The weather in the Azores in November is still much better than in many places on mainland Europe or in North America. We get relatively warm days here in the middle of the Atlantic for the last month of fall.
There are many advantages of coming to the Azores islands in November, and we will reveal all of them, what you need to bring, and what to do at this time of year.
If you are planning to come here during this season, then follow along for our best tips about traveling to the Azores in November and how to have a great stay with the November weather.
How is the Weather in the Azores in November
Here in the Azores, we always say that we have 4 seasons in a day, and it cannot be more obvious than in November. You can have sunny and warm days, but some rain showers during the same day and even strong wind.
Although it doesn’t snow here, there is quite a lot of rain. In November, there will be about 17 days of rain for up to 133 mm of precipitation. This is the second-wettest month of the year after January for the average rainfall. Humidity rates are high as well.
The weather in the Azores in November can be more unstable, with some wind and rain and even a risk of storms. Usually, the first days of the month are better. The famous St. Martin’s Summer occurs between November 11 and November 20, with warm and mostly sunny days.
In November, you will enjoy about 6 hours of sunshine per day, but it can also be quite foggy, mostly at the viewpoints that are at higher altitudes. Keep in mind that some islands might be sunnier or dryer than the biggest island of São Miguel. For instance, Santa Maria is known as the island of the sun.
Air Temperatures
In November in the Azores, air temperatures started to drop a little, but it was still warmer than in mainland Portugal or other European countries. Temperatures would be around 18 °C to 22 °C (71.6 °F to 73 °F). At night, those can lower to 15 °C (59 °F). This is still slightly warmer than during the wintertime.
Water Temperatures
The ocean around the Azores islands in November will be around 20 °C (68 °F), which is still good to go for a swim if the sea conditions are good. This is much warmer than during the winter and springtime, when water can go as low as 16 °C (60.8 °F). Many locals swim all year round at the natural pools and beaches.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
The first day of November will be longer than the last as we approach winter solstice. This means that the sun will rise earlier and set later at the beginning of the month. Indeed, on November 1st, the sun rises at 7:08 am and sets at 5:43 pm, while on November 30th, it rises at 7:38 am and sets at 5:24 pm.
Nature in the Azores in November
All the Azores islands are lush green all year round, even in November. You can see many pastures, small forests, trees, and vegetation growing everywhere, including on volcanic slopes and coastal cliffs. In terms of flowers, in November, you might see the famous birds of paradise, the purple morning glory, some red-hot pokers, and a few last hydrangeas survivors along the roadside.
What to Do in the Azores in November
There are plenty of things to do on the nine islands, even if you come in November. You can still enjoy the outdoors or go to many events indoors.
Try All the Hot Springs of São Miguel Island
The best feeling on a rainy or foggy day is to go to one of the hot springs of São Miguel island, the only island that has natural hot springs. Try Furnas with Poça da Dona Beija for a relaxing and romantic experience at night, or Terra Nostra Park for a swim surrounded by the most amazing botanical garden.
There is also Caldeiras, a private little garden with some warm pools, or Caldeira Velha, the hot waterfall in the lush jungle. Finally, Ponta da Ferraria offers a magical moment, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean warmed by volcanic activity and surrounded by dry lava rocks. This natural phenomenon can also be observed at Ribeira Quente beach.
Have a Surf Lesson
The wind in November is ideal for surfing the waves. If you are not a pro, then take a lesson at one of the surf clubs around. On the south coast of São Miguel, it is possible to take lessons at one of the beaches near Ponta Delgada, like Mosteiros Beach, Milícias Beach & Pópulo Beach.
Alternatively, on the north coast of São Miguel, at Santa Barbara Beach, Ribeira Grande. Other islands like São Jorge are also quite renowned for the surf, namely at Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo.
Did you know
Not a fan of surfing? People still go swimming in November. The water temperature is comfortable at this time of year.
Local Events in the Azores in November
In November, there are no more summer festivals, but there are still plenty of things to do.
Every year, at the end of October and the beginning of November, hundreds of Cory’s shearwaters fall on the ground before successfully migrating to Brazil due to light pollution. Rescues are organized every night for a month to save them and safely send them from the water.
São Martinho is a popular event every year on November 11th when we drink red wine and eat roasted chestnuts. You can find them everywhere. Moreover, as Christmas is approaching, the lights are being inaugurated in most cities and towns.
Make sure to check the program from theaters as well as the coliseum for concerts and plays. They are on all year round.
What to Wear in the Azores in November
Some days in November, you can wear shorts and a T-shirt, but on other days, a good sweater and a pair of comfy pants are necessary. So you need to come prepared and pack different kinds of outfits.
→ One thing is for sure: you will definitely need a rain jacket, even if your weather forecast announces beautiful sunny days. Moreover, make sure to bring your swimsuit to hot springs or the beach.
Complementary Information
How to Get to the Azores
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores Airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
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Conclusion
The Azores islands are beautiful any time of the year. There are flowers all year round, lush vegetation, and stable and moderate temperatures. Each season is different and has advantages as well as disadvantages. You will have different kinds of events in each season.
November is a good month to visit the Azores because there are not so many travelers, so all the tourist spots won’t have crowds. There is also no need to book restaurants and activities a long time ahead. Plus, you will find good deals on plane tickets, hotels, and rental cars. It can be up to half the price in comparison to the summer.
Let’s say that November is not the greatest month of all in terms of weather conditions, but it is also not the worst. However, it is a big advantage to visit at that time of year because it is off-season.
May you come in November or any other time? The natural beauty of our islands will always blow you away. Welcome to paradise!
