The general climate in the Azores Islands is very mild considering their degree of latitude (directly west of Lisbon, Portugal); the average air temperatures are governed by the water that surrounds them and the influence of the passing Gulf Stream. Daytime temperatures normally fluctuate between 14 °C (57 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) depending on the season. Temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) or below 7 °C (45 °F) are largely unknown, but due to the high level of humidity (70%-80%) it can feel hotter in the summer and colder in the winter.

São-Miguel-The-Green-Island-Azores-Weather.

The locals say that the Azores Islands have four seasons in one day and it’s always sunny / raining somewhere on the islands. But with such diverse weather patterns it’s no wonder they’re so green!

Air Temperature:

Weather in the Azores temperature table.

Azores - The best time to visit:

The best time to visit the Azores is late spring to early autumn (Fall), June-October, but the sunshine and warmth can often run into November. Saying that, October-April, (Low Season) can be the perfect time for hiking in cooler temperatures.

With every bit of sunshine there is always the chance of showers, so bring your waterproof jacket just in case! The climate here is mostly governed by the sea temperature which takes a little time to warm up but conversely takes it’s time to cool down, so we have warm air and sea temperatures right through September. If it turns a bit chilly you can always visit the volcanic hot springs in Furnas or Lagoa do Fogo to take the chill off and relax. They’re great all year round!

If you come in June, a dip in the ocean is a bit nippy but refreshing; leave it until September when the temperature can get up to 24ºC (75ºF) and you’ll enjoy a more pleasant experience as long as the surf isn’t too choppy! If 24ºC is still too chilly for you then a visit to the Ocean Hot Springs of Ferraria could be a good choice. Visit at low tide and the Sea Temperature is a respectable 28ªC.

Average Sea Temperatures:

Owing to the mixture of sunshine and rain here in the Azores you are always promised a lush green landscape that is great for hiking and exploring nature, and if you come in the summer months the rich volcanic soil and the mild climate provides the perfect environment for the hydrangeas that flourish here!

Average Rainfall:

The rainfall is below 800 millimetres (30 inches) per year on the island of Santa Maria (the south eastern most island); whereas it's above 900 mm (35 in) in São Miguel. Further west on the Island of Terceira it reaches or exceeds 1,000 mm (40 in) per year.

In the summer months, from June to August, rains is less likely, but showery rain still occurs for 5-7 days per month on average.

Here is the average rainfall (Days) for São Miguel Island.

During the period from October to April the skies are often cloudier and the days are generally a mixture of sunshine and rain. Here are the average sunshine hours per day in Ponta Delgada.

The Azores is not a sunshine baked, golden sandy beach location. What it is however is a group of 9 Islands, 900 miles from the coast of Portugal, with a lush green landscapes, and a whole host of walking trails through nature that slowly reveal breathtaking views over rugged coastlines, volcanic crater lakes and Hawaiian style waterfalls.

The mixture of sun and humidity provides a year round opportunity to explore in nature with flowers in bloom and cows in the fields.

Being surrounded by deep water there is also the chance to go whale watching, scuba dive or even swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. You could even sample the traditional Azorean Lunch of ‘Cozido’ (A meat and vegetable stew, slow cooked underground in a volcanic vent for 6 - 8 hours); Definitely not to be missed!

The Azores is fast becoming a well established ‘active holiday destination’ and for good reason. There are a vast array of activities to choose from all with a very high quality of trained guides, giving you the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline for your trip!

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