Azores weather in January

January days are mild. Average highs sit around 17 °C. Ponta Delgada's average high is 8.5 °C below August's. It is also 0.8 °C below December's. February's average high is only 0.1 °C lower again.

Average night lows across these stations sit near 12 to 13 °C. I’d pack a warm layer for evenings. The difference between the seven stations' average highs is just 1.3 °C. I’d give rainfall more weight when choosing an island.

January brings frequent rain, though Ponta Delgada is drier than December. Its monthly total falls by about one third. It still gets almost four times July's rainfall. January averages 13 days with at least 1 mm. That includes 3.2 days with 10 mm or more.

These counts measure daily rainfall totals. They do not tell you how many hours rain lasts. Rainfall increases with altitude in the Azores. Check the forecast before choosing a walk. Keep the order of outdoor days flexible.

Graciosa has the table's lowest January rainfall. Santa Maria comes next. Flores Airport has the highest total. It gets almost two and a half times Graciosa's rainfall. Ponta Delgada, Angra and Horta have similar totals.

These records describe individual stations. Their reference periods differ. They do not compare exactly the same years. Santa Maria's January is wetter than its December. Graciosa's is drier. I’d still plan for rain on either island.

You can bathe in thermal pools in January. I’d keep sea swimming optional. Terra Nostra in Furnas has thermal water at 38 to 42 °C. Day visitors can enter from 10:30 to 16:00. The park closes at 16:30.

The bathing boat to Vila Franca Islet does not run in January. Its 2026 season ended on 11 October. Leave that swim for the bathing season.

January suits short walks between wet spells. Add thermal baths in Furnas. Choose each walk using the trail status page. We refresh the regional alerts twice a day. Check the forecast before setting out. Leave enough daylight to finish.

Futurismo runs whale watching from Ponta Delgada throughout the year. It cancels trips when conditions are unsafe. I’d book near the start of your stay. That leaves room for another date.

Pack a waterproof jacket and walking shoes with good grip. Add layers you can remove during a walk. I’d bring long trousers. Pack a warm top for evenings. Keep spare socks dry in your bag.

Bring a dark swimsuit for the thermal pools. The iron in Terra Nostra's water can stain pale fabric. Rinse your swimsuit before it dries. Pack a towel and dry clothes for after bathing.