Last updated: January 18, 2025
The Azores, Portugal, showcase a distinct climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Csb, Cfb, and Csa. This archipelago experiences a temperate maritime climate, with a minimum temperature dipping to 7°C (46°F) in February, escalating to an average of 18°C (65°F) throughout the year, and peaking at a warm 28°C (82°F) in August. These variations in temperature contribute to the islands' lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, making the Azores a unique destination for climate enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
In the Azores, Portugal, the temperature exhibits distinct seasonal patterns that contribute to its temperate maritime climate. The year begins with cool winter months, where January and February showcase minimum temperatures around 7°C (46°F) to 9°C (49°F), gradually warming to an average of 15°C (59°F) in February. As spring emerges, temperatures start to climb, with March and April seeing averages of 15°C (59°F) and reaching highs of 20°C (68°F) by late April. The arrival of summer brings more warmth, with July and August experiencing averages of 21°C (70°F) and 22°C (72°F), peaking at a maximum of 28°C (82°F) in August. Autumn sees a gradual cooling, with September maintaining pleasant averages of 22°C (71°F) before dropping to 14°C (57°F) in October. Overall, the Azores’ climate offers a mild and inviting temperature profile, marked by a seamless transition from the cooler winter months to the warm summers, making it an appealing destination year-round.
Ponta Delgada and Sete Cidades experience a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) in February, peaking at 24°C (76°F) in September. In Horta, the temperatures are slightly cooler, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) in February and a maximum of 25°C (77°F) in September. For more details, visit the respective climate links: monthly temperatures in Ponta Delgada, monthly temperatures in Horta, and monthly temperatures in Sete Cidades.
The Azores, Portugal, is characterized by a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, particularly during the late autumn and winter months. January begins with 79 mm (3.1 in) of rainfall, which increases to 87 mm (3.4 in) in February. This trend continues into the fall, with October receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) and November peaking at 109 mm (4.3 in), and December further escalating to 121 mm (4.8 in). Interestingly, while the precipitation varies, these months typically see about 12 to 13 days of rain, indicating that while the Azores are wet, rainfall may not dominate daily weather.
As the year progresses into spring and summer, precipitation levels decline significantly. March experiences 59 mm (2.3 in) of rainfall over about 10 days, while by June, this reduces to just 41 mm (1.6 in) across 7 days, culminating in the driest month of July with only 23 mm (0.9 in) over 4 days. August sees a slight uptick in rainfall, reaching 50 mm (2.0 in), but averages remain relatively low. The seasonal shift highlights the Azores' unique climate, where lush vegetation thrives in the wet months, and the drier summer months offer a respite from the typically humid island weather.
Sunshine duration in the Azores, Portugal, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, characterized by a steady increase from winter through summer. January starts with 151 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises to 204 hours in February and reaches 267 hours in March. This upward trend continues, peaking in the summer months as May records 337 hours and June further increases to 357 hours. July stands out as the sunniest month, boasting 384 hours of bright conditions, while August slightly declines to 362 hours but remains robust. This pattern highlights the Azores' inviting summer climate, making it an ideal destination for sun seekers.
As the year transitions into autumn, sunshine hours begin to taper off, reflecting the shift in weather conditions. September offers a respectable 321 hours, but sun exposure diminishes notably as October provides 272 hours and November drops to 214 hours. By December, the islands experience 202 hours of sunshine, signaling the return of shorter, more overcast days. Despite the decrease in sunlight during the latter part of the year, the overall annual sunshine duration showcases the Azores' unique charm, allowing visitors to enjoy a balance of sunny days interspersed with the region's rich rainfall and lush landscapes.
In the Azores, Portugal, the UV Index reflects significant variations throughout the year, indicating changes in sun intensity and potential skin exposure risk. The year begins with a moderate UV Index of 3 in January, allowing for a safer sun exposure time of approximately 30 minutes. As the seasons progress into late winter and spring, the UV Index notably rises; February sees an increase to 5, and by March, it reaches 7, categorizing the exposure as high with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. April marks a pivotal point with a very high UV Index of 9, which intensifies to 10 in May as summer approaches, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these months.
Entering the summer season, the UV Index peaks at 11 in June, indicating extreme solar intensity, with a dangerously low burn time of just 10 minutes. July and August maintain a very high level of 10, with a burn time of 15 minutes, underscoring the importance of sun safety measures. As autumn arrives, the UV Index falls gradually, with September at 9 and October lowering to 7, where burn time extends to 25 minutes. The year wraps up with a return to moderate values in November and December, featuring an UV Index of 5 and 3, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times without immediate risk of sunburn. Overall, understanding the UV Index trends in the Azores is essential for managing sun exposure and ensuring safety during outdoor activities year-round.
UV Risk Categories
In the Azores, Portugal, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, with significant variations throughout the year. The year begins in January with approximately 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February and continuing to extend as spring approaches. By March, daylight lasts 11 hours, and this trend accelerates through April, where it reaches 13 hours. The elevation in daylight hours peaks during the summer months, with both May and June offering 14 hours of sunlight per day, providing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to taper off, with July also maintaining 14 hours, but August marks the beginning of the decline with 13 hours. The reduction continues into September at 12 hours and October at 11 hours, signaling the approaching winter. By November, daylight shortens to 10 hours and returns to 9 hours in December. This cyclical pattern not only accentuates the Azores' diverse climatic conditions but also enhances the region's enchanting landscapes, ensuring a unique experience for visitors and locals alike throughout the year.
Agua de Pau, Portugal, experiences a mild maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 9°C (48°F) in February to a high of 27°C (80°F) in August. Precipitation is most abundant in the winter months, peaking at 129 mm (5.1 in) in December, while summer sees significantly less rain, particularly in July with only 23 mm (0.9 in). The region enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in July and August, with approximately 385 and 365 hours, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Agua de Pau climate.
Angra do Heroismo, located in Portugal's Azores, enjoys a mild maritime climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in winter to a maximum of 24°C (76°F) in summer. The warmest months are July and August, while January and February tend to be cooler and wetter, averaging around 78 mm and 77 mm of rainfall, respectively. Sunshine hours peak in July, boasting 380 hours, providing residents and visitors with plenty of sunny days. Meanwhile, late autumn and winter months see increased precipitation, with December receiving the highest at 121 mm. For a deeper understanding of weather patterns, visit Angra do Heroismo climate.
Cais do Pico, Portugal, enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by warm summers and moderate winters. January temperatures range from 11°C to 19°C, while July sees highs of 24°C. Precipitation is prominent in the winter months, peaking at 137 mm in November, whereas July is the driest month with only 24 mm. Sunshine hours are ample from May to August, with July enjoying the most at 390 hours. For more detailed information, visit Cais do Pico climate.
Calheta, Portugal, enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a low of 11°C (53°F) in January to a high of 22°C (72°F) in the summer months. Rainfall varies, with December and November being the wettest months, receiving 123 mm (4.8 in) and 135 mm (5.3 in) respectively, while July has the least precipitation at just 23 mm (0.9 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly during the summer, with July boasting up to 390 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Calheta climate.
Furnas, Portugal, experiences a mild maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures and varied precipitation throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 14°C (58°F) in February to 23°C (73°F) in August, with maximum summer temperatures reaching up to 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is heaviest in October (92 mm), while summer months like July see significantly less precipitation (25 mm). Sunshine hours peak in July with 379 hours, offering plentiful daylight during the warmer months. For more detailed information, visit Furnas climate.
Horta, Portugal enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 12°C (53°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in August, while precipitation is highest in November, reaching 124 mm (4.9 in) annually. The sunniest months are June and July, boasting over 380 hours of sunshine, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. For more details on Horta's weather patterns, visit Horta climate.
Lagoa, Portugal boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (58°F) in winter to 22°C (72°F) in summer. The warmest months are July and August, with maximum temperatures reaching around 27°C (80°F). Rainfall is more frequent in the winter months, particularly in October (109 mm) and December (129 mm), while summer months generally see lower precipitation. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, especially in July and August, with annual totals peaking at around 385 hours. For more detailed information, visit the Lagoa climate.
Madalena, Portugal, enjoys a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from a low of 9°C (48°F) in February to a high of 24°C (75°F) in July and August. The region experiences higher precipitation from November to January, peaking at 130 mm (5.1 in) in November, while the driest months are July and August. Sunshine is abundant in the summer, with July boasting around 390 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Madalena climate.
Mosteiros, Portugal, enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in winter months to around 22°C (72°F) in the summer, with July and August being the warmest. Precipitation is highest in the late fall and winter, peaking in December at 109 mm (4.3 in), while summers are relatively dry. Sunlight is abundant, especially from May to July, where average hours exceed 350 per month. For more detailed information, visit Mosteiros climate.
Ponta Delgada, Portugal, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures year-round. January sees minimum temperatures around 12°C (53°F), rising to a warm 24°C (76°F) in August. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest months being October (123 mm) and December (141 mm), while July enjoys the least rainfall (18 mm). The region boasts ample sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July and August averaging around 385 and 365 hours of sunlight, respectively. For more details, visit Ponta Delgada climate.
Praia da Vitoria, Portugal experiences a mild maritime climate with warm summers and moderate winters. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in winter to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) in summer, with the warmest months being July and August. Precipitation is highest in late fall and winter, particularly November and December, while the summer months see significantly less rain. Sunshine hours peak in the summer, with July enjoying around 380 hours. For more detailed information, visit Praia da Vitoria climate.
Ribeira Grande, Portugal experiences a mild maritime climate with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (53°F) in January to 22°C (73°F) in August. The summer months of June to September are the warmest, while the winter months see cooler temperatures and increased precipitation, particularly in November. Rainfall peaks in January and November, with January receiving around 90 mm (3.6 in) and November 124 mm (4.9 in). Sunshine hours are abundant in the summer, with July enjoying the highest at 388 hours. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Ribeira Grande climate.
Santa Barbara, Portugal, boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 22°C (72°F) in summer. Rainfall is most prevalent in the winter months, particularly in December when it can reach up to 121 mm (4.8 in), while precipitation significantly decreases during the dry summer months. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with around 380 hours. This pleasant climate makes Santa Barbara an inviting destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Santa Barbara climate.
Santo Antao, Portugal experiences a mild climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in February and March to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) during the summer months of July and August. The island sees the most precipitation in November (123 mm) and December (116 mm), while July is the driest month with only 19 mm. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with 386 hours, providing ample bright days throughout the year. This combination of temperatures and sunshine makes it a pleasant destination for outdoor activities. For more details, visit Santo Antao climate.
Sao Sebastiao, Portugal, experiences a mild maritime climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in winter to a maximum of 24°C (76°F) in summer. Rainfall is heaviest in November and December, with averages of 106 mm and 122 mm, respectively, while July and August are the driest months, receiving only 20 mm and 45 mm. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 380 hours, and maintains a pleasant average of 336 hours in May. For more details on the climate, visit Sao Sebastiao climate.
Sao Vicente, Portugal enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and cooler winters. Average temperatures range from 12°C (53°F) in January to 24°C (76°F) in August, while precipitation is higher in the winter months, peaking in October at 123 mm (4.8 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in summer, with July recording up to 385 hours of sun. For more details on the climate patterns, visit Sao Vicente climate.
Senhora do Rosario, Portugal, enjoys a mild maritime climate with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (58°F) in winter to 23°C (73°F) in summer. The warmest months are July and August, featuring highs up to 28°C (82°F). Precipitation is heaviest from October to April, with December recording the highest at 109 mm (4.3 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer, with July boasting approximately 379 hours of sun. For more details, visit Senhora do Rosario climate.
Sete Cidades, Portugal, enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures and varied precipitation throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in winter months to 22°C (72°F) in summer, with peaks reaching up to 24°C (76°F) in August. Rainfall is significant, particularly in the late autumn and winter, with October recording the highest average at 123 mm (4.8 in). Meanwhile, sunshine hours are ample, especially in the summer, peaking at 385 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Sete Cidades climate.
Velas, Portugal, enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round. January sees minimum temperatures around 11°C (53°F), peaking at 19°C (66°F), while July and August are the warmest months with averages reaching 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is highest in November at 122 mm (4.8 in), contributing to a verdant landscape, while summer months are relatively dry with July experiencing just 28 mm (1.1 in) of rainfall. The region benefits from abundant sunshine, particularly in July with 385 hours. For more details, visit Velas climate.
Vila Franca do Campo in Portugal experiences a mild maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures and consistent precipitation throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 14°C (58°F) in winter months to 22°C (72°F) in summer, with July and August being the warmest months. Rainfall peaks in October and December, averaging 109 mm (4.3 in) and 129 mm (5.1 in), respectively, while the summer months of June and July see significantly less precipitation. The area enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in July and August, with around 385 and 365 hours of sunlight, making it a favorable destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Vila Franca do Campo climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental conditions of the Azores, Portugal, present a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours throughout the year. With its mild maritime climate, the islands offer a welcoming atmosphere that shifts from the cooler, wetter winter months to the warm and sunlit summers, fostering diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Understanding the seasonal variations in weather patterns and sunlight exposure not only enriches the visitor experience but also highlights the importance of sustainable practices and sun safety. As the Azores continue to enchant travelers with their breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, awareness of the climate dynamics remains essential for appreciating the unique beauty and ecological significance of this remarkable archipelago.