Weather in Ponta Delgada

Planning your journey or simply interested in the weather in the city of Ponta Delgada? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and charts.

The climate in Ponta Delgada is characterised as very mild and moderate throughout the year, which is typical for an oceanic subtropical climate. Thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, there are no sharp temperature changes here, making the city attractive to visit at any time. Temperature fluctuations between the warmest and coldest months are relatively small.

In Ponta Delgada, two main seasons can be distinguished. Summer, which lasts approximately from June to September, is warm, with average temperatures from 18.7°C to 22.4°C. This is also the period with the least amount of precipitation (1-2 mm per month) and fewer rainy days (from 6 to 13). Winter, from December to March, remains mild, with average temperatures around 14.7°C - 16.0°C. During these months, precipitation is slightly higher (3-4 mm), and the number of rainy days reaches 14-16 per month, indicating more frequent, though not necessarily heavy, rains.

One of the key features of the weather in Ponta Delgada is the stability of temperatures throughout the year and the presence of rainfall in almost every month. Even in the "driest" summer months, there is a likelihood of rainy days, although the intensity of precipitation, judging by the data, is low. This creates conditions for the lush greenery characteristic of the Azores and ensures comfortable weather without exhausting heat in summer or severe cold in winter.

In Ponta Delgada, a mild marine climate with moderate temperatures is observed throughout the year. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from approximately 14.7°C in the coolest months to 22.4°C in the warmest. The hottest month is usually August, when the average maximum temperature reaches 23.8°C, and the average minimum is 21.0°C. The coolest months are considered to be February and March, with an average temperature of around 14.7°C, while minimum temperatures may drop to 13.6°C, and maximums rarely exceed 15.8°C.

Summer months, from June to September, in Ponta Delgada are characterised by pleasantly warm weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period vary from 19.9°C in June to 23.8°C in August. Nights also remain warm, with minimum temperatures from 17.4°C to 21.0°C. This is the ideal time for walks and enjoying the Atlantic breeze. Winter, from December to March, is very mild here. Average maximum temperatures hold in the range of 15.8°C - 17.1°C, and minimums rarely drop below 13.6°C. Frosts or significant cooling are not characteristic for this region.

One of the distinctive features of Ponta Delgada's climate is the insignificant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature during a single month is usually only about 2-3°C. This means that nights remain comfortably warm in summer and not too cold in winter, making a stay in the city pleasant at any time of day.

In the city of Ponta Delgada, a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation is observed. The year can be divided into a wetter period, covering the autumn and winter months, and a noticeably drier summer season. Thanks to the mild climate, precipitation here falls predominantly in the form of rain, while the total amount remains moderate even in the rainiest months.

The most intense precipitation occurs in the period from October to February. The months with the highest average rainfall are February, October, November, and December, when about 4 mm falls. The greatest number of rainy days – approximately 16 per month – is observed in January, October, November, and December. In February, despite the high amount of precipitation (4 mm), there are slightly fewer rainy days, around 14. It is also quite wet in January, March, and April: rainfall amounts to about 3 mm, and the number of days with rain fluctuates from 14 (in April) to 16 (in January), making these months part of a prolonged wet season.

Summer months, conversely, bring significantly less rain. July stands out with the absolute minimum for precipitation: on average just 1 mm and about 6 rainy days. May, June, August, and September are also considered relatively dry – approximately 2 mm of precipitation falls in these months, and the number of days with rain varies from 9 (in June) to 13 (in May and September). Such weather makes the summer period especially attractive for visiting Ponta Delgada and for active recreation.

When planning a trip to Ponta Delgada, it is important to consider its mild but humid marine climate with frequent, though not always heavy, rainfall throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. A light waterproof and windproof jacket will become your faithful companion in almost any season, as rain and wind, characteristic of the island location, are possible even in the warm months. Do not forget comfortable footwear for walking around the city and its surroundings, preferably water-resistant, especially if you plan trips into nature.

In the cooler months, roughly from November to April, when the average temperature fluctuates from 14.7°C to 17.7°C, and the number of days with precipitation reaches 14-16 per month, it is worth taking warm items: sweaters, fleece jackets, jeans, or thick trousers. In addition to a windbreaker, a light scarf may come in handy. Despite the frequency of precipitation, its volume is often small (3-4 mm per month), so bulky raincoats may not be necessary, but a compact umbrella will be very useful for protection against drizzling rain.

From May to September, warmer weather settles in Ponta Delgada, with average temperatures from 16.8°C to 22.4°C. During this period, you will need light t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and other summer clothing. However, even in summer, one should not completely forego a light jacket or cardigan for evening walks or in case of changeable weather, as the number of "wet days" remains noticeable (from 6 to 13). Be sure to take sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to enjoy the sunny days with comfort, especially considering that the summer months are the driest, but the sun can be active.