The Azores (one of the archipelagos in Portugal) is located to the west of Portugal in the middle of the North Atlantic. It comprises of nine volcanic islands with an indescribably beautiful and pristine landscape. Due to its location, The Azores weather condition is slightly different from that of mainland Portugal. The Azores enjoys a mild climate (subtropical) throughout the year with a distinct possibility of rainfall at any time of the year and high levels of humidity. Also, the coldest and hottest temperatures in The Azores are generally milder than mainland Portugal and rarely uncomfortable.
The Azores weather for the year
Generally, the Azores weather average temperature ranges between 13°C (55°F) and 22°C (72°F) throughout the whole year.
How warm does it get in the Azores?
Azores weather in July, August and September (summer)
Summer in the Azores is from July to September. Rainfall in this period is generally low, but it’s still historically unpredictable, the temperature is usually in the mid-20s and generally never goes below 18°C (64°F). There is also more sunshine per day which is on average about seven hours a day. You can also expect a few stormy days in the summer.
What to do in the Azores in the summer
If you happen to visit the Azores in August (more like the end of August), make it a date to attend the Mare de Agosto Festival (website is mostly in Portuguese) on the Santa Maria Island which takes place on Praia Formosa. It is a famous festival that attracts some big music stars from Portugal and other parts of the world. There are also many cultural activities and general merry-making that happen during the three days of the festival. The summer in the Azores is also a great time for many outdoor activities like:
- Hiking;
- Swimming;
- Horseback riding;
- Fishing;
- Biking;
- Canoeing; and
- Sunbathing.
Get all the best tips and advice for visiting Portugal by subscribing to our newsletter.
Azores weather in October and November (autumn)
The Azores weather between October to November is usually characterised with warmth during the day and cooler night times. With daily average temperatures ranging between 18°C (64°F) to 21°C (70°F). In the autumn season in the Azores, you should expect an increase in rainfall, long cloudy days and less sunshine per day.
What to do in the Azores in autumn
In October and November in the Azores, the crowd of tourists and visitors are gradually fizzling out and accommodation prices become more affordable making it an ideal time for budget travellers to visit and still enjoy relatively good weather and engage in some outdoor activities. Check out what the weather is like in mainland Portugal here.
Azores weather in December, January, February and March (winter)
The winter season in the Azores starts in December and goes on until March. It is quite dreary, but has mild temperatures when compared to the other regions of Portugal. There is also a lot of rainfall during the winter months with about 20 rainy days in a month, especially in December and January. The average temperature during the winter season on the islands rarely goes below 10°C (50°F) and as high as 16°C (61°F). Sunshine in this season is also very minimal with most days getting only three hours of sun per day. You should also know that snow is a very rare occurrence in the Azores.
What to do in the Azores in the winter
Though this is the off-peak season coupled with the somewhat gloomy weather on the island, there are still many activities you can do. You can explore the culinary scene of the islands which made from local ingredients and do a few outdoor activities if the weather permits.
Looking for more information about visiting the Azores? Read: The Azores: Flights, Hotels and Everything You Need to Visit the Islands
Azores weather in April, May and June (spring)
From April to June, the weather conditions gradually get warmer and sunshine hours per day are on the increase still with a possibility of rainfall. As the spring months go by, rainfall drops and the temperature continues to get warm to usher in the summer.
What to do in the Azores in the spring
On the São Miguel Island, you can join in the largest religious festival in the Azores: Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagresâ (website is in Portuguese) which is celebrated in the city of Ponta Delgada and usually involves mini-fairs and lots of merriment. This event is held sometimes in April or May and it usually depends on when the Easter season ends. Also, between April and May, you can go whale and dolphin watching. If you get in early, you can book a tour with Get Your Guide to go whale watching from only €50 per person. These tours are very popular and the guides are really friendly and helpful This is a must if you go to the Azores this year.
In the last week of June on Pico Island, you can enjoy some festivities with the locals as there are lots of music concerts, cultural activities and exhibitions that take place on the island which attracts different people from Portugal and other parts of the globe. In general, the weather conditions described above is particular to the coastal and low-lying areas of the Azores in cities like Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. You should know that the western areas of the Azores, especially Flores Island and Corvo Island, are much wetter than eastern regions especially from between December to March.
Azores weather average temperatures and rainy days
| Month | Minimum temperature | Maximum temperature | Rainy days |
| January | 11°C (52°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 16 |
| February | 10°C (50°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 14 |
| March | 11°C (52°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 15 |
| April | 11°C (52°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 11 |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 8 |
| July | 16°C (61°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 6 |
| August | 17°C (63°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 8 |
| September | 17°C (63°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 |
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 13 |
| November | 13°C (55°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 |
| December | 12°C (54°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 |
To get accurate and up to date weather forecast about the Azores weather, you can check BBC Weather Azores. Azores weather over the next seven days: AZORES WEATHER
Why you should visit the Azores
The Azores has become a popular destination because of its awesome landscape, lush green vegetation and lovely all year-round weather. It is a great destination for walking and hiking vacations as well as seeing unspoiled nature. The Azores as a destination is quite popular amongst the Canadians and Americans due to its strategic location in the Atlantic as it takes just four hours to get to the Azores from New York or Boston. Also, a plane flight from Lisbon to the Azores is just a little over two hours.
What is the best month to visit the Azores?
The best month to visit the Azores is between June and August, the temperature is usually pleasant as the heat is not unbearable and there is less likelihood of rainfall. In general, the Azores is a place you can visit any time of the year because of its mild climate. Also, there are events and festivals that happen at different times of the year, so you may decide to visit during the festivals to celebrate with the locals. I would say the best time to visit the Azores depends on your interests and the experience you intend to have. You can check the event calendar for the Azores here. In all, when you visit the Azores, be prepared for unpredictable weather as it is common to have some sunshine, cloudy grey skies, strong winds and rainfall all in one day. Have you ever though about living on an island paradise? If so, read: Living in the Azores.Did you want to know anything else about the weather in the Azores? Ask us below.
