1; Terra Nostra: thermal water information; Clube Naval de Vila Franca do Campo: 2026 bathing season.
What can you do in the Azores in May?
May suits whale watching and walks in mild weather. Blue and fin whales pass through during spring migration. I'd book whale watching early in your stay. Unsafe weather cancels departures. Leave time for another date.
Check trail status before choosing a walk. We refresh regional alerts twice a day. Read the local forecast too. Choose a route that suits your fitness.
Ponta Delgada also hosts the Senhor Santo Cristo celebrations. The main procession in 2026 was on 10 May. I'd check the festival dates before arranging your stay.
Sources: Futurismo: spring whale migration; Futurismo: whale watching in Ponta Delgada; Azores Trails: ethics and safety; Santuário do Senhor Santo Cristo: 2026 festival programme.
What to pack for the Azores in May
Pack a waterproof jacket and walking shoes with good grip. Bring a light warm layer for evenings. Take it on boat trips too. Use layers you can remove while walking. Add a hat and sunscreen.
Bring a swimsuit for thermal baths. Choose a dark one for Terra Nostra. Iron in the water can stain pale fabric. Rinse it before it dries. I'd pack a towel and dry clothes for afterwards.
Sources: Azores Trails: clothing and footwear guidance; Terra Nostra: swimwear guidance; Futurismo: what to bring on a boat trip.
Azores May travel questions
Is May a good time to visit the Azores?
Yes, for walks and spring whale watching. I'd choose São Miguel for boats from Ponta Delgada and thermal baths at Furnas. The sea averages about 17 °C. For a trip built around swimming, I'd wait until later summer.
Is it windy in the Azores in May?
Yes. Strong wind still occurs in May. Check IPMA's wind and sea warnings before walks or boat trips. I'd keep another date free for whale watching. Pack a jacket that blocks wind.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
Ponta Delgada has about 13 hours 46 minutes of daylight on 1 May 2026. This rises to 14 hours 35 minutes on 31 May. Sunset shifts from 20:32 to 20:58 in local time. Daylight includes cloudy hours.
Is May high season in the Azores?
No. May comes before the main summer peak. I'd still book accommodation ahead for the Santo Cristo celebrations in Ponta Delgada. Check the festival dates before choosing your room and flights.
Roman Antonov, editor
I compared the IPMA normals and read the operators' current pages. I also checked May 2026 daylight times and the Santo Cristo programme.