Flores is the wettest island in the Azores, and that is precisely what makes it the most beautiful. The rain that arrives on every Atlantic front feeds the island’s countless waterfalls, fills its crater lakes, and sustains the hydrangeas and wildflowers that give Flores its name. Expect rain in any month , but also expect rainbows, mist-wrapped calderas, and a landscape so green it almost glows. Here is the month-by-month breakdown.
Flores Weather in January
January is deep winter on Flores with 180mm of rain over 19 days. Highs reach 16°C (61°F) with lows of 12°C (54°F). Sea temperatures sit at 17°C (63°F). Atlantic gales are frequent, and the west coast trail to Fajã Grande is often closed. The waterfalls are at their thunderous peak after winter rains. Santa Cruz das Flores is quiet, with most visitors gone. The Hotel Ocidental and a few cafes remain open. Pack full waterproofs and expect short daylight (4-5 hours of useful light).
Flores Weather in February
Similar to January with 170mm of rain and highs of 16°C (61°F). Sea temperatures at their coldest: 16°C (61°F). The caldera mist is persistent. On rare clear winter days, the views from the caldera rim are breathtaking, with snow visible on Pico’s summit 250 km to the east. February is the quietest month for tourism; the island feels like a private kingdom of waterfalls and fog.
Flores Weather in March
Spring begins slowly. Highs reach 17°C (63°F), lows 12°C (54°F), with 150mm of rain. The first wildflowers appear on the lower slopes. Waterfalls remain massive from winter runoff. Hiking trails on the east side of the island (the drier side) become passable. Whale-watching boats, limited in number on Flores, begin to operate. The caldera viewpoint clears on roughly one in three days.
Flores Weather in April
Highs rise to 18°C (64°F), rain drops to 120mm. Hydrangeas begin to leaf out, and the island earns its name as wildflowers carpet the caldera slopes. Hiking conditions improve, though trails remain muddy in places. Whale watching enters its spring peak for migrating baleen whales. The Rocha dos Bordões basalt columns are accessible and photogenic. Sea temperatures sit at 16°C (61°F).
Flores Weather in May
A beautiful month with highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), and 100mm of rain over 12 days. The hydrangeas begin to bud. Hiking the caldera rim trails is now reliable. The Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro waterfall complex is at an ideal balance: still thunderous from spring rains but accessible without treacherous mud. The island is uncrowded, and the light is extraordinary. Sea temperatures warm to 17°C (63°F).
Flores Weather in June
June brings the start of the summer window. Highs reach 21°C (70°F) with lows of 16°C (61°F) and 90mm of rain. The hydrangeas begin flowering, and the hiking trails are in prime condition. Sunshine averages 6-7 hours daily. Sea temperatures warm to 19°C (66°F). The Festas do Divino EspÃrito Santo take place in parishes. Accommodation availability is good before the July-August peak. June is arguably one of the best months to visit if you can accept some rain.
Flores Weather in July
July is the driest month with 70mm of rain over 10 days, though still wet by any standard outside the Azores. Highs reach 23°C (73°F), lows 18°C (64°F). The hydrangeas are in full bloom, and the island is at its most photogenic. Sea temperatures warm to 21°C (70°F), and the natural pools at Fajã Grande and Santa Cruz become swimmable. The Festa do Emigrante draws returning Azorean emigrants. Accommodation should be booked 1-2 months ahead for July.
Flores Weather in August
The warmest month with highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), and 80mm of rain. The hydrangeas are still in bloom in early August. Sea temperatures peak at 22°C (72°F). The island is at its busiest: accommodation is tight, especially around the Festa do Emigrante. Hiking trails are in their best condition. The caldera lakes , Lagoa Funda, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa Comprida , are accessible and stunning. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead for August.
Flores Weather in September
An excellent month. Highs hold at 24°C (75°F), lows at 18°C (64°F), with 90mm of rain. Sea temperatures reach 22°C (72°F). The summer crowds thin, and the hiking trails are blissfully quiet. The hydrangeas fade, but the waterfalls are still impressive and the coastal pools are warm. The Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios brings pilgrims to Santa Cruz. September might be the best-balanced month on Flores for weather, beauty, and solitude.
Flores Weather in October
October holds at 22°C (72°F) with 130mm of rain. Sea temperatures stay at 21°C (70°F) through early October. The first half of the month can deliver extended clear spells. The west coast trails remain open. By late October, Atlantic fronts become more frequent, waterfalls surge, and the caldera rim becomes cloud-prone. The autumn light on the basalt coastline is dramatic.
Flores Weather in November
Winter returns with highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), and 180mm of rain. Storm systems bring gale-force winds, and some west coast trails close. The waterfalls roar back to full force. Some guesthouses close for the winter. Inter-island flights can be disrupted by weather , build flexibility into your plans. The island is at its wildest and most elemental.
Flores Weather in December
December is the wettest month at 200mm, with highs of 17°C (63°F). Christmas in Santa Cruz is cosy and traditional. The Hotel Ocidental and a few cafes remain open. For those undeterred by rain, winter on Flores offers an almost private experience of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Atlantic. The sound of waterfalls is everywhere, and the storm light is unforgettable.
