In short
- June to September offers warmer weather and blooming hydrangeas.
- Check live webcams before driving up to avoid heavy cloud cover.
- Arrive early or late in the day to beat the viewpoint crowds.
In this article
The Sete Cidades caldera is open year-round, and entry is completely free. The crater walls reach over 800 meters high. This altitude means fog can block your view of the twin lakes, even when it is sunny in Ponta Delgada. Knowing when to drive up is vital for clear views.
What is the best month to visit Sete Cidades?
The best months are June, July, August, and September.
During summer, the weather is warmer and the skies are clearer. This is also when the hydrangea hedges bloom along the crater walls and roads.
What time of day is best for the viewpoints?
Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Tour buses typically arrive between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Visiting outside these hours gives you quieter access to narrow lookouts. This includes the famous Miradouro da Boca do Inferno.
Why do I need to check the Sete Cidades webcams?
Live webcams show you if the caldera is covered in clouds before you drive up.
The high elevation traps moisture, creating thick fog inside the crater. If the webcams show a whiteout, wait and do a coastal activity first. The weather shifts rapidly here. Always check the feed right before you drive west from Ponta Delgada.
When is the best time to see the lake colors?
You need bright, direct sunlight to see the distinct blue and green colors of the twin lakes.
Stand in the middle of the stone bridge dividing Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde on a sunny day. Heavy clouds turn the water surface grey. Sunlight reveals the contrast between the two bodies of water.
When should I visit the nearby thermal pools?
Visit the Ponta da Ferraria ocean pools during low to mid-tide only.
At high tide, cold ocean waves wash in and cool the geothermal hot springs too much. Rough waves at high tide can also be dangerous. Check a local tide chart before you go to the western coast.
Is Sete Cidades worth visiting in the winter?
Yes, but you must be flexible with your schedule to catch a clear day.
You will not see hydrangeas in the winter, and rain is more frequent. Pack a windproof and waterproof rain jacket and sturdy hiking boots. When the sun does break through, the caldera is peaceful and largely empty.
Questions travellers ask
Can I swim in the lakes if it is hot?
Swimming in the Sete Cidades lakes is highly discouraged to preserve the delicate water quality. Swim at the nearby coastal ocean pools instead.
How long does the drive take?
It takes 40 to 45 minutes to drive the 25 kilometers from Ponta Delgada to the caldera viewpoints.
When is the best time for photos?
Midday sun highlights the lake colors from the rim. Sunset is best photographed from the nearby coastal viewpoint of Ponta do Escalvado.
