Azores - Weather

Azores Weather

The climate in the Azores is dominated by the mid-Atlantic area of high pressure which bears their name. The position of the Azores high varies with the season, being more northerly in the autumn and more southerly in the spring, usually lying to the S or SW of the islands. In winter the area can be stormy and very wet, while in the summer the Azores high can be stationary with prolonged periods of calm weather.

The sailing season in the Azores runs from June to mid-September with generally westerly winds in the first part of the summer moving to SW winds in the west in August and northerlies further east. If intending to remain in the Azores outside the summer months, be prepared for quick changes in weather conditions as North Atlantic depressions track southwards and the occasional post-tropical storm hits the islands.

Katabatic winds are common along the north coast of Pico, in the Canal de Sao Jorge and along the west coast of Flores. Fog is uncommon.

Weather Sources:

• The App “Hidrográfico +” for Android, iPhone and Huawei, offers access to oceanographic data and forecasts for the Portugal mainland, Azores and Madeira. Go to https://hidrografico.pt/destaque/68.
• Weather bulletins and navigation warnings in Portuguese and repeated (if time) in English on 2657 kHz at 0935 and 2135 UTC, and VHF Ch.11 at 0830/2000 LT [Sao Miguel, Santa Maria], 0900/2100 LT [Faial, Graciosa, Pico, Sao Jorge, Terceira], 1000/1900 LT [Flores, Corvo].
• A long-term weather forecast can be obtained from the Meteorological Observatory in Horta; it is best to do this through Horta Marina. A daily prognosis is also posted at the offices of the marina and the port authority.
• For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.