Graciosa, the northernmost island of the Azores Central Group, has a mild subtropical oceanic climate shaped by the Gulf Stream. As the flattest island in the archipelago, it catches steady Atlantic breezes that keep summer temperatures comfortable and winter conditions mild by European standards. Average annual temperatures hover around 17.5°C (63.5°F), with humidity ranging from 75% in summer to 81% in winter. Rainfall is moderate at around 1,000mm per year, concentrated in late autumn and winter months. For more on planning your trip, check our guides to the best time to visit, things to do, where to stay, travel tips, events and festivals, getting around, and the main Graciosa guide.
January
January is one of the coolest and wettest months on Graciosa. Daytime highs reach 16°C (61°F) while nights drop to 11°C (52°F). Expect around 110mm of rainfall over roughly 18 rainy days, and humidity at 80%. Sunshine is limited to about 3 hours per day, and the Atlantic sits at 16°C (61°F). It’s the quietest month for tourism, with few services operating at full capacity. If you visit in January, bring a waterproof jacket and layers.
February
February remains cool with highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall drops slightly to 95mm across about 16 rainy days, and sunshine increases to 4 hours daily. The sea stays at 16°C (61°F). Carnival celebrations bring bursts of colour to Santa Cruz da Graciosa, offering a cultural bright spot during an otherwise quiet month. Winds can be brisk, making it a good time for coastal walks rather than extended hikes.
March
Spring begins to stir in March with highs reaching 17°C (63°F) and lows at 11°C (52°F). Rainfall averages 90mm across about 15 rainy days, and sunshine climbs to 5 hours per day. Sea temperature remains at 16°C (61°F). The landscape starts greening up and wildflowers appear in the stone-walled currais (vineyard enclosures). It’s a transitional month, still too cool for swimming but increasingly pleasant for hiking the PR01GRA caldera trail.
April
April brings noticeably drier conditions with 70mm of rain across about 13 rainy days. Highs reach 17°C (63°F), lows 12°C (54°F), and you’ll get around 5 hours of sunshine. Sea temperature holds at 16°C (61°F). This is when hydrangeas begin their long bloom season and whale watching trips start running regularly from Santa Cruz harbour. Sperm whales are resident year-round, but April marks the beginning of the spring migration season for blue and fin whales.
May
May is one of the best months to visit Graciosa. Highs climb to 19°C (66°F), lows to 13°C (55°F), and rainfall drops to just 60mm. Sunshine reaches 6 hours daily and the sea warms slightly to 17°C (63°F). The island is covered in blooming hydrangeas, the hiking trails are in perfect condition, and whale watching is in full swing. Tourist numbers are still low, giving you the Caldeira and Termas do Carapacho nearly to yourself.
June
June delivers early summer warmth with highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Rainfall dwindles to 45mm and sunshine reaches 7 hours per day, the second sunniest month. Sea temperature rises to 19°C (66°F), still fresh but swimmable at Carapacho’s thermal pools where the water emerges at 40°C. The Festas do EspÃrito Santo begin across the island’s parishes, with community meals (sopas) and processions on various Sundays through September.
July
July is the driest month on Graciosa with just 30mm of rainfall. Daytime highs reach 24°C (75°F), nights settle at 18°C (64°F), and you’ll enjoy a generous 8 hours of daily sunshine. The Atlantic warms to 22°C (72°F), making it the start of proper swimming season at Porto Afonso and the natural pools. This is peak whale watching season and accommodation begins to fill, though Graciosa never feels crowded the way São Miguel or Terceira do.
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). Rainfall increases to 45mm and the sea reaches its yearly peak of 23°C (73°F). The island’s biggest festival, Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, takes over Santa Cruz during the week leading to the second Sunday with flower carpets, processions, and fireworks. Semana do Mar (Sea Week) adds boat races and seafood celebrations. Book accommodation and car rentals well ahead.
September
September is arguably the sweet spot for Graciosa. Highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F) combine with a still-warm sea at 22°C (72°F). Rainfall increases to 75mm but much of it comes in short spells. Sunshine holds at 6 hours daily. The summer crowds thin out while the ocean remains warm enough for comfortable swimming and diving. The Festa de São Mateus on September 21 brings celebrations to the northern village of Praia.
October
October brings autumn’s return with highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), and 105mm of rainfall. The sea remains a reasonable 20°C (68°F), and you’ll get about 5 hours of sunshine. Whale watching continues through the month and hiking conditions are excellent with cooler temperatures. The landscape takes on golden tones, and the vineyards around Guadalupe enter harvest season for Graciosa’s distinctive Verdelho wines.
November
November is one of the wettest months with 120mm of rainfall across roughly 18 rainy days. Highs drop to 18°C (64°F), lows to 13°C (55°F), and sunshine is limited to 4 hours daily. The sea cools to 18°C (64°F). Ferry schedules to other islands reduce and some tourism services scale back. It’s a quiet month suited to travellers interested in the authentic rhythm of island life rather than outdoor activities.
December
December mirrors January with highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), and 120mm of rain. The sea drops to 17°C (63°F) and sunshine is scarce at 3 hours daily. Christmas celebrations bring festive lights to Santa Cruz da Graciosa, and the island takes on a cosy, unhurried atmosphere. It’s the low point for tourism, meaning you’ll have the caldera trail, Furna do Enxofre, and thermal baths almost entirely to yourself on dry days.
