Azores Weather by Month: Temperatures & Rain
Maritime subtropical climate
Azores Weather by Month
The Azores have mild temperatures year-round, but cloud, wind, rain and visibility can change quickly within the same day and from one island to another.
The monthly figures below are approximate Ponta Delgada-area planning averages rather than a forecast for every island, coast or elevation.
Ponta Delgada planning averages
January Through March
January
Mean: 15.1°C (59°F)
Low: 12.7°C (55°F)
High: 17.5°C (64°F)
Sunshine: 3.1 hours/day
Rainfall: 13.0 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 16.1°C (61°F)
February
Mean: 14.8°C (59°F)
Low: 12.1°C (54°F)
High: 17.4°C (63°F)
Sunshine: 3.6 hours/day
Rainfall: 10.8 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 15.5°C (60°F)
March
Mean: 15.2°C (59°F)
Low: 12.6°C (55°F)
High: 17.9°C (64°F)
Sunshine: 3.9 hours/day
Rainfall: 11.7 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 15.4°C (60°F)
Spring conditions
April Through June
April
Mean: 16.0°C (61°F)
Low: 13.3°C (56°F)
High: 18.8°C (66°F)
Sunshine: 4.7 hours/day
Rainfall: 10.2 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 15.8°C (60°F)
May
Mean: 17.4°C (63°F)
Low: 14.6°C (58°F)
High: 20.2°C (68°F)
Sunshine: 5.6 hours/day
Rainfall: 8.7 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 16.7°C (62°F)
June
Mean: 19.6°C (67°F)
Low: 16.8°C (62°F)
High: 22.4°C (72°F)
Sunshine: 5.4 hours/day
Rainfall: 6.6 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 18.3°C (65°F)
Warmest period
July Through September
July
Mean: 21.8°C (71°F)
Low: 18.9°C (66°F)
High: 24.7°C (76°F)
Sunshine: 6.7 hours/day
Rainfall: 4.8 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 20.4°C (69°F)
August
Mean: 23.0°C (73°F)
Low: 19.9°C (68°F)
High: 26.0°C (79°F)
Sunshine: 6.9 hours/day
Rainfall: 6.5 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 21.9°C (71°F)
September
Mean: 22.1°C (72°F)
Low: 19.1°C (66°F)
High: 25.0°C (77°F)
Sunshine: 5.8 hours/day
Rainfall: 9.4 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 21.7°C (71°F)
Cooler and wetter
October Through December
October
Mean: 19.8°C (68°F)
Low: 17.1°C (63°F)
High: 22.6°C (73°F)
Sunshine: 4.6 hours/day
Rainfall: 13.7 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 20.3°C (69°F)
November
Mean: 17.4°C (63°F)
Low: 14.9°C (59°F)
High: 19.9°C (68°F)
Sunshine: 3.6 hours/day
Rainfall: 11.8 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 18.5°C (65°F)
December
Mean: 15.9°C (61°F)
Low: 13.4°C (56°F)
High: 18.3°C (65°F)
Sunshine: 3.0 hours/day
Rainfall: 15.0 days (≥1 mm)
Ocean: 17.0°C (63°F)
Historical figures and their definitions
Weather Data Sources
Air temperature and rainy days: IPMA Ponta Delgada / Observatório Afonso Chaves, station 513, climate normals 1991–2020. Means, average daily highs and lows are air temperatures at this coastal station. Rainy days are historical monthly averages of days with at least 1 mm of precipitation; decimal values do not indicate fractions of individual days in a forecast.
Sunshine: Historical 1961–1990 Ponta Delgada monthly sunshine-hour series attributed to NOAA and reproduced in this climate reference. Hours per day are calculated from the historical monthly totals; this series is older than the IPMA temperature and rain series.
Ocean: Regional monthly average ocean temperatures published in the Azores tourism authority’s cruise brochure (2018), temperature chart. The brochure does not state its ocean averaging period. Fahrenheit values are recalculated from the Celsius column. Actual water temperatures vary by location and date.
These figures use different historical sources and periods and are intended for general trip planning, not for forecasting any particular day or representing every island or elevation.
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Microclimates in view
Why the Forecast Can Change Quickly
Pack for several conditions
Practical Azores Weather Tips
Use island-specific forecasts
Ponta Delgada averages do not describe Flores, Corvo, Santa Maria or high terrain on the same day.
Carry a light waterproof layer
Showers can arrive quickly even when the morning begins with blue sky.
Check live visibility
Crater lakes, mountain viewpoints and Pico climbs can be cloudy while the coast remains clear.
Protect sun and skin
Cloud does not eliminate ultraviolet exposure; carry sunscreen, a hat and water.
Respect sea conditions
Air temperature alone does not indicate safe swimming, boating or coastal-trail conditions.
Keep one flexible day
A weather buffer improves the chances of completing a signature hike, boat trip or viewpoint visit.
Travel helpful links
Build the Right Azores Itinerary
Questions travelers ask
Azores Weather FAQ
What is the warmest month in the Azores?
August is normally among the warmest months. IPMA’s 1991–2020 mean air temperature for Ponta Delgada is 23.0°C (73°F). Ocean temperatures vary by location and season.
Does it rain every day in the Azores?
No, but brief showers are possible in any season. Rainfall is generally more frequent in the cooler months, and conditions vary by island and elevation.
Can I swim year-round?
Some travelers do, but water temperature, swell, currents and supervision matter more than the calendar alone. Use designated bathing areas and local advice.
Why is a viewpoint cloudy when my hotel is sunny?
Volcanic relief creates sharp local differences. Moist Atlantic air can form cloud over ridges and crater rims while lower coastal areas remain clear.
What should I pack for Azores weather?
Bring layers, a compact waterproof jacket, sun protection, sturdy footwear and a dry bag or protective cover for electronics.
Which months have the calmest weather?
June through September often brings longer settled periods, but no month guarantees clear skies, calm seas or uninterrupted flights.
Ready to plan?
Turn the Practical Details Into One Trip
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