Contrary to expectations, the Azores are not bathed in constant sunshine. This popular misconception presumably arises from association with the ‘Azores Anti-Cyclone‘ that the British public hears mentioned in meteorological reports, as it usually means fine weather for us. In fact, the islands lie in the path of all the storms and depressions that have threatened transatlantic sailors from Columbus to Claire Francis.
But the climate is very mild, temperatures seldom falling below 13°C (55°F) in January or raising much above 25°C (77°F) in August. The wettest months are between October and March, though even in summer a sudden squall can catch you without an umbrella.
Winds are often very fresh (ideal for the sailor) though similarly tend to be strongest in winter. The main winds are in winter, SW, NW and W, and in summer E and NE. In winter there are often violent storms, coming from the famous “Azores depression“, making navigation dangerous in the area and causing considerable damage.
Sea temperatures, however, are delicious, a relatively constant 16-23°C (61-73°F) all year round.
