July is the start of summer in Ponta Delgada. And though the weather is not quite as warm as the peak month of August, the risk of hurricanes as the year progresses means July is a very popular time to come.
Average highs of 23°C are not scorching hot. But with the high levels of humidity it can feel a lot warmer. Thankfully, the humidity does tend to wain at night which means everyone can usually get a good night's sleep.
On average, throughout the night and day, the temperature will remain at a very pleasing 20°C. And even the average lows will never usually fall below 16°C.
All that warm weather also means that the sea temperatures heat up in July. At just 2 degrees lower than their peak temperature, average water temperatures of 22°C are appealing whether you want to take a dip or enjoy the many water sports in the area.
And as the temperatures in the sea increase, so do the temperatures in the many natural swimming pools and water falls that litter the island. This offers a wonderful alternative to the traditional day at the beach.
While Ponta Delgada enjoys a maritime sub-tropical climate all year round, July is also the driest month of the year. This means that over the course of the entire 31 days of the month, there are only likely to be 9 days that experience any precipitation. And across those 9 days, only a total of 32mm of rain are likely to fall.
When the rain clears, it will be another bright, sunny day in the Azores. Ponta Delgada benefits from an average of 9 hours of daily sunshine at this time of the year, with only a 10% chance of ever having a cloudy day. This ensures a visit to Sao Miguel in July is always a good idea.
Where to Stay
The staff at Hotel Talisman are always on hand to ensure you enjoy your stay. From the warm welcome at reception to the help and advice they provide on places to go and trips to take. Everything is on hand to make sure you make the most of your visit. The hotel is well situated, offering easy access to the airport via aerobus or taxi, and into the centre of the town. The rooms are spacious and well furnished, and with a pool, bar and restaurant on site, you really won't need to go anywhere else. For the best location, book a suite within the hotel for your own little touch of luxury. There are rooms with views over the park for those that ask, for a fabulous place to stay.
Even in the middle of the peak summer season, the Vintage Place Guest House is going to make you feel welcome. With a combination of private rooms and a shared room, this is a good location for everyone, from single travellers to small parties. Though breakfast is not provided, prices are low enough to reflect this. And with a well-stocked supermarket over the road and a large kitchen for your use, you definitely won't go hungry. But what really makes the Vintage Place Guest House so superb is the staff, forever helpful, always attentive and very aware of the best places to go. Base yourself at Vintage Place Guest House and you could have the time of your life.
For the lowest priced accommodation in Ponta Delgada in July, consider staying at the Nook Hostel. Particularly popular with students and seasoned travellers, as well as families on a budget, the facilities at this hostel are basic, but well taken care of. The rooms are spacious and clean, and all the beds are nice and comfy. The hostel is located just a two minute walk from the centre of town. And with plenty of bars and restaurants around, it's a great base for any type of holiday. When you are out and about, large lockers are available to store your valuables. And with local transport just on your doorstep, you have everything you need to explore.
Hit the Beach
Populo Beach in San Roque is one of the most popular beaches in Sao Miguel and therefore can be one of the busiest. With its signature black sand, the water is calmer than in more northerly resorts. And with lifeguards stationed throughout the peak period, it is the perfect place to swim. There are good facilities around the beach including some great places to get your local snacks as well as a major hotel alongside. And as it is only a 10-15 minute drive away from the centre of Ponta Delgada, if the day does turn a little worse for wear in July, you are not that far from home.
Agua D'Alto Beach is one of the largest southern facing beaches on Sao Miguel. In the summer season it becomes a haven for the many sun bathers on the island that want relatively calmer waters on a well-facilitated resort. However in the winter, as the waves pick up, it becomes irresistible for surfers and other water sport enthusiasts. Though you do have to drive or take public transport to get to the beach, the area is well serviced with lots to do. Just make sure you pack lots of sun cream. Even if the July sun does not feel that hot, it is still very strong
Restaurants and Nightlife
Arco 8 is actually an art gallery within the more industrial part of the Marina in Ponta Delgada. But with a bar on site that offers exceptional Mojitos, it has become one of the trendiest places to spend time. There is also a café on site should you want some tapas. And an open performance space means you could walk into any type of entertainment. It's fresh, its original and their taste in music means it's always full of interesting guests. The bar staff are well versed in all types of refreshment and the stylish lounge opens until the early hours. It's a good place to go for a great night out.
The traditional style of Azorean cuisine is high quality meat dishes stacked full to the brim. And that is exactly what you get at Rotas Ilha. The flavours are delicious, the ingredients are fresh and the bohemian atmosphere is almost boarding on the nostalgic. The restaurant is small, so booking is essential. But the entire eating experience will leave you with a feeling of delight. It's all the best dishes that your mum used to make as long as your Mum was born and bred in the Azores. Prices are reasonable and the staff are always on hand to ensure you make exactly the right choice. Just make sure you leave some room for desert. The chocolate cake is unforgettable.
When you want to chill out at lunchtime with delicious mounds of fresh seafood, Mané Cigano is the place to go. Only serving the best dishes at lunchtimes, this is a typical 'tasca' with lots of fresh ingredients, great service and a really welcoming atmosphere. Prices are low, though the quality of the food is exceptionally high. And you don't need to book, even in July. The clientele combines local fisherman and tourists with businessmen and their guests. All will queue for however long it takes to make sure they get to savour the food at Mané Cigano.
Things to Do
For the best sites across Ponta Delgada, take a visit to Caldeira das Sete Cidades. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to admire the view which will take in the sensational twin lakes on the island. And when you've finished at the top, you can then drive to the bottom for an entirely different perspective. It is possible to walk all the way around the two lakes, though the trip is only for those with the stamina. However the beautiful church and café within the little village ensure you can have fun all day.
Get a true flavour of Ponta Delgada with a wine tasting trip. Gary from Azorean Tours will pick you up from your chosen accommodation and not only take you to some of the most famous sites on the island, he will incorporate some incredible refreshment too. As Gary speaks fluent English, there is no language barrier and your tour can be adapted to suit your palate. Whether you want to see the Caldeira das Sete Cidades or head straight to the vineyard, your wishes can be fully accommodated. Prices are reasonable and tour sizes are kept small. That way you have a truly intimate experience and create memories you will never want to forget.
