While February does not quite have the wet weather of January, it is the coldest month of the year in Ponta Delgada. Temperatures fall to their lowest point this month. But with the average low temperature still a very mild 10°C, it's hard to call any time of the year chilly in the Azores.
Indeed, even in February, average highs can reach up to 16°C on a daily basis, while record temperatures have climbed to a very pleasant 20°C back in February 1989.
While the air temperature might not be as warm as it can be in the summer months, there are still an average of 6 hours of daily sunshine to enjoy throughout February. The sea temperatures are also still a mild 17°C, so don't be surprised to see many people enjoying the popular water activities that are common in this part of the world.
As the year continues to progress, the chances of the heavy rain of January reoccurring becomes less and less. In total only 17 days of February are likely to see some rain in Ponta Delgada, far less than that experience in the northern part of the island at the same time of the year. And with only 110mm of precipitation expected to fall throughout the entire month, it is also far drier in February in Ponta Delgada than it is in many other parts of the world.
Instead of rain, you can enjoy more sun, less chance of cloud and average temperatures of 13°C throughout February. So if you are fed up with the cold winter weather in the UK, a trip to Ponta Delgada can offer a winter experience in a much more pleasant climate.
Where to Stay
The Hotel Gaivota Apartmentos offers a fabulous central location for all those that wish to visit Ponta Delgada on a budget. The rooms are basic but well equipped. In the peak season, the hotel offers a bar and restaurant its guests. But in the winter there are stricter opening times, so you do have to ensure you fit your schedule around meal times a little more. But with friendly staff and instant access to the marina and the central town, the Hotel Gaivota offers everything you would need for a very pleasant stay.
As the In53 Guest House has only three bedrooms, it is as ideal accommodation for a group or family travelling together who want to book out the entire house as it is for couples who want just a single room. And as the entire accommodation has been recently refurbished, you can expect a high quality finish in every part of the guest house, without losing the character of this marvellous site. Located just a five minute walk from the town centre, this friendly guest house offers excellent service and outstanding value for money for everyone who chooses to stay. It's like a home away from home, but this time set in the beauty of the Azores.
If you want to wake up to wonderful views, no matter what the weather outside is doing, then book a stay at 7 Cidades Lake Lodge. Choose from the rural looking bungalows or stay in the main house. Every time you look out of the window, the dramatic aspect over the lake is something you will remember forever. Friendly staff are always on hand to make your stay more comfortable. For those colder February nights, the log fire offers the perfect finishing touch. 7 Cidades Lake Lodge is a wonderful way to get away from it all and enjoy the true beauty of this part of the world.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Though most restaurants in Ponta Delgada are meat based, the speciality of the house at Casa Marisca is definitely seafood. Their wide range of dishes use only the freshest ingredients to provide a depth of flavour that is unusual for fish lovers in the area. And for something very different, the Shark is not to be missed. Portions are incredible and Casa Marisca also offers great value for money. Make sure you book, even in February, as locals and visitors alike are desperate to get into Casa Marisca and enjoy everything there is inside.
When you want to know what's good to eat at Mercearia Sao Pedro Wine & Tapas, just ask the owner. He is always on hand to advise you on the best tapas to enjoy on the day and he can recommend just the wine to go with it too. Mercearia Sao Pedro is a wonderful place to go to spend time with friends, or to enjoy the fabulous tapas on offer with family. With only about five tables available, the atmosphere is always very intimate. And with local produce used wherever possible, you can be sure the food is always fresh. If you like what you eat, then you can buy a few more samples to take away with you. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge.
At Restaurante o Museu the service is excellent, the prices are reasonable and the food is out of this world. From the fresh steak, which is cooked to order at your table, to the incredible pork and seafood dishes, you really can't make a bad choice. Like many restaurants in Ponta Delgada, the staff will provide you with cheese and bread to eat while you place your order. But do be aware that this will levy a small extra charge. But when even the bread is mouth wateringly good, it won't be long before you want to come back to Restaurante o Museu again.
Things to Do
Though the external structure of Nucleo de Santa Barbara do Museu Carlos Machado is instantly impressive, you cannot appreciate the true beauty of this church until you go inside. Magnificent religious works of art decorate its walls providing a wonderful insight into the talent of the Azorean community. But this is only one half of the experience when you visit Nucleo de Santa Barbara do Museu Carlos Machado. Just a few streets away, you then enter the museum itself which is filled with even more striking exhibits to enjoy. For just a few Euros you get two things to do for the price of one. And have a truly cultural experience in Ponta Delgada.
Thanks to the varied and mountainous terrain across Sao Miguel, the Azores are the perfect location to try your hand at canyoning. Follow your chosen stream up the mountain's edge using a combination of climbing, walking and scrabbling to reach the top. Then for your descent, slide, jump or slip down the water lined crevice enjoying the exquisite lush surroundings as you go. This high energy sport is not for the faint hearted. But if you want to put yourself up against the strongest forces of nature, one go at canyoning and you are likely to be hooked for life.
