São Miguel in Winter: What to Do in the Azores Off-Season
- Aina & Dani
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Are you thinking about traveling to São Miguel in winter and not sure if it’s worth it? While most people choose the summer months to visit the Azores, exploring the island in the low season has a very special charm and several advantages.
The best part about traveling to São Miguel in winter is that you’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices on accommodation and flights, and landscapes that look completely different: lagoons wrapped in mist, waterfalls with stronger flow, and hot springs that feel even better in cool weather.
Here we’ll tell you everything you can do in São Miguel in winter so you can make the most of your off-season trip to the Azores.
São Miguel in Winter – Contents:
If you haven't booked your rental car yet, don't miss out on the best rental deals on the island, with full coverage to protect you from any issues!
Is it worth visiting São Miguel in winter?
The answer is yes. Traveling to São Miguel in winter has many advantages: fewer tourists, lower prices, and a much calmer atmosphere to enjoy the island at your own pace. Plus, the weather is mild compared to other European destinations at this time of year, with temperatures around 60 °F (16 °C).
It’s true that it rains more than in summer and the weather can be a bit unpredictable, with clouds and fog in higher areas. But far from being a problem, these changes give the landscapes a more mystical feel and show the island’s wilder side. With a good rain jacket and proper footwear, you’ll be fine.
The truth is you can do almost everything in winter in São Miguel. Maybe you won’t feel like getting into the ocean for snorkeling or kayaking, although some water activities still run year-round, like whale and dolphin watching, which is one of the most recommended experiences on the island.
Also, don’t miss our itineraries for São Miguel, perfect to adapt for a winter trip or any other season:
São Miguel’s winter weather
Winter in São Miguel is mild compared to many European destinations. Temperatures usually range between 54 °F and 63 °F (12 °C – 17 °C), rarely dropping below 50 °F (10 °C). However, it’s the rainiest time of the year and the weather is quite unpredictable: in a single day, you can go from sunshine to a downpour in minutes, or find fog at a lagoon and clear skies just a few miles away (we explain more in this article).
Although it might sound inconvenient, the rain usually doesn’t last for many hours at a time — it comes in intervals. In fact, this is what makes the island so green and lush, so it’s worth it! Just bring a good raincoat so you can still enjoy hikes, viewpoints, and outdoor trips.
Are you planning your trip to São Miguel?
Get organized with our complete TRAVEL GUIDE TO SÃO MIGUEL, where you will discover all the places to visit by areas.
Things to do in São Miguel in winter
While many activities can be enjoyed year-round, winter makes some experiences even more special. The most obvious one: taking advantage of the island’s natural heat to soak in hot springs.
1. Hot springs – one of the best winter activities in São Miguel
If there’s one experience that gets even better in winter, it’s the hot springs. São Miguel has several incredible thermal baths with warm waters surrounded by tropical vegetation. Our favorite is Caldeira Velha, with iron-rich pools in an amazing jungle-like environment. Keep in mind that visits are limited to 1h30 slots, so book in advance (more information here).
In Furnas, Terra Nostra Park is another must-see. Its huge thermal pool, with water between 95 °F and 104 °F (35–40 °C), is perfect for cooler weather. The park is also a 30-acre botanical garden where you can wander among exotic species.
And if you’re looking for a different or more special experience, don’t miss Poça da Dona Beija, also in Furnas. The unique thing here is that it’s open until 11 p.m., so you can bathe at night in a magical atmosphere illuminated among the vegetation.
Other hot springs you can also visit are:
2. Hiking without crowds
Hiking in São Miguel is one of the best ways to explore the island, and in winter, you get the advantage of nearly empty trails. It’s true that rain can complicate some sections and that mud is unavoidable on some paths, but in exchange, you’ll enjoy nature without crowds.
In our article with the 10 best hiking trails in São Miguel, you’ll find routes for all levels, but if you travel in winter we especially recommend the Serra Devassa trail, the Salto do Cabrito trail, and the one through the Gorreana tea fields. These are enjoyable hikes you can do in almost any condition.
And if you prefer simpler alternatives — perfect for rainier days — take a look at these easy trails in São Miguel, which are also very rewarding in winter.
3. Waterfalls at their best
Winter in São Miguel means more rain, and that shows in the waterfalls. They cascade with much more force than in summer, creating a wilder, more dramatic landscape you won’t see at other times of the year.
Some of the most impressive are Salto do Cabrito, very accessible and with a unique volcanic setting; the waterfalls of Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a park full of mills and trails; and Salto do Prego, a hidden waterfall that flows much stronger in winter.
Haven't booked your accommodation yet? For your stay in São Miguel, we recommend Herdade do Ananás, a cozy and unique hotel with a pineapple greenhouse; Comercial Azores Boutique, in the center of Ponta Delgada, and Canadiano Urban Nature, a perfect balance of quality and price.
4. Indoor activities in Ponta Delgada
If it rains or gets chilly, Ponta Delgada has perfect indoor plans. If you want to know in detail everything you can do in the capital, we recommend checking our article on what to see and do in Ponta Delgada.
For a rainy winter day, you can visit the Carlos Machado Museum to discover the nature of the Azores, the Micaelense Theatre to see a local performance, and the Graça Market to taste typical island products.
5. Winter festivals and events in São Miguel
In winter, São Miguel doesn’t lose its cultural life. In our article on festivals and events in São Miguel, we tell you about the island’s most important celebrations throughout the year — and the best part is that some are in winter!
Among the highlights are the Batalha das Limas in February, during Carnival; the Romeiros de São Miguel pilgrimage in March–April; and of course, Christmas in Ponta Delgada, perfect for enjoying its illuminated streets and Christmas markets.
6. Enjoy the gastronomy
In São Miguel, gastronomy is an experience in itself — especially in winter. Cooler days are perfect for sitting down to enjoy traditional Azorean dishes cooked with local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. For example, one “star” dish that tastes even better in winter is the famous Cozido das Furnas, cooked underground with the volcanic heat of the Furnas fumaroles.
7. Water activities
Although winter isn’t the most common time to get into the ocean, São Miguel still offers some water activities year-round. Just dress warmly and be prepared for a somewhat rougher sea.
Whale and dolphin watching is the most booked activity year-round in São Miguel. As we explain in this article, during winter, the stars are bottlenose and common dolphins, which remain in the area all year. But we can tell you from experience — you never know, you might spot a whale species.
THE BEST ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
Recommendations for traveling to São Miguel in winter
Visiting São Miguel in winter is a different and very authentic experience, but you need to prepare for the unpredictable weather: bring a warm coat, waterproof clothing and shoes so you can move comfortably even in the rain. Also, always carry a change of clothes just in case.
To get around the island, renting a car is still the best option, since it’s difficult to reach everywhere by public transport, and a car lets you adapt quickly to weather changes. Don’t miss all our tips on renting a car in São Miguel.
As for accommodations, in winter it’s best to choose Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande, since in low season these are the places where you’ll find more open services like restaurants and shops. For more info and options, check our guide on where to stay in São Miguel.
Finally, plan your trip flexibly. The weather can change in minutes, so organize your itinerary in a way that lets you adapt activities depending on the day’s conditions. For example, if the weather is bad in the west of the island, you can visit places in the east. For this, don’t forget to check our São Miguel travel guide by region.
