Azores weather in October
October in the Azores is mild and wet, with average daily highs around 21 to 23 °C at the seven stations. Keep outdoor plans flexible as rainfall rises from September.
By Roman Antonov · sources checked
October temperatures and rainfall
| Station | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rain | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Miguel Ponta Delgada · 1991–2020 | 23° | 17° | 118 mm | 14 |
| Terceira Angra do Heroísmo · 1991–2020 | 22° | 17° | 116 mm | 13 |
| Faial Horta · 1991–2020 | 22° | 17° | 132 mm | 14 |
| Flores Flores · 1981–2010 | 22° | 16° | 176 mm | 15 |
| Santa Maria Santa Maria Airport · 1971–1994 | 22° | 17° | 77 mm | · |
| Graciosa Santa Cruz da Graciosa · 1978–2000 | 22° | 16° | 90 mm | · |
| Corvo Corvo Airport · 1961–1981 | 21° | 17° | 110 mm | · |
These are IPMA climate averages; reference periods differ by station, as shown in the table. IPMA climate normals, Ponta Delgada. IPMA climate normals, Angra do Heroísmo. IPMA climate normals, Horta. IPMA climate normals, Flores airport. Wikipedia, citing IPMA normals for Santa Maria airport. Wikipedia, citing IPMA normals for Santa Cruz da Graciosa. Wikipedia, citing IPMA normals for Corvo airport.
Ponta Delgada weather by month
October is slightly warmer than June in Ponta Delgada. It gets more than twice June's rainfall.
Bars run from the average daily low to the average daily high. Dots and the figure below: monthly rainfall.
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How warm is it in the Azores in October?
October is slightly warmer than June in Ponta Delgada. Ponta Delgada's average high falls 2.4 °C from September. It stays 2.7 °C above November. I’d pack light clothes for the day. Add a warmer layer for evenings.
Hot days become much less frequent. Ponta Delgada averages 3.4 days reaching at least 25 °C. September averages 16.2 such days. I’d choose October for walking in milder weather. Keep rain protection in your day bag.
How much does it rain in October?
October brings over four times July's rainfall in Ponta Delgada. It is the station's second wettest month, after December. Ponta Delgada averages 13.7 days with at least 1 mm. That includes 3.5 days with at least 10 mm.
A rain day measures the daily total. It does not mean rain all day. October is wetter than September at all seven stations. I’d keep the order of walks flexible. Check the local forecast before setting off.
Which islands are driest in October?
Santa Maria Airport is the driest of these seven stations in October. Santa Cruz da Graciosa comes next. Flores Airport has the most rain. Its total is more than twice Santa Maria's.
Average daily highs vary by just 1.4 °C across the stations. Rainfall makes a bigger difference to the choice. I’d favour Santa Maria if rain is your main concern. The station records cover different periods. They do not describe every part of each island.
Can you swim in the Azores in October?
Yes, you can swim in October when sea conditions allow. Check IPMA's sea warnings before choosing a swimming spot.
The bathing boat to Vila Franca Islet ended its 2026 season on 11 October. Plan a different swimming stop later in the month.
I’d keep Terra Nostra in Furnas as an alternative. Its thermal water is 38 to 42 °C. The pools open to day visitors from 10:30 to 16:30.
Sources: Faial tourism: autumn swimming; IPMA: wind and sea warnings; Clube Naval de Vila Franca do Campo: 2026 islet season; Terra Nostra: thermal water and pool hours.
What can you do in the Azores in October?
October suits walks and whale watching with flexible dates. Check our trail status page before choosing a route. We refresh regional alerts twice a day. Check the forecast before setting out. Choose a walk you can finish before dark.
Whale watching continues from Ponta Delgada throughout October. Futurismo runs this trip in every season. Unsafe weather cancels departures. I’d book early in your stay. That leaves time for another date.
Sources: Azores Trails: current alerts; Azores Trails: weather and walking guidance; Futurismo: whale watching from Ponta Delgada.
What to pack for the Azores in October
Pack light clothes and a waterproof jacket for October. Add a warmer layer for evenings. Wear walking shoes with good grip. Keep a dry change in your bag.
Bring a swimsuit for the sea or thermal pools. Choose a dark one for Terra Nostra. Iron in the water can stain pale fabric. Rinse it before it dries. I’d add a towel and spare socks.
Sources: Azores Trails: clothing and footwear guidance; Faial tourism: autumn packing advice; Terra Nostra: swimwear guidance.
Azores October travel questions
Is October a good time to visit the Azores?
Yes, if you want walks and thermal baths with flexible plans. I’d choose São Miguel for Furnas and whale watching from Ponta Delgada. If rain is your main concern, September has lower rainfall averages at all seven stations.
Is it windy in the Azores in October?
Yes. Wind affects the Azores throughout the year. Winds are lighter in summer than winter on average. Check IPMA's wind and sea warnings before outdoor plans. I’d give boat trips a spare date.
How many hours of daylight are there in October?
Ponta Delgada's daylight falls from about 11 hours 48 minutes on 1 October to 10 hours 38 minutes on 31 October 2026. Clocks go back on 25 October. Sunset is 17:45 on 31 October. These are local times. Finish walks before sunset.
Is October high season in the Azores?
October can still fall within accommodation providers' high season. Compare room prices for your dates. I’d check seasonal access before booking. The bathing boat to Vila Franca Islet ended its 2026 season on 11 October.
Roman Antonov, editor
I compared the IPMA station normals and checked seasonal access with the operators. I also checked the regional trail guidance and October 2026 daylight times.