Azores - Best time to go?

The best time to visit is mid-June to mid-September. This is also the most expensive time to be there. The second best times are Spring or Fall. I was just in São Miguel in late November (2025) and had daytime weather almost as good as if it was summer! Locals were swimming in the harbor of Ponta Delgada!

Regarding your interest in the Azorean Juniper, I am not an expert by any means However, I am always enamored with what Mother Nature produces in the Azores. My hunch, and experience of over 30 years of visits, regarding when the trees and flowers (overall) smell the best, is late spring into the warmer summer months would offer the aromatic scents. If someone else here on the Portugal forum can answer better for that species, please go with what they recommend.

You did not state which of the nine islands you will visit. São Miguel has it all, hands down. However, all the other islands will keep your botanist interests enchanted, to say the least. Even on this latest trip, there were plenty of beautiful trees and flowers alive and in great condition. This does not include the dry and quite bare hydrangeas, sadly.

Botanical gardens, nature reserves, city parks, miradouros, and so many more outdoor sites are located on all the islands. A hiking trail might even be an option for your interest.

If you have questions regarding logistics, or anything else related to the thousands of sites and places to visit on any of the islands, please read the post at the top of this forum. It was written by the webmaster. It directs you to the free section (first 52 pages) of my Azores guidebook. It might help you decide which islands to visit and more importantly, when. There is no obligation to purchase the entire 533 page guidebook.

If I can help in any way with your Azores planning, please send a private message to me.