The Azores is an archipelago that belongs to Portugal, comprising nine volcanic islands in mid North Atlantic.
It has a subtropical maritime climate with mild temperatures, high air humidity and rainfall distributed throughout the year, though summers bring less rain.
The weather is influenced by the Azores High. Its location, intensity and orientation strongly determine the islands’ specific conditions.
Seasonal Temperatures
The Azores’ climate is neither too hot nor too cold. In fact, due to the Atlantic Ocean’s moderating effect and the Gulf Stream, temperatures do not vary much. The difference between the average temperature in January (the coldest month) and August (the hottest month) is less than 8ºC (46ºF).
In winter, the average highs reach 17ºC (63ºF), while in summer they usually range between 22 – 26ºC (about 72 – 79ºF). The average lows vary between 15ºC (59ºF) in winter and 18ºC (64ºF) in summer.
Rainfall
October through January are the wettest months, while June through August are the driest ones. In summer, the chances of experiencing rain are slight, though it may be cloudy. In winter, you are likely to experience some sort of precipitation during your holiday.
Temperature and rainfall chart – Ponta Delgada, Azores
When to Go
The Azores is a year-round destination as temperatures remain mild even in winter. Actually, the islands have one of the warmest winters in Europe, and summers are never too hot. However, for outdoor activities such as hiking, it is best to choose the spring and summer months when the chances of experiencing rain and storms are slight, and the winds that brush across the islands become weaker.
To enjoy the flowers, spring might be the ideal time. To dive, however, the best time might be summer. In particular, September and October offer the best visibility conditions, and the sea temperature is 24ºC (75ºF) or higher.
