The Azores is a stunning archipelago worth a visit all year round due to its unique natural beauty and temperate weather. Although the weather in the Azores in December is not the greatest, visiting at that time of year represents plenty of advantages, as we will see in this complete guide.
Though December is part of the rainy season in the Azores, the weather remains mild in comparison to mainland Portugal. If you are well-prepared, there is nothing that can stop you from enjoying fantastic holidays in the Azores.
Beyond the weather, December offers plenty of activities to enjoy. This guide will provide insights into what to wear, what to do, and how to make the most of your December trip to the Azores.
How is the Weather in the Azores in December
In December in the Azores, there are approximately 15 days of rain on average throughout the month, with a total rainfall of about 165 mm (6.51 in). The humidity rate will range around 81%. December is one of the wettest months. However, there is no snow unless on top of Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal.
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Keep in mind that the beginning of the month is usually warmer, with brighter days than the end of the month. You will be able to enjoy around 4 hours of sunshine.
Moreover, there is a 50% chance of a windy day, although hurricane season is mainly during the months just before.
Air Temperatures
In December, the average air temperature in the Azores can be between 16 °C (ca. 61 °F) during the day and 11 °C (ca. 52 °F) at night. The minimum temperature during the day would be 12 °C (ca. 54 °F), and the maximum would be 19 °C (ca. 66 °F).
As you can see, the temperatures are still very comfortable for being outside and enjoying active adventures. In December, temperatures in most mainland Europe can easily be much lower than here.
Water Temperatures
In December, the water temperatures in the Azores reach 17 °C (ca. 63 °F). Many locals still enjoy swimming at the beaches and natural pools around the islands if the weather is good. If this is too cold for you, you can still wear a wetsuit to keep you warmer in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In December, in the Northern Hemisphere, days are getting shorter until December 21st, the Winter Solstice. In contrast, in the Azores, there was a bit more than 9 hours of daylight every day in December. Here in Ponta Delgada, the sun will rise on December 1st at 7:39 a.m. and set at 5:24 p.m., while on December 31st, it will increase at 7:57 a.m. and set at 5:34 p.m.
Nature in the Azores in December
The Azores have flowers all year round. Unfortunately, December is not the best time to see the famous hydrangeas, as they bloom in July and August. However, some small ones can withstand the cold and wind. What you can see is the bird of paradise, the morning glory, the red-hot pokers, and the flowering aloe veras.
What to Do in the Azores in December
Are you coming to the Azores in December? Let us tell you some things you can do during this magical month.
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 nighttime experience, or Terra Nostra Park for a swim surrounded by a wonderful 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.
Museums or City Tour
All nine islands, including the smallest island of Corvo, have at least one museum or interpretation center. There are so many things to learn about our volcanic islands, such as their fauna and flora, their culture and traditions, etc.
On São Miguel island, you could visit the Emigration Museum in Ribeira Grande or the Oficina Museu for some ethnology in Capelas. Moreover, there is the Volcanologic Observatory in Lagoa, the Tobacco Museum in Maia, and many more!
On Pico Island, the Whalers’ Museum is worth a visit. Faial Island has an incredible underground museum about Capelinhos volcanic eruption. On Terceira, you can find Angra’s museum, and on Flores Island, enter the whale’s factory.
Local Events in December
December is officially the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year — Christmas. Enjoy the light decorations on the streets of all towns and cities. In the main towns around the islands and the most significant cities, you will find Christmas markets filled with good food and drinks, handicrafts, and animations in the streets. They usually open on December 1st until December 24th.
On December 8, it is a national religious holiday called Immaculate Conception, and shops in Ponta Delgada use this day off to prepare for an exceptional event: Dia das Montras (literally the front window day), when they decorate their shops and people can vote for the most beautiful one.
On the last day of December, it’s New Year’s Eve! Many restaurants will offer a special menu, and there are plenty of parties to choose from, mainly in Ponta Delgada or Terceira Island. On the other islands, something will be organized as well, probably with a countdown to midnight and some fireworks.
→ Related articles: Public Holidays in the Azores | Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres
What to Wear in the Azores in December
If you are visiting the Azores in December, you do need to prepare for some rain. You will be fine as long as you bring a raincoat and waterproof outerwear to stay dry if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors. Moreover, although temperatures don’t drop much in the evening, make sure to bring an extra layer. For the hot springs, bring your swimming suit!
Best Time to Go to the Azores
Winters in the Azores’ archipelago are globally wet but with comfy temperatures. Another downside is the frequency of the flights to get there.
On the other hand, during this season, you will be sure to enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday, avoiding tourist crowds at the famous viewpoints and on the trails. You won’t need to book a restaurant a week in advance, unlike in the summer, and you will enjoy good travel deals for flights and hotels. Keep in mind that around Christmastime, it gets slightly busier.
In the summer, the weather is very nice for enjoying the ocean and the outdoors with beautiful hydrangeas everywhere, but it can get absolutely crowded, and the prices go up. The best season would be the shoulder season, from March to June and September to October, when you still have relatively good weather (although you have four seasons in a day) and fewer people.
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through 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!
Azorean Travel Essentials
Essential Information for Your Azores Trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
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.
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Conclusion
Visiting the Azores in December means avoiding the crowds, perfect for a serene escape. With more locals than tourists, you can have a more authentic experience than in the summer. With lush green landscapes, dramatic volcanic formations, and welcoming people, the Azores make for an unforgettable winter destination. So don’t be afraid of the weather in the Azores in December, and come enjoy what our extraordinary islands have to offer.
