Weather in Azores

Azores is an autonomous region of Portugal, a collection of nine volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean 1,360km (845mi) west of continental Portugal. The archipelago has an abundance of natural beauty and a temperate climate, ideal weather for a relaxing island getaway. The Mediterranean climate (dry-subtropical) is characteristically warm, annual temperatures rarely fall below 11°C, or rise above 26°C (52°F and 79°F), and it rains year, which is refreshing on hot days.

Summer is from July to September, the driest and hottest time of year when temperatures are in the mid-20s (around 77°F) and swimmers enjoy 24°C (75°F) water at some islands.

Autumn (October and November) is a wet, but warm time of year, with temperatures as high as 22°C (55°F to 72°F). It gets cooler towards winter, especially in November, which is the wettest month of the year. It is, nonetheless, still a great time to go swimming in the 20°C (68°F) water.

December to March is winter in Azores, warm and wet, but, unfortunately, there is little sunshine. Winter lows are cool at 10°C (50°F), but it won’t get much cooler than this and water temperatures remain in the mid-teens (60°F). There are some strong winds during winter, blowing heavy rains across the islands, and, while rare, there have been hurricanes and severe sub-tropical storms in winter. 

Spring is refreshingly dry, warm and sunny after the wet winter. The days get longer and the sun shines brighter as temperatures heat up to 22°C (72°F) by June.

When is the best time to go to Azores?

Summer has the best weather and many US tourists find it a great stop along the way to Europe, in order to ease the ‘jet lag’ transition. However, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F), even in the worst of winter, so it is pleasant even in winter. The water is warm enough to swim in through most of the year, and a place like Port Delgado is warm and relatively dry throughout the year.
 

What to pack for a holiday in Azores

The Azores dress code is very casual, so pack light clothing and a few warmer items in winter. Take a few T-shirts and long sleeved shirts for cooler evenings, shorts, light dresses and skirts, as well as some synthetic trousers for exploring the elevated regions. Pack a few warm tops or jerseys for cool evenings and always carry a light raincoat or umbrella for unexpected showers. Take sandals, trainers and walking shoes for casual activity and adventurers need to pack hiking shoes or boots, with some extra layers.
 

Weather in Azores in January 

Average temperatures in Azores in January: 11°C to 17°C (52°F to 63°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in January: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in January: 90mm to 180mm (3.5in and 7.1in)
Events: Enjoy the New Year’s Day celebrations and ease into the New Year on a holiday in Azores. 

Weather in Azores in February 

Average temperatures in Azores in February: 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in February: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in February: 80mm to 160mm (3.1in to 6.3in)
Events: Enjoy a Valentine’s day on an island getaway in Azores.

Weather in Azores in March 

Average temperatures in Azores in March: 11°C to 17°C (52°F to 63°F)

Average sea temperature in Azores in March: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)

Average rainfall in Azores in March: 80mm to 160mm (3.1in to 6.3in)

Weather in Azores in April 

Average temperatures in Azores in April: 11°C to 18C (52°F to 64°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in April: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in April: 65mm  to 108mm (2.6in to 4.3in)
Events: Easter celebrations are major occasions in this Catholic country. 

Weather in Azores in May 

Average temperatures in Azores in May: 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 68°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in May: 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in May: 40mm to 80mm (1.6in to 3.1in)
Notes: This is a good time to go to Azores and then move on for a summer holiday in Portugal.
Events: Holy Ghost Festival is uniquely celebrated on different islands and the Lord Holy Christ of the Miracles festival is one of the biggest religious festivals in Azores. 

Weather in Azores in June 

Average temperatures in Azores in June: 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in June: 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 68°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in June: 20mm to 70mm (0.8 to 2.8in)
Notes: A great month for a budget holiday in Azores.
Events: The exciting SATA Rally is on São Miguel, while the more relaxed Cavalhadas, or St. Peter’s Cavalcades, is a grand procession on horseback, set in Ribeira Grande and Ribeira Seca.

Weather in Azores in July 

Average temperatures in Azores in July: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in July: 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in July: 30mm to 60mm (1.2in to 2.4in)
Notes: One of the best months to go for a summer holiday in Azores
Events: The Calheta Summer Festival is always a festive event and the Festa do Chicharro started in 2004 and still remains a popular festival in Azores today. 

Weather in Azores in August 

Average temperatures in Azores in August: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in August: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in August: 40mm to 80mm (1.6in to 3.1in)
Notes: This is the hottest month of the year and is the best time for outdoor activities in Azores.
Events: The Festival of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (The White Island Festival) celebrating the miracles of Jesus Christ, with street processions and a number of musical events. The International Folk Lore Festival of Azores celebrates world cultures with dance and music performances in Terceira. 

Weather in Azores in September 

Average temperatures in Azores in September: 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in September: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in September: 70mm to 110mm (2.8in to 4.3in)
Notes: This is a great month for a late summer holiday in Azores.
Events: The best surfers from across the globe come to the SATA Airlines Azores Pro in São Miguel and the Canyoning International Meeting is an adventurers dream on São Jorge Island. 

Weather in Azores in October 

Average temperatures in Azores in October: 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in October: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in October: 70mm to 120mm (2.8in to 4.7in)
Events: One of the few secular festivals in Azores, the Angra Jazz Festival hosts some of the region’s best artists and is a great place to escape the beginning of the rainy season. 

Weather in Azores in November 

Average temperatures in Azores in November: 13°C to 18°C (55°F to 64°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in November: 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 68°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in November: 120mm to 170mm (4.7in to 6.7in)
Notes: This is the rainy season in Azores and the wettest month on the calendar.
Events: The Ramo Grande festival is a world music festival that brings international flavour to the Azores archipelago. 

Weather in Azores in December 

Average temperatures in Azores in December: 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F)
Average sea temperature in Azores in December: 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F)
Average rainfall in Azores in December: 90mm to 160mm (3.5in to 6.3in)
Events: Christmas celebrations will be festive during this time of year, so enjoy the local Christmas spirit.