Azores weather in September
September in the Azores brings warm days and increasing rain. Average daily highs sit around 24 to 25 °C at the seven stations, so pack light clothes and a waterproof jacket.
By Roman Antonov · sources checked
September temperatures and rainfall
| Station | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rain | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Miguel Ponta Delgada · 1991–2020 | 25° | 19° | 78 mm | 9 |
| Terceira Angra do Heroísmo · 1991–2020 | 24° | 19° | 84 mm | 8 |
| Faial Horta · 1991–2020 | 25° | 19° | 88 mm | 10 |
| Flores Flores · 1981–2010 | 24° | 19° | 122 mm | 13 |
| Santa Maria Santa Maria Airport · 1971–1994 | 24° | 19° | 60 mm | · |
| Graciosa Santa Cruz da Graciosa · 1978–2000 | 24° | 19° | 62 mm | · |
| Corvo Corvo Airport · 1961–1981 | 24° | 19° | 97 mm | · |
These IPMA climate averages use different reference periods, listed beside each station. 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
September is Ponta Delgada's second warmest month, with about three times July's rainfall.
Bars run from the average daily low to the average daily high. Dots and the figure below: monthly rainfall.
← August Live Azores weather readings and forecasts October →
How warm is it in the Azores in September?
September stays close to midsummer warmth at these stations. Ponta Delgada on São Miguel cools just 1 °C from August's average daily high. It remains 2.4 °C warmer than October. September is its second warmest month.
Ponta Delgada averages 16.2 days reaching at least 25 °C. Average night lows remain near 19 °C across the seven stations. I'd pack light clothes for the day. Add a layer for evenings.
How much does it rain in September?
September rainfall exceeds August's at all seven stations. Ponta Delgada's total is about three times July's. It averages 9.4 days with at least 1 mm of rain. Of those, 1.9 days reach 10 mm or more.
A rain day records a daily total. It does not mean rain from morning to night. Rainfall increases with altitude across the Azores. Check the local forecast before a walk. I'd keep the order of outdoor plans flexible.
Sources: Angra do Heroísmo municipal climate plan, page 95; Azores Trails: weather and walking guidance.
Which islands are driest in September?
Santa Maria and Graciosa have the lowest September rainfall totals in this station comparison. Santa Maria Airport comes first. Santa Cruz da Graciosa follows closely. Flores Airport records about twice Santa Maria's monthly rainfall.
Each figure describes its named station. The reference periods differ, as the table shows. I'd choose Santa Maria if low rainfall matters most. The temperature gap between these stations is small. Keep a wet weather plan wherever you stay.
Can you swim in the Azores in September?
Yes, September is a good month for sea swimming. The regional average sea temperature is about 22 °C. I'd choose a supervised bathing spot. Follow the flags and lifeguards' instructions.
September also falls within the 2026 bathing season at Vila Franca Islet on São Miguel. The boat season ran from 12 June to 11 October. I'd book the crossing after checking the sea forecast.
Sources: Visit Azores: monthly sea temperature chart, page 4; Portuguese Maritime Authority: bathing safety; Clube Naval de Vila Franca do Campo: 2026 islet season.
What can you do in the Azores in September?
September suits walks and whale watching. Check the trail status page before choosing a route. We refresh regional alerts twice a day. Match the walk to the forecast and your fitness.
Whale watching runs throughout the year from Ponta Delgada. Futurismo operates in every season. Sperm whales are present all year. Unsafe weather cancels departures. I'd book early in the trip. Leave another possible date free.
September also suits diving. It falls within the June to September period for clearer water and calmer winds. I'd compare diving options when choosing your island.
Sources: Azores Trails: current alerts; Azores Trails: route and weather guidance; Futurismo: whale watching in Ponta Delgada; Visit Azores: diving seasons and conditions.
What to pack for the Azores in September
Pack light clothes and a waterproof jacket for September. Add a layer for evenings or boat trips. Choose walking shoes with good grip. Wear clothes you can add or remove while walking.
Bring a swimsuit and towel for the sea. Pack a hat and suncream. Use sun protection on cloudy days too. I'd carry spare socks in a dry bag. Keep a dry top for after a swim.
Sources: Azores Trails: clothing and footwear guidance; Futurismo: what to bring on a boat trip.
Azores September travel questions
Is September a good time to visit the Azores?
Yes, if you want to combine sea swimming with walks. September keeps much of August's warmth. It brings more rain than August at every station here. I'd choose it for a mix of land and sea days. Keep boat dates flexible.
Is it windy in the Azores in September?
Yes, wind is part of the Azores climate all year. Winds are milder in summer than winter on average. Occasional tropical storms affect late summer and autumn. Check IPMA's wind and sea warnings before a boat trip.
How many hours of daylight are there in September?
Ponta Delgada's daylight falls from about 13 hours to 11 hours 50 minutes across September 2026. On 1 September, sunrise is 07:12 and sunset is 20:11. On 30 September, the times are 07:37 and 19:27. These are local times. Daylight includes hours under cloud.
Is September high season in the Azores?
For booking, I'd treat September as high season. Accommodation calendars still include September in their summer season. Book your room and transport ahead. Compare actual prices for your dates. Check cancellation terms before paying.
Roman Antonov, editor
I compared the IPMA station normals and checked seasonal access with the operators. I also checked regional walking guidance and Ponta Delgada's September 2026 daylight times.