The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in São Miguel. Temperatures rise (18°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 28% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. July (8.2/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 6 out of 12 months in São Miguel. Compared to April: 6 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
13°
Sea
19°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
14.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 32
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in São Miguel is July (8.2/10), 1.0 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · São Miguel
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · São Miguel
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · Portugal
🗣️LanguagePortuguese
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 24°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 16°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘDecember · 48%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is São Miguel ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
PortugalTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.2 → 4.2 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
37.75°N · 25.68°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit São Miguel?
July is the best month with 23.0°C highs, 18.0°C lows, 7.9h of sunshine and 15.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does São Miguel get in July?
São Miguel averages 7.9 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in São Miguel?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in São Miguel in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 18.0°C, while afternoon highs average 23.0°C.
Is São Miguel good in winter?
In winter (December-February), São Miguel scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 7.9/10.
When should you avoid São Miguel?
January is the most difficult month to visit São Miguel, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in São Miguel in May?
In May, the sea averages 19°C in São Miguel: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in São Miguel in May?
The average UV index reaches 7 in May in São Miguel (high), with about 14.0h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.