Climate

The meteorological conditions in the Azores are influenced by the position, orientation, development and intensity of the Azores Anticyclone, which controls the atmospheric circulation in this region of the globe.

The climate of the archipelago is characterized by high levels of air humidity, thermal amenity, low rates of insulation, regular and abundant rainfalls and by strong winds.

The four seasons of the year, which are typical of temperate climates, are distinctive, so the winters are rainy and the summers are mild and sunnier than the rest of the year. The average temperatures are approximately 13ºC in winter and 24ºC in summer.

The occurrence of snow happens only in the higher areas, frequently on Pico Mountain. In some places of the diverse islands there are microclimates, generally tropical to subtropical.

Fonte: E.M.V. Brito de Azevedo, M.C. Rodrigues e J.F. Fernandes in Forjaz, et al. (2004). Atlas Básico dos Açores, OVGA, Ponta Delgada.