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
Seeing more of Portugal on this trip? Start with the Portugal packing list.
Your packing edit
The Azores
This time of year
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Carry-on18
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
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable rain jacketShowers roll through year-round.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Kids' hiking shoesCrater rim trails are often muddy.
Beach & pool14
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
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Dark swimsuit for hot springsKristina's pickIron-rich thermal water can stain light fabrics.
Adventure1
Bug spray
Little ones12
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
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion sickness bandsWhale-watching boats meet open Atlantic swell.
Documents & tech17
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
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
For photos
- White against the blue doors
- Sunset in Oia is busy, try mornings
Tap any piece to shop the look.
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.