Azores surf centres on Sao Miguel which is open to most swells and wind patterns, with the only N-facing beachbreaks in the chain, which have become a regular contest site for the world's pros.
Despite holding Portugal’s highest peak, sailors referred to The Azores as 'The Disappearing Isles' because huge swells would obscure them from view. This kind of reputation is attracting the seasoned surf traveller to these wave-drenched shores.
When to Go
The Azores High is the major meteorological factor and if strongly established will hold off any storms from swinging straight over the top of the islands. This means 4-15ft winter swells usually arrive from the W-NW and slowly shift to N and then NE, before the next system moves through. Summer can see freak long-distance S swells all the way from the southern hemisphere or lined-up hurricane swell from the SW, along with localised windswells from just about any direction. Being so close to the systems means winds can be strong and variable, veering SW-W in winter and W-NW in summer. Swells are a bit raw and disorganised, jumping in size with little warning. Tides shift between 1.4m to 1.9m, but will affect many of the shallow reefs, while the beaches and points are generally unfazed.
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
dominant swell |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
NW -N |
swell size (ft) |
6 |
5-6 |
4-5 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
consistency (%) |
70 |
60 |
60 |
50 |
70 |
60 |
dominant wind |
S -NW |
S -NW |
SW -N |
W -NE |
SW -N |
S -NW |
average force |
F5 |
F5 |
F4 |
F3 |
F4 |
F4 |
consistency (%) |
65 |
63 |
61 |
59 |
56 |
53 |
water temp (C) |
16 |
17 |
18 |
22 |
22 |
19 |
wetsuit |
3/2 |
3/2 |
3/2 |
springsuit |
springsuit |
3/2 |
|
Travel Information
Weather
The Azores high is a bit of a misnomer, as the weather here is anything but settled and stable. It is more accurate to refer to a warm season and a cool season when almost every day sees some rain. Summer is mainly sunny and warm, winter is usually cool, windy and wet. Autumn, is the best time with ample swell and reasonable weather. Water temps stay above 14°C and below 25ºC (58-77°F). Light fullsuit or a springsuit for June-Oct.
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Lodging and Food
The Azores are not a budget destination; Ponta Delgada has plenty of hotels ranging from 4-star ($150/db) to 2-star ($46/db) or try Rabo de Peixe and Ribeira Grande (fr $32/n). Expect to pay about $20 for a meal.
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Nature and Culture
Most tourists come to trek around the Sete Cidades Caldeira, (volcanic lake), bathe in the Furnas hot springs or watch whales. Ponta Delgada is a laid-back city - don’t expect great nightlife.
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