You've probably heard the rumors. People say the Azores in late autumn is just one big, gray cloud sitting in the middle of the Atlantic. They’ll tell you it’s "rainy season" and you should stay home.
Honestly? They’re kinda wrong.
Sure, if you’re looking for the scorching, dry heat of the Algarve or the Canary Islands, weather Azores in november might break your heart. But if you want the islands at their most raw, green, and—dare I say—moody, this is actually the best time to go. It’s the season of waterfalls at full tilt and thermal baths that actually feel good because the air is crisp.
The secret is understanding that "rainy" doesn't mean "raining all day." It’s more like a dramatic theater production where the weather changes its costume every twenty minutes.
The Real Numbers: Temperature and Rainfall
Let’s get the "official" stuff out of the way. On average, you’re looking at daily highs of around 18°C (64°F) and lows that rarely dip below 14°C (57°F) at sea level. It’s mild. You won't be shivering, but you won't be sunbathing on a towel for six hours straight either.
The water temperature is surprisingly decent, hovering around 20°C (68°F). Because the Gulf Stream is basically a giant heater for the Atlantic, the ocean stays warmer than the air sometimes.
Rain? Yeah, there's rain.
Statistically, November is one of the wetter months, with about 17 to 20 days of some precipitation. But here’s the thing: Azorean rain is rarely a "washout." It’s usually a heavy tropical downpour that lasts fifteen minutes, followed by a double rainbow and blinding sunshine. Locals call it "four seasons in one day." It's not a cliché; it's a lifestyle.
Humidity and the "RealFeel"
Humidity stays high—often above 80%. This makes the 18-degree days feel warm when you’re hiking, but as soon as the sun drops or the wind picks up, that dampness can seep into your bones. A "dry" 15 degrees in London feels totally different than a "wet" 15 degrees in Ponta Delgada.
Why the Microclimates Matter
The Azores aren't just one weather pattern. Each island, and even different sides of the same island, plays by its own rules.
If it’s pouring in Sete Cidades on São Miguel, it might be perfectly clear in Vila Franca do Campo just 30 minutes away. The mountains (the "serra") trap the clouds.
Santa Maria, the southernmost island, is known as the "Island of the Sun" for a reason. It’s consistently drier and warmer than the rest of the archipelago. On the flip side, Flores and Corvo in the western group get the brunt of the Atlantic weather systems. They are incredibly lush, but you’re definitely going to get wet there.
- São Miguel: Great for November because if the weather turns, you have the most "indoor" options like tea plantations or the Furnas boutiques.
- Pico: The mountain often wears a cap of clouds. Climbing it in November is a gamble—you might get a clear view, or you might be standing in a white-out.
- Terceira: The city of Angra do Heroísmo is beautiful in the rain, and the island’s interior lava tubes (Algar do Carvão) don’t care what the weather is doing.
St. Martin’s Summer: The November Miracle
There is a specific phenomenon you should know about: Verão de São Martinho (St. Martin’s Summer).
Around November 11th, the islands often experience a week of unusually warm, stable, and sunny weather. It’s a local legend that almost always comes true. If you’re trying to thread the needle for a late-year trip, aim for the middle of the month. People are often out in t-shirts, drinking new wine and eating roasted chestnuts. It’s a vibe.
What You’re Actually Going to Do
You aren't going to sit by a pool. That’s a summer thing.
November is for the thermal pools. Places like Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija in Furnas are life-changing when it’s drizzling. There is something deeply satisfying about sitting in 39°C (102°F) orange, iron-rich water while a cool mist falls on your face.
Hiking is also better. In August, the humidity makes the trails feel like a sauna. In November, the air is fresh. The trails are empty. You’ll have the viewpoint at Grota do Inferno all to yourself, which is unheard of in July.
👉 See also: Pure Salt Port Adriano: Why This Adults-Only Mallorca Retreat Actually Lives Up to the Hype
Whale Watching?
Yes, it still happens. While the giant blue whales are more of a spring thing, sperm whales and several species of dolphins live here year-round. The only catch is the sea state. If the "weather azores in november" includes a big Atlantic swell, the boats won't go out. You have to be flexible. Don't book your boat trip for your last day; book it for the first clear window you see.
How to Pack (The Non-Negotiables)
If you pack like you’re going to Lisbon, you’re going to be miserable.
- A high-quality raincoat: Not a "water-resistant" windbreaker. You need something with taped seams.
- Layers: A merino wool base layer is a godsend. It stays warm even if it gets a bit damp.
- Proper boots: The volcanic soil turns into a slick, clay-like mud when it rains. Sneakers will leave you sliding down a caldera on your butt.
- Swimsuit (Old one): The iron in the thermal baths will stain a white bikini permanent orange. Bring a dark suit you don't care about.
The Cost Benefit
One thing nobody talks about is the price drop.
By November, the summer crowds have vanished. Rental cars that cost €100 a day in August are suddenly €25. Luxury hotels in Ponta Delgada drop their rates by 40% or more. You can walk into the most famous restaurants, like A Tasca, without a three-week-old reservation.
Basically, you’re trading "perfect" weather for a much more authentic, affordable experience. You get to see the islands the way the locals see them—quiet, green, and a little bit wild.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make this work, you need to be mobile. Book a rental car immediately, as public transport on the islands isn't designed for sightseeing in the rain. Download the SpotAzores app—it gives you real-time webcam feeds from all the major viewpoints. If you see the sun shining on a webcam 40km away, grab your keys and drive there. That's the only way to "beat" the November weather.
Focus your stay on São Miguel for your first late-autumn trip, specifically staying in or near Furnas. Being within walking distance of the hot springs means that even on the rainiest days, your vacation still feels like a luxury spa getaway rather than a washout.