Europe · Best Jun–Sep
Azores packing list for families
The Azores pack crater lakes, thermal pools, and whale watching into small green islands with fast-changing weather. The right layers and an old swimsuit for the hot springs make all the difference.
Photo by Anna Jewels on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on The Azores
- The iron-rich hot springs in Furnas, like Terra Nostra, can stain light swimsuits orange. Pack an older dark suit for each person just for the thermal pools.
- Azores weather can shift from sun to rain and back in an hour, and the crater lake views depend on the clouds. I keep rain jackets in the car and stay flexible about which viewpoint we visit when.
- Whale and dolphin watching is a highlight, but the boats are open and the Atlantic can be rough. Check age minimums with your operator, and bring layers and motion sickness help.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Your packing edit
The Azores
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable rain jacketShowers roll through year-round.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Kids' hiking shoesCrater rim trails are often muddy.
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Dark swimsuit for hot springsKristina's pickIron-rich thermal water can stain light fabrics.
Adventure1
Bug spray
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion sickness bandsWhale-watching boats meet open Atlantic swell.
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Aegean
Whitewash, Aegean blue, linen, sage
For the grown-ups
- Gauzy white and blue
- A wide-brim hat
- Flat sandals with grip for steps
For the kids
- Light cotton sets
- UPF swim shirts
- Water shoes for pebble beaches
For photos
- White against the blue doors
- Sunset in Oia is busy, try mornings
Month by month
The Azores weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F 17°C | Mild, windy, and rainy, with rougher seas and some boat trips cancelled | |
| February | 61°F 16°C | Mild, windy, and rainy, with rougher seas and some boat trips cancelled | |
| March | 62°F 17°C | Mild, windy, and rainy, with rougher seas and some boat trips cancelled | |
| April | 64°F 18°C | Mild and green, still showery, wildflowers coming up | Blue and fin whales often pass the islands on their spring migration |
| May | 67°F 19°C | Mild and green, still showery, wildflowers coming up | Blue and fin whales often pass the islands on their spring migration Senhor Santo Cristo festival in Ponta Delgada, usually in May Holy Spirit festivals in villages across the islands, with shared soup and parades |
| June | 71°F 22°C | Warmest and driest stretch, best for swimming and hiking | Hydrangeas in bloom along roadsides and field walls Holy Spirit festivals in villages across the islands, with shared soup and parades |
| July | 76°F 24°C | Warmest and driest stretch, best for swimming and hiking | Hydrangeas in bloom along roadsides and field walls Holy Spirit festivals in villages across the islands, with shared soup and parades Warmest sea, best for swimming at natural pools |
| August | 79°F 26°C | Warmest and driest stretch, best for swimming and hiking | Hydrangeas in bloom along roadsides and field walls Holy Spirit festivals in villages across the islands, with shared soup and parades Warmest sea, best for swimming at natural pools |
| September | 76°F 24°C | Warmest and driest stretch, best for swimming and hiking | Holy Spirit festivals in villages across the islands, with shared soup and parades Warmest sea, best for swimming at natural pools |
| October | 71°F 22°C | Mild with rain returning, sea still warm | |
| November | 67°F 19°C | Mild, windy, and rainy, with rougher seas and some boat trips cancelled | |
| December | 63°F 17°C | Mild, windy, and rainy, with rougher seas and some boat trips cancelled |
Questions families ask
The Azores with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit The Azores with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Warmest and driest stretch, best for swimming and hiking
What's the weather like in The Azores?
Typical daytime highs range from about 61°F (16°C) in February to about 79°F (26°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for The Azores?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for The Azores?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for The Azores with kids?
The iron-rich hot springs in Furnas, like Terra Nostra, can stain light swimsuits orange. Pack an older dark suit for each person just for the thermal pools.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.